I am often commissioned to create portraits of my clients' loved ones who have passed away. These are beautiful and loving tributes to the memories of their relatives. I feel blessed to be able to do this work for my clients.

When I was 5 years old during WW II, my father was in the US Infantry and was captured in the Battle of the Bulge. He was imprisoned, escaped, recaptured and died there. My mother, brother and I lived with my beloved grandparents and they passed away when I was 8. Those tragic losses were what propelled me into family photography and now fine art family portraiture. I am surrounded by images of my family and they bring me great joy and peace. I want to share this with others.

We lost our nephew Jesse Williams in Iraq, April 8, 2007, exactly 62 years after my father’s death. I will be creating portraits of Jesse and other fallen soldiers as gifts for their families. If you or a family you know of has lost a soldier, please contact me so that I can create an 8x10 gift drawing as a tribute to their memory.
Nomi
 

WHAT PHOTOS SHOULD I SELECT FOR MY PORTRAIT?
For ideas, there are many portraits and “before” photos to view in the Gallery on this website. You may choose recent or very old photos for me to use as reference for your painting or drawing. The main things to think about are the quality of the photographs and how they touch you emotionally. If it is a good photo, it will be a great portrait! I am happy to help you select from your personal photograph(s). Complimentary consultations are included, either at my studio in Oxnard or by email and phone.

HOW DO I SEND YOU MY PHOTOGRAPHS?
You are welcome to email me photographs or send a CD or photos from film. Digital photos should be taken and saved at the highest resolution possible. I will scan the paper photographs (unframed and maximum 5x7 please) and return your materials to you. I encourage you to send me additional photographs for reference information on the subject(s) and/or the surroundings.

WHAT IF I NEED NEW PHOTOS?
You may wish to schedule a photography appointment with me, at Mandalay Beach in Oxnard. There is no additional charge, but a deposit of $500 toward your commission is required to schedule the session. We will view your digital images immediately following the session and plan the design of your portrait. You are welcome to take home a complimentary CD of your photos. If you wish a photography session for your painting, at your home or another location, there will be an additional travel charge. I welcome photos that you have purchased from other professional photographers, but I will need a copyright release from each photographer.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS?
My drawings are essentially value paintings. I use the same technique, but concentrate only on highlights and shadows in shades of gray or sepia. The costs are less because it takes me less time than when I mix colors for the paintings.

WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THE WORK IN PROGRESS?
I will be emailing you from start to finish for your approval. I encourage your input. This is YOUR portrait and I want you to LOVE it!!! If you have a concept or color scheme in mind, or you have any particular concerns, I hope you will share these with me.

DO YOU RECOMMEND WATERCOLOR PAPER OR CANVAS?
Watercolor paper gives the paintings and drawings a delicate feel which is lovely. Canvas is bolder with more saturated color. The canvas paintings make more of a statement and I find them very exciting. Canvas paintings are available on stretcher bars.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Information on portrait fees and additional prints can be found on the Fees page of this website. If you are sending photos and/or wish to be placed on my schedule, a $500 deposit toward your commission is required. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. A deposit of 1/2 of the total is due when I am ready to start your portrait and the balance when the portrait is completed.

HOW CAN I ORDER ONE OF YOUR SCENICS?
The Scenics viewed on my Gallery page can be ordered in custom sizes to fit your décor. They can be printed on watercolor paper or canvas. Framing and shipping are available. Please contact me for price information.

AND FINALLY NOMI, WHO DOES THE BEAUTIFUL PRINTING OF YOUR ART???
That would be my handsome, talented, and very sweet husband Gerry Beane.
Gerry’s studio is Mandalay Fine Art. gerry@mandalayfineart.com 805/382-0453
 

Enjoy a delicious dining experience at Nomi and Gerry's favorite restaurant while viewing Nomi's portraits and huge canvases of her paintings of Italy. Located in charming downtown Ventura at 394 E. Main Street. Open for lunch Friday-Sunday 12-3 and dinner Tuesday-Sunday at 5pm, 805/667-2120.Bon appetit! 

It gives me great pleasure to help others through my work. Please contact me if your school or organization is having an auction fund-raiser. I will be happy to donate a gift certificate.

Nomi