“You Painted My Insides” PORTRAIT COMMISSION

 In 2020, I began a portrait project. It began as self portraits during lockdown. Then when people started gathering again, I would meet friends (and strangers) in gardens and sidewalk cafes around the country. We would sit and talk and I would paint their portrait.

Something magical happens when we gather in space together. 

The portrait experience grew and people started reaching out, commissioning these portraits, including a portrait experience activation in NYC with a luxury boutique hotel. 

While in New York City painting portraits for Nine Orchard Hotel, I did a sitting with a very very very significant figure in arts and entertainment. It was a beautiful and intense sitting, and at the end of it, the sitter looked upon his portrait and said:

“YOU PAINTED MY INSIDES.”

It was a vulnerable moment that gave a name to an ongoing global project that is all about what happens when the artist captures the image of the person in front of them.

I'm interested in exploring the relationship between artist and subject, artist as mirror and the moment that someone sees themselves reflected back by an artist. There’s always an element of vulnerability and the tension between how we want ourselves perceived and portrayed and the moment when we see ourselves in a projection we cannot control.

I have gone on to travel the world creating these portraits in one on one sittings and also having painted many using images that you may send.

This listing is for a 9x12” portrait with no revisions painted on paper, from photographs you supply. These portraits are abstracted, colorful, gestural. I will essentially paint your insides. 🥰

After completing checkout, Morgan will email you personally within 48 hours to get photos, personality notes and to discuss colors you may love or not, and whether you have any special arrangement needs. 

Delivery time is variable.

Note: newsletter subscribers are the first to know when reservations open again, so be sure to sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of this page. 

***If you’d like to book an in-person sitting anywhere in the world or to inquire about portrait activations or live painting, please email Morgan: morgan@ruggedandfancy.com  

Thank you so much! 
xo

Morgan