Choice of Medium

Artists today have access to several dozen media, each of which produce a distinctive look.  The same picture can look terribly different, even when done by the same artist, just because of the medium.  

To make the choice easier for you, below is a brief description of the main media that Ms. Hornberger uses for portraits.  

Pencil

The graphite pencil produces drawings in black, whites, and grays.  The blacks, if carefully built up in layers, can be extremely rich.  Minute details are possible.

Soft Pastel

Soft pastels, similar to chalk, produce pure colors.  A wide range of textures can easily be created, from smooth skin to rough bricks.  Minute details are a bit more difficult to achieve but are possible.

Oil Pastel

Oil pastels, a newer medium, produces rich colors similar to oils, but with the ease of soft pastels.  Textures and details are no problem.  Some colors can be more difficult to achieve accurately.

Watercolor

Watercolors, as usually done, produce paintings with 'glowing' passages.  As Ms. Hornberger does them, with a dry brush technique, the colors are much more intense and details are easy to achieve.  (At this time, the artist only offers her botanical paintings in watercolor.)

Other Possible Media

Other media include oils, charcoal, silverpoint, and (if you want a dozen copies of 'Uncle Bob') relief printing.  While she normally does not offer any of these for portraits, she is comfortable using them and would consider a commission in one of them.