At the Sign of The Black Hound

I’m an artist. And a limner.

So what is a limner?

It’s a term used to describe often untrained artists in the American colonies in the 18th century. Many limners painted utlitarian objects such as trade and tavern signs. Sometimes they painted decorative objects such as clock faces and fire screens. And sometimes they painted people.

The term ‘limner’ is a corruption of the medieval ‘illuminator’. As in the monks who created illuminated — heavily illustrated — manuscripts.

I work with various mediums and tools that were used in the 18th century. Pen and ink, plumbago ( the 18th century term for graphite), sanguine conte, charcoal, watercolor, and milk based paint.

I am also an 18th century reenactor and ply my trade as a limner at various historic sites and venues.

I do take commissions for portraiture work. If you are an 18th century reenactor and want your portrait done in period clothing, I can do it for you. And do it well.

I work in black and white, by and large. Graphite, charcoal, and ink. Most portraits are done on 9×12 white laid paper, which is period correct.

I work from photographs that you provide. The better the photo, the better the result. I don’t like having to interpolate someone’s facial features. *g

Check my ‘portrait gallery’ tag for examples of my work.