Finally, let me talk about why I have not yet painted Jamie and Claire, or any of the other actors in the TV series. Believe me when I say I would love to do that! But here is the problem.
First of all I would need to get permission from many, many people. Not necessarily in the order of priority here is the rough idea: Ask Caitriona Balfe (Claire), Sam Heughan (Jamie), Gary Lewis (Colum MacKenzie), Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie) and scores of other actors for written permission in a release document that defines my freedoms and restrictions. I probably need to get permission from each of their agents as well since I would be basically stepping into the promotional image area. I would also need to ask the director, Ronald D. Moore because he has now illustrated the story in film. I might need the go-ahead from Sony, but I’m not sure. Then I need a permission from Terry Dresbach who did the customized costuming because you would want to see the character you already know complete in recognizable attire, right? And of course I need to ask the author, Diana Gabaldon. I think there are probably more but you get my point.
So, when you see a face I paint you can rest assured that I have taken my own photograph, or have permission to use them from the photographer who did, have gotten a signed release to paint them, or I have pulled the person from my imagination. Landscapes I shoot myself or paint on site so again, all my own so no permission needed.
If you know the folks that need to give me permission, tell them I would love to do the paintings. I think I could do them justice.
Kelly E. James 