Portraiture in Granite

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Colored double portrait, final result 

This is how the design starts - with a layout drawing from the monument company and the highest quality photos possible of the loved one. Once I know exact dimensions I can begin the process. In this instance, the customer requested a fully finished drawing before approving the etching. In most cases, if you have high quality clear photo like this family did, the extra expense of a finished drawing can be eliminated and I can work directly from the photo.

This was a unique stone and one that was very personal to the man's life but it presented some extra challenges in that it was flecked with grey and not purely black. There are only a few options of stone that are suitable for etching and should be as clear grained as possible without figures or occlusions. 

Elvis on Black Galaxy granite.  If color is not requested, the etching will be filled with white Lithichrome stone paint at no extra charge, a special enamel type paint formulated for the monument industry. Not only does it help to make the image more visible, it keeps it the image from disappearing when it is wet, and helps protect the etching from weather erosion.

Elvis is an example of a top quality clear photo that did not require a sketch or drawing of any kind. The image was transferred to the stone and etching could begin immediately.