Sahar Fakhoury will show preliminary sketches, illustrating the artist’s approach to  commissioned oil paintings to creating a special piece of art for her patrons, at Trackside Studios from August 1-31.

“Commissions are great way for my patrons to have exactly what they want in a piece of fine art to enjoy in their home,” believes Fakhoury. “Subjects vary from portraits, landscapes, still lives, abstract and everything else in between. I have been painting commissioned pieces for a long time. However, this year I ventured down two new avenues – painting live, and painting a child’s ‘portrait’ through their toys.”

Traditionally, portrait artists paint from observation of a sitting subject, or multiple subjects, in isolation in their studios. The sittings are often supplemented by studio sketches and photos, since the creation of the portrait can be time-consuming. For live painting, the artist paints during a special event, such as a wedding, to create a lasting fine art memory of the occasion.“One of the first well known … Live Painting events was done during the 1976 Summer Olympics by LeRoy Neiman.

In 1990’s, Live Painting began to evolve from the street and graffiti art scene. Today, Live Painting is a growing movement among visual artists around the world…. With each artist bringing his own style, each performance is unique, amusing and revolutionizing,” according to Live Painting artist Nataliya Tyaglo.

No one needs to stand still for live painting; rather portrait subjects can just simply enjoy the event while the painting is being done. The performance of the visual artist becomes part of the event for guests, who can watch the progress of the painting. And a live painting commission is a memorable experience for the artist, too!

“In contrast to live painting,” says Fakhoury, “I have also enjoyed working on custom still life paintings for children in the studio. I include their names and their toys, books or whatever fits their personality. A playful composition makes me happy while I work, and makes the family happy with a one-of-a-kind piece of art made specially for their child.”

This modern ‘portrait’ depicts the child’s personality through his or her eyes in the child’s world of play. The final piece is one even a young child can also love through their connection to the beloved toy.

Other work by Fakhoury can be seen at the Asheville Gallery of Art in downtown Asheville.  She also offers oil painting classes in her Trackside studio.

For further information about this artist, visit her website at www.saharart.com. Her email address is saharafakhoury@gmail.com Trackside Studios is located at 375 Depot Street in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC.  Trackside is open daily from 11 am- 5 pm.“