GATHERING INPUT

GATHERING INPUT

During the years I've been creating haunted paintings for my clients, I'd sometimes think that I'd encountered every possible request. Yet even after 80 such assignments, each new one is unique, often surprising, and invariably brings exciting new challenges.

Every commission takes wing with the images and information you send me:

1. PHOTOS

I'll need some fairly good pictures of your house. Daytime views are best. If you're going to take photos, try to include the entire house with some of its surrounding ground visible. Please photograph from several viewpoints if possible: First, from an angle that shows some of the left side of the house, then moving to the right, take two or three more photos until the last one shows some of the right side of the house. Then come in closer for detail photos such as front door area, architectural details, etc.

We can discuss the best viewpoint for the painting-to-be when I see what you send.

If the house no longer exists, is far, far away, or exists only in your imagination, just send me whatever information you can. If you have old photos that would provide the input I need, either scan or digitally photograph them if you can, or carefully package them, (unframed please), and FedEx them to me. I will copy and return them to you as quickly as possible.

I'll also need to know your feelings about the house, its history, and what it means to you. If you wish, tell me your favorite Halloween story that involves your family, your friends, and the house.

2. THE PAINTING IN YOUR MIND

I can depict your house at Halloween, on a dark and stormy night, shrouded in mist, beneath a lightning-slashed sky, or even aged and abandoned at some indefinite future time. (I've painted all of these variations and more.) This is entirely up to you. Unleash your imagination!

If you decorate your house at Halloween, and would like those decorations included in your painting, some photos from previous Halloweens would be helpful. If none are available, simply describe how you'd like the house to look, and I'll do the rest.

If you'd like me to include children in Halloween costumes, grownups in doorways, pets present or departed, ghosts, witches, monsters, superheroes, jack-o'-lanterns, bats, black cats, owls or other creatures real or mythical, please let me know. For specific items, When possible, include photos or descriptions.

My most subtle finishing touches are the secret spooks that find their way into every one of my paintings. Never fewer than thirteen, often many more, are quietly concealed in unexpected places for you to discover. Some may appear immediately, others may reveal themselves long after you think you've found them all.

I'm Lewis Barrett Lehrman, and my studio is located at 9123 N 115th Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Have more questions? Let's talk. Call me in Arizona, toll-free, at 1-877-471-8718. Or email me by clicking here.