Living Art Portraits with Jaimie Corbin of Phantom Effects

Disclosure: To help with the promotion of my novel Two Crows Sorrow,  Jaimie Corbin of Phantom Effects volunteered to paint a Living Art Portrait. She did this because she is a wonderfully generous person, and not because she knew I was going to write a blog post. She didn’t know I was going to write a blog post. This post is based on my opinions of our experience. 

There are just some amazing people in the world who give out positive energy, and Jaimie Corbin of Phantom Effects in Kentville is one of them. 

It all came about, as many things do, from a conversation on Facebook. Jaimie made a comment on Author’s Facebook Page for my novel Two Crows Sorrow.  I commented back how I would love to see Candy painted as a Living Art Portrait as Theresa. 

As a quick recap, Theresa McAuley Robinson is the main character in my creative-non-fiction novel. The story tells of her life and death on the North Mountain. 

Read more here… 

For years, my friend Candy has played the character Theresa Robinson in the Valley Ghost Walks Kentville show. 

Photo Credit Heather Rushton

Almost immediately, Jaimie wrote me back and said she would love to paint Candy as Theresa! 

Candy and I literally squealed with delight at the offer. It was something both of us had always wanted to do! 

Living Art Portraits with Jaimie Corbin

Here’s what the Phantom Effects website says: 

Since May 2018 Jaimie has been creating these beautiful living art portraits for clients, art installations and various businesses. Her signature technique has grown from its infancy and is continually evolving. Although she has her own style she welcomes the challenge of creating portraits inspired by other artists styles.

In essence, Jaimie turns people into art. 

Check out Jaimie Corbin’s Living Art gallery here

Mike Butler as painted by Jaimie Corbin Phantom Effects

I asked Jaimie how she knew what to paint people as, and she said sometimes people come in with an idea and some costumes to go with it. Other times, they look at her props and costumes and come up with an idea. 

Or, best of all, Jaimie says she loves having a blank slate where she can create an image based on the personality of the client. 

I asked her what she would paint me as. I’ll keep that one a secret, because I am planning on having this done! You’ll have to wait and see! 

Our Living Art Session

I went with Candy to Phantom Effects studio in Main Street Station (former Cornwallis Inn) in Kentville, and sat and chatted while Candy was being painted. 

We came in with a photograph of what we wanted. 

Layer upon layer of foundation and make up were added. 

But you really don’t get a sense of the magnificence of it all until you sit in front of the screen for the photography segment of the evening. 

It was incredible watching Jaimie in action, and she knew just want to do to get that perfect picture. 

The entire process took about two hours, with the make up taking the longest time, and the photography only taking less than 10. That could also be because we were also having such a great time chatting! 

Next, Jaimie will take the photographs and work her Photoshop magic, creating the backdrop, and adding pieces to the costume. 

Booking a Session

From the Phantom Effects Website: 

A session will give you one Living Art Portrait of yourself OR a loved one.  Jaimie would like to have creative control over the artwork produced but is totally willing to work with you to create something that fits your personality and style. Keep in mind that after the session there will be a grace period needed to edit the best photo from the session (no longer than a week). Once completed Jaimie will email a web version and a print version of your artwork. The print version can be printed on a 16×16 canvas by your favorite Print Centre. 

The Final Product

Book yourself in for a living art portrait today!