Having a Brandes portrait created is an amazing opportunity. We approach each assignment with fresh creative vision, and it is an unforgettable experience for us all.
Your portrait begins with an in person consultation at either our Costa Mesa or Calabasas/Westlake gallery. We really enjoy getting to know each and every client. Everyone is so unique, and the more we can find out about you, the more fun it is for us all, and the more successful your portrait will be.. As we plan everything from location to style and clothing, we'll also talk about where the painted portraits and camera studies will be displayed in your home.
Mark usually art directs the session. He'll make sure you and your children feel at home so that we can all relax and enjoy the portrait session.
After the session, we'll get together to choose your finished paintings and camera studies. Mark often chooses his favorite images beforehand, and sometimes will even have April make a quick sketch to help you see our vision for your painting. It may be helpful for us to visit you at your home where we can help you finalize your decision.
Whatever portrait we create, we hope to delight and surprise you from your initial phone call to when your completed portraits are unveiled at the studio. The first step is simple just click here.
Awards and Honors
- Founding member of the International Society of Portrait Artists
- Cameracraftsmen of America member
- Published in numerous books, magazines, and other publications
- International lecturer
About Mark
After graduating Brooks Institute, I spent about ten years doing commercial work. It was kind of like a graduate school in lighting, composition and working under pressure.
In the late 80's, I started to create portraits simply for the challenge, and was (quite frankly) stunned at how quickly I started winning awards, several of which are mentioned below.
In 2007, we opened a second gallery in Costa Mesa, California, and in early 2009, we moved our Westlake Studio to an amazing location studio situated on a half acre of beautiful gardens in Calabasas.
I still create the elegant portraits that I love. My current work has taken on a new direction. Together with my wife April, we are creating portraits both outdoors and in the homes of our clients from Montecito to Newport Coast. I truly am living the dream.
But there is an even bigger story to my creative life. My career serves to remind me about my own Creator. God's beauty is seen in His amazing creation and in the life He modeled for us here on earth, especially the way He serves others. It's helped me to see the life-changing results in seemingly small things, like making Christmas dinner for deaf Mexican children, collaborating on Sacredink.net and going to distant lands to bring the hope of God's love to hurting people.
The God story is bigger than all my work, and it's only through His grace and vision that I've been able to create the work I love to do.
