[Kimberly Dow]

Even when I do figuratives I try to get an exact likeness - mainly because it's good practice, but also I choose my models because I like how they look. To me personally its fairly simple - a figurative is a painting with a person in it (more than just the head & shoulders) who doesn't yet have a buyer. For me personally a figurative should have a story-telling essence to it as well. That goes along with what Cynthia said about cosstumes, props and physically 'doing something.'

I am always on the hunt to convince my clients to commission paintings that have a 'figurative' feel to them. For me personally - they just have more to say and more to look at. Imagine a portfolio full of commissioned pieces where the clients are dressed in clothing more like costumes and doing things that are telling of their personalities...heaven!