Nomi Wagner's FAQs 
What is Nomi's background?
How does Nomi create her art?
How much time does it take to create a portrait?
What photos should I select for my portrait?
How do I send my photographs?
Will Nomi take new reference photos for my portrait?
What is the difference between a portrait on watercolor paper and one on canvas?
How may I order one of Nomi's landscape paintings?
Will Nomi donate to my non-profit's fundraiser?
What is Nomi’s background?
Nomi began her artistic career as a professional photographer in Los Angeles. For twenty years, she specialized in portraits of families, individuals, celebrities, and corporate executives. Nomi began developing her technique in 1992. Her goal is to paint in a traditional manner, while taking advantage of the advances in graphics technology offered by painting software. She has been honored as a pioneer in the digital field, combining her experience as a professional photographer with her fine art background and computer expertise, to create unique paintings and drawings for her clients.
How does Nomi create her art?
Nomi combines her passion for classic portrait painting and her fine art training with her appreciation of graphics technology. She has developed her pioneering technique over 18 years as a portrait artist. Her goal has always been to paint and draw each stroke traditionally from scratch using a stylus and graphics tablet. For Nomi, her dedication to fine art portraiture means being a purist and using photos only for reference and inspiration. She delights in bringing out her subjects' character and beauty in a completely original work of art. Nomi paints stroke by stroke on her blank computer canvas in a conventional watercolor style, never manipulating the reference photographs. She bridges the best of both worlds, traditional painting and state of the art technology.
How much time does it take to create a portrait?
Once your commission is placed in the queue and comes up on her schedule, it will generally take Nomi from 2-6 weeks for completion. The time depends on the complexity of each unique project. If your portrait is a surprise gift that you wish to present at a special occasion, please consult with Nomi to make special scheduling arrangements.
What photos should I select for my portrait?
Many examples of Nomi’s commissions can be found in the Artwork section of this website, showing both the original reference photos and completed works. When selecting from your photos, you may choose either recent or old photos as reference sources for your painting or drawing. If the subjects for your commission are in different photos, Nomi might be able to combine the different images and paint the subjects into one portrait. Nomi encourages you to send additional photos for her to use as reference on the subjects and surroundings.
The two main things to think about are the quality of the photographs and how they touch you emotionally. Please contact Nomi if you would like assistance selecting your personal photos, either in person or by phone or email. If you choose a quality photo that touches your heart, it will inspire a great painting or drawing!
Digital photos should be taken on the camera’s highest quality setting. The most common type of digital photo, JPEG, will work just fine. However, if your camera is capable of creating RAW digital files, they provide greater detail and are preferred. You are welcome to contact Nomi, prior to taking new photos, for her recommendations and tips. She also welcomes your photos taken by other photographers, but will need a release for any copyrighted images.
Nomi recommends sending digital photos via e-mail or CD. Please contact Nomi for her recommendations when you are planning to mail or ship older photos taken with film cameras. These will be carefully scanned and any photos or media received will be returned to you. 
Will Nomi take new reference photos for my portrait?
Should you need updated photos, you are welcome to schedule a complimentary photo session with Nomi at Mandalay Beach in Oxnard, CA. You will view the photos with Nomi immediately following the photo session and plan the design of your portrait together. Photo sessions at your location are available. Fees vary, depending on time and distance; please contact Nomi for more details.
What is the difference between a portrait printed on watercolor paper and one on canvas?
The difference depends on both the subject matter and mood of the portrait. Watercolor paper provides a softer image, and gives the painting a lovely, delicate feel. Canvas images are bolder with more saturated color. Also, canvas paintings have a lacquered finish and require no glass when framed. Nomi’s paintings and drawings are printed by her husband, Gerry Beane, at his Mandalay Fine Art studio in Ventura, CA.
How may I order one of Nomi's landscape paintings?
The landscape paintings viewed on Nomi's Artwork pages are inspired by Nomi's travels and cherished by her collectors. They may be ordered in custom sizes to fit your decor and printed on watercolor paper up to 30" x 40" or canvas up to 40" x 60". Please contact Nomi for pricing information.
Will Nomi donate to my non-profit's fundraiser?
Nomi appreciates the efforts of so many wonderful non-profit organizations, and is pleased to assist in fundraising events. Please contact Nomi if you know of an organization planning a live, silent or online auction or other fundraising event. It gives her a great deal of satisfaction to be able to help others, all over the country, through her work.