Commission David for a Portrait

          A native of Ohio, born in 1956, David E. Weaver began to paint as a child. He was fascinated with realistic art from long ago. Thus, began a life long quest to create works like the Old Masters that he so admired.

       The Air Force took him to Texas. After his discharge he attended college in Austin, Texas with a focus on art.

       David became a respected Forensic scientist and worked in crime labs in both Texas and Alaska. He investigated cases, did latent fingerprint examination and forensic art, both composite drawings and 3D facial reconstruction on skulls. His spare time was spent painting and exploring nature, which inspired him. During this time he was a project director of a National Institute of Justice research program. It resulted in David's patent and invention the "Vapor Wand" which develops fingerprints with superglue. CNN covered him and he gave a White House briefing and was published in several journals.

       In 1993 David left the Crime scene for the Art scene. He moved, with his family, to the rural mountains of West Virginia. He then opened his own gallery, far from the stress of city life, in a beautiful setting, to live his dream and devote his life to art. David is a versatile award winning realist artist whose still life, landscape, wildlife and portraits now grace many prestigious collections. He has exhibited and had shows in galleries in Carmel, Reno, Maui and Anchorage, plus several museums. He has been featured in several magazine articles regarding his art.

     His portraits are vibrant, realistic likenesses of his subjects. His ability to capture the distinctive character and personality of each person is remarkable and has rewarded him with many delighted clients. With portraits he has found his" true calling".

   David uses an "underpainting" technique that was developed by the Flemish artists of the 15th and 16th hundreds, most notably Vermeer and Ruebens. It consists of many layers of oil paint applied to achieve a depth and radiance rarely seen today. This technique applied on prepared linen or board produces a work of art of archival permanence.

 Museum Quality Oil Portrait Prices and Procedure

              Head & Shoulders                   $5,800.00

              3/4 (includes hands)                 $8,000.00

               Full Figure                              $12,000.00

         An additional person can be added for 50% . Complex and fully developed backgrounds are extra. All travel, framing and shipping expenses are in addition to the price of the portrait.  A 50% deposit is required initially with the balance due upon completion.

     David works almost exclusively from photographs taken in either the setting of your choice or his studio. He will discuss beforehand any questions regarding background, clothing and pose. The photo session lasts about 2 hours using professional lighting and equipment.

  He returns to his studio to select the best photographs to use as references. He then submits them to the client for comments. David and the client discuss the photographs and, upon approval, he proceeds with the portrait. If possible, David has a final sitting with the client to finish the portrait.  He can be reached at his studio by calling 1-888-633-0092.