Yes, Fred, I understand what you mean about the formula portraits. Mainly, because I'm going thru a similar thing to you, with the exception that I work in a photographic portrait studio. The questions I'm facing tho are how much do I retouch, and what poses do I shoot? I'd love to do only fine art portraiture, but there's not much market for that around here.

Part of the reason that many people stick with a formula is because they can bang out portraits fairly quickly, which means more money coming in. Also, while many people say they want something different, what they actually buy is the same old head shot. In our studio, we always do that same bread-and-butter headshot first, then later try more interesting things if the subject wants. When you're using oils and brushes tho, you can't just bang out a few dozen exposures, so you tend to hang with what is most likely to sell. Also, there's not a lot of money in portraiture, so many people will write books in order to supplement their income.

Which is why I asked why you want to paint. If you want to make money, you'll have to paint what people will buy. On the other hand, if you don't care about selling anything, paint what you enjoy and and be pleased if someone offers you money. My best pictures are the ones I do to and for my own satisfaction. But no one wants to buy them.