My fundamental goals in portrait painting are three-fold: To create works of art that will stand the test of time, that will please my clients and subjects, and that will satisfy myself (Please see my essay on "Good Taste" In Portraiture).

I am happy to report that my portraits are said to look remarkably lifelike and "three-dimensional" (especially when viewed in soft, diffuse light), an illusion achieved by subtle methods of trompe-l'oeil, which "trick the eye." Photographic emulsions cannot duplicate this almost tangible sense of "immediacy" and "presence": It may be fully appreciated only in person.

Please note that some of the testimonials below are from people who received portraits as gifts, from either paying clients or myself; nonetheless, all of the people I quote have graciously allowed me to share their kind and sincere sentiments with you.

I must thank everyone who has supported or otherwise encouraged me, particularly my subjects, clients, and fellow artists as well as my family and friends, especially my parents, who went "beyond the call of duty"; my Grandma Schmidt, who first recognized my artistic abilities when I was just a youngster; and always, the Good Lord, who blesses us with every talent.

"The painting of Katie was a wonderful, sweet success. ... She said it's like looking at herself through a window [at a much younger age]. Her dad & brother also were amazed at the likeness & detail. But Katie is thrilled & enchanted. Her mom too."

"Stunning, absolutely breathtaking and by far and away, the best I've seen. Impeccable detail."

"Douglas not only captured the look of Melissa, but her spirit as well. From the sparkling eyes to the warm smile, Douglas' work lives and breathes."

"[Doug's] research on the subject matter related to the artwork I asked for was extensive. ... I truly enjoyed the interaction with him throughout. ... It is testimony to how much he cares about people and how much he cares for what he does."

"This painting is a lovely piece of art. We will always treasure it."

"I have had the opportunity to commission Douglas Drenkow for a military portrait. ... His attention to detail was most commendable. I was very pleased with his work."

"[Doug] painted several portraits for my [collection] ... and he did such wonderful work. ... He is an asset to any creative endeavor."

"I was most impressed with Mr. Drenkow's robust enthusiasm to individualize each portrait and fulfill each client's expectations."

"Your painting of my young grandchildren so far exceeded my expectations — I'm already planning to have you do another painting of them when they are in their teens."

"Small or large, he treats each painting in the most first class manner. ... All that have seen my portrait are speechless, for it is a perfect match of my grandma and me. Thank you forever."

"Doug, you are an outstanding portraitist."

"You did a fine job on Dorothy's portrait. ... [It] will live in posterity. You're an artist."

"When you look at portraits of Douglas Drenkow, you feel that they radiate such fine mood that you begin to smile.  What is [the] reason?  Sincerity?  Readiness to please? ... Without any doubt ... Douglas Drenkow achieved great results in his self education, [as] he became a professional artist."

"Drenkow demonstrates that the art of portraiture is in the interpretation of souls, achieving a final composition that is pleasing to the eyes, for aesthetic effect, and to the heart, for success in the arduous challenge of transmitting, on the flat dimension of the canvas, the most varied states of the soul of the one portrayed."