A great portrait painting goes far beyond merely capturing a faithful likeness. The physical process of applying paint with a brush creates a unique dynamic energy, impossible to replicate through any mechanical process. A painter, unlike a photographer, has infinite opportunities to edit what he's observed, whether working from life or from a photo, playing things up or down in order to create something that goes far beyond the surface. I use my reference photos, as a starting point. I alter them significantly in order to achieve a final composition that best conveys my sense of the sitter. Each element in my painting must be in perfect harmony with the overall composition for me to consider it successful.
From @iconzbranding