One of the most powerful elements of art is the ability to capture and represent beauty.
Now, they say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but a good artist can sway the minds of all who see what they create.
That is why doing people portraits can be so tough a job.
It's not always easy to take a person, no matter what they look like, and make their inner beauty shine through.
Yet that is what you will have to do if you want to do them successfully.
The first thing to consider isn't actually about the subject, but about you.
Whether you are most comfortable with a brush in your hand, ink staining your fingertips, charcoal, or the every expanding world of photo technology, you must be confident in your own abilities before you add another person to the mix.
Know what works best for you.
As an artist, or someone who at least dabbles in capturing scenes, you know that sometimes old tricks are the best ones.
In this you must know that the old saying "the eyes are the window to the soul" is a good one.
Don't just copy what you see.
Try to bring what is in your subjects eyes...
Out.
Portraits can be a very personal thing for the subject.
You may have instances where you have rendered what you see and feel perfectly but still have an unsatisfied client.
Remember that art is not an exact science.
Individuals may not be ready or willing to stand before the mirrors of another's eyes but that is something you will have to accept.
Creating people portraits can be an extremely personal and challenging venture.
On the other hand it can be very rewarding as well.
As the artist you just have to hold onto your unshakeable confidence and do your best.
You have to have faith.