Quite often, I receive requests from people to paint something for them.  I am more than happy to take on most requests, but here are a few things that you should know about the process of doing a commissioned painting.

I prefer to take my own photos of the subject.  This doesn't mean that I cannot or will not work from your photograph (as I often do), however when I paint a subject (or subject matter), there are certain things that I look for when doing so.  As an artist, I attempt to add interesting color, depth, and character, while lending a unique perspective to what I paint.  Simply copying a single photograph, often makes that process more difficult.

Pricing

• Portraiture pricing is determined on a case by case basis. However, the average price for painting a portrait is $6 per square inch. The price will be negotiated and determined prior to beginning the work and will vary.  The variance depends upon the number of persons in a portrait, as well as the complexity, detail and turn-around time of the painting.  I typically will not undertake a single subject human portrait commission for less than $1000, however, depending upon the intricacies and size of the portrait, the price is open to negotiation. Creating a good painting requires preparation, time, and discipline. Whenever I undertake a commission, particularly a portrait, people expect a quality likeness of the requested person. If I engage in a commissioned painting, there will be a clearly defined discussion of expectations on both the client's and my behalf.
• Painting a commission of a pet, house, structure, or landscape begins at a minimum of $300, regardless of size. As with a human portrait, the price will increase with canvas size. I currently charge (on average) $3 per square inch to paint a house, building or structure.
• Pet Portrait pricing also typically begins at $3 per square inch for a single subject and will increase if there are multiple subjects. Again, this is a price average and will be negotiated before the painting is underway.