My portraits are anything but classical.  I call them “Action Portraits” as they depict the subject(s) carrying out their passions.  What do you love to do most? Fishing, cooking, long walks, board games with the family? My focus is on the whole activity, not only the face.  The posture and action needed for your passion are highlighted as these are often as personal as the facial characteristics.  I prefer to work from my own photos as the composition is an important aspect of the finished painting.