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Patty, painting from life is definitely easier. I am always astonished to see how fast a painting done from a life sitting is finished vs one done from a reference.
But I have to admit I love the idea that my work has made it as far as Pakistan. The internet has changed the way we do business and artists are working on a more global base now. Clients are no longer in our neighborhoods, but scattered all over the world. We have to make a choice if we want to work only with those who are willing to fly us out to paint on location or limit ourselves to those who live close to our studios.
I consider myself an artist without borders and have chosen to stay busy. I am working very hard at overcoming the obstacles photos represent and try to find ways to infuse each painting with s.th that is truthfully a touch of artistic insight. It saddens me deeply when I see that some have to create such schism between what they think portrait painting should be...
Regardless if you paint from life or photo, you have to know what your weaknesses are and try to work at them. Just as Marvin said, if you don't know what to look for it will not make a difference if the client is in front of you or on a photo. Not every portrait will be an award winner, but working consistently and trying to aim for excellence is what sets good portraits apart.
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