Classic Painting Commissions
Commissioned paintings have been a tradition for hundreds of years. They have associations with importance, wealth and longevity. There is something very special about how the paint reflects your loved one in the light versus printing out a photograph. My specialties are in both pet and people portraits using acrylic paint.
A popular request right now is to paint loved ones that have passed together with family members who may not have a good picture of them together. Several of my clients only have photographs of their late parents or grandparents posed with them as children, but wished they could cherish an image of them standing together as adults. For these I compile several references together to perform a kind of "manual photoshop" whilst keeping in an art style that visually honors their memory.
Another popular request for my services is painting pets in costume. There are many services like this on the internet, but most will copy a human figure in costume and paint the animal's head on top. My specialty is instead painting your animal as if they (and their own body) are wearing the costume. To me this yields a more natural result and the posing is more true to the personality of your furry friend.
Past Commission Examples
Process
Have a look at my rates, initially I'll need you to email me with a description of your vision. What kind of painting you are looking for? Tell me about your ideas, don't shy away from any specifics. I want to hear the full story. I'll also need to know if you have a deadline (eg. A birthday). Then I can send you a quote of what I expect the project to cost.
Then I'll fill in those details in a contract and ask you to send me reference imagery that would be useful. I can guide you in what is most helpful to me and let you know what I need from you in terms of images. I will likely ask for a few especially if it is an image that needs "puzzle piecing together".
Once we are both in agreement I will ask for 50% of the payment up front. Then I will start work I many need to do a few sketches and get your feedback depending on the complexity of the image. Afterward I'll start painting. I will need at least a few weeks and you will be allowed to make one or two small changes along the way (adding or removing details).
Lastly I will allow it to dry, package it and notify you when I am finished. At this time I will ask for the remainder of the payment (50%) and get ready to deliver it to you. Then we're finished, you'll get to unwrap and hang up your piece in it's new home.
Rates
I charge based the size of the canvas and how many subjects there are in it (plus tax and shipping). Each painting commission includes one subject (person or pet). Any additional subjects are an additional $50 per subjects with a maximum of 4 subjects in each painting.
For example: if you wanted a to paint your family of three on a 16x20 in canvas, that would be
$890.00 as the base price for the painting
+$100.00 for two additional subjects
+Tax (8.25%)
+Shipping. Though I deliver for free if you are in the Austin Texas Area.
I also offer up to 3 rounds of sketching during the process, allowing you to give me two rounds of feedback between them. As well as two minor alterations during the process if you need small changes made. Any additional changes will be a $25.00 fee per change.
Prices
9x12 in $300.00
11x14 in $430.00
12x16 in $530.00
16x20 in $890.00
18x24 in $1,200.00
20x20 in $1,110.00
20x24 in $1,330.00
24x30 in $2,000.00
+$50.00 for any additional subject
+Sales Tax (8.25%)
+Shipping
=Your total
FAQ
Why does it cost so much money?
Each painting takes me easily at least 10 hours of work with some as high as 20-40. These fees are reflective of my expertise and also the time it takes me to make them.
Can you do it in time for an anniversary or birthday?
Certainly! We just have to make sure that we start early enough to complete the work and get it shipped to you. For a special event I ask that you reach out to me a month or two ahead of time.
How do I care for a painting?
Hang it up somewhere you adore it but preferably not in a place that will get blasted with sunlight. If it gets dusty you can wipe it with a damp rag or use a regular duster. A small bit of moisture will not harm the painting but avoid leaving it wet or using any chemicals on the surface.