Herb Mays
Portrait Painter – Instructor
Studio Saddle Creek
109 Saddle Creek Cove, Canton, Mississippi, 39046
e-mail, hmays2352@bellsouth.net – 601-856-2352


As is a classical portrait painter who believes there is nothing more unique than capturing a loved one in a hand painted one of a kind oil portrait. The visual impact of my portraits not only capture the subjects very essence, they also become family heirloom’s in which the eye never tires of seeing or the heart beholding.

For as long as I can remember I have held the deepest interest in sketching and drawing people. After an early education in art and mechanical drawing followed by a career in marketing and sales management, I then began to specialize in portrait painting with oil medium.

Throughout the years I have studied with such noted artist as Daniel Greene, John Franklin Naylor, John dela Vega, Nelson Shanks, Frank Covino, Ben Konis, and Peggy Baumgaertner. I have also done extensive portrait art research in the great art galleries of Europe and the United States that encouraged my vision to solidify.

By combining tonal style of the classical realism painters, and the colorist palette I produce a timeless painting suggestive of the old masters with a unique spontaneity and directness.

To date I have completed numerous commissions through out the South. The subjects range from members of the medical and legal profession, politicians, children, and homemakers.

I am a member of the Atlanta Portrait Society, The Portrait Society of America, and a charter member of the Portrait Institute


Former Board Member and Instructor, Covenant School for the Arts.
Membership Member of the Year Award 2004-2005, Portrait Society of America.
Subject of Feature Article in the Atlanta Portrait Society winter 2005 newsletter “Folio”.
Subject of Feature Article in the Portrait Society of America, 3rd Qtr. Newsletter.
Owner and Instructor Studio Saddle Creek, Canton Mississippi.
Portrait of “Chris” was published in the 4th Quarter 2001 PS of A Newsletter.
Author and Creator of the State Ambassador Outreach Program for the Portrait Society of America.
Served as National Coordinator of the Ambassador Outreach Program, 2003-2009 for the Portrait Society of America.
Finalist, 2003 Open Juried Portrait Society of Atlanta Exhibition, Braselton Ga.
Finalist, 2009 Open Juried Portrait Society of Atlanta Exhibition, Atlanta, Ga.

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My Working Procedure for a Commission Portrait


All work is arranged by appointment only, and requires no more that two visits. After an initial contact I will arrange to meet with you in order to determine the type of portrait, setting, clothing, and portrait cost, once determined I will make color studies / sketches, followed by the taking of reference photographs.

All work is done on a contractual basis, and once the client has agreed with the preliminary work, a 30% non refundable down payment on the agreed purchase price of the painted portrait is expected.

On the delivery of the finished painting, if the client for ant reason is not satisfied with the finish results and adjustments to accommodate can not be agreed on, the client will not be expected to pay the balance cost of the painting, however; I will retain the finished work.

For inquires regarding price please contact me at 601-856-2352 or e-mail-hmays2352@bellsouth.net

Thank you for considering Mays Portrait,