Commissioning Art: Process and Pricing

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Classically-trained in Florence, Italy, I use the highest quality artists’ materials and traditional methods to create portraits of lasting quality and beauty. My greatest influences include the portraits by Cassatt, Sargent, Velazquez, and Van Dyck.

The first step in commissioning a portrait is to contact me and arrange for an initial talk or visit. I will discuss ideas for the piece with you, the client, and any involved representatives. Where will the painting hang? How large will it be? How formal? What special objects or clothing may be used? Where will the sittings take place? The decision to be painted and by whom is an important one and a rapport between an artist and sitter is essential. The portrait creation experience should be comfortable as well as memorable.

Once the initial details have been worked out, we will schedule an in-person session when possible for me to take my own reference photos as well as do a live sketch or small study. I will consider working long distance from photographs alone, but I”ll need to see the photo references first before accepting the project. I may also be able to travel to your location.

Having one’s portrait painted is a momentous event, and my goal is to create a beautiful and deeply personal work of art that will bring pleasure to many generations.

Would you like to talk about your idea or get a personalized estimate? Contact me here.

Oil Portrait Fees

Each project is different and I do my best to work with your budget. The size of the painting is less important in pricing than how much detail or how much of a body is to be included. While the prices quoted will be for unframed paintings, I am able to assist in choosing and ordering frames as well as installation.

Oil Portraits on linen or panel generally range from $600 to $20,000, but don’t be shy about asking me for an estimate on your specific project.

Original Portrait Drawings

Portrait drawings are done on archival quality toned paper in either graphite, sanguine, or charcoal/carbon pencil highlighted with white chalk. They are drawn from life within 1 or 2 sittings of 3 hours each or from photo references that I’ve agreed to work from.

Portraits in graphite or other drawing medium begin at $500. They can come framed and ready to hang for under $1000. Prices subject to change.

 

Gem Portraits

Gem portraits are small oil portraits or oil sketches that come framed and ready to hang for $2000 $1000 (temporary price reduction thru December 2023). For more information about Gem Portraits, click here.

 

Mini Treasures Pet Portraits

Currently, I’m offering 5”x5” (inch) heartfelt pet portraits in water media on thick Arches painting paper.

For more information on the process, click this link.

  • FREE shipping

  • A small donation from profits goes to help pets in need

  • Each piece is signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity

  • $150 (unframed) or framed for $195

    Would you like to talk about your idea or get a personalized estimate? Contact me here!