Commissioning a custom oil portrait is a unique yet timeless way to immortalize, honor, and share a key moment in the life of you or a loved one. Having the honor of being the conduit of this for you is not something I take lightly. In order to bring about the best quality results possible, I have spent the majority of my life actively working to refine my portraiture, and am on a constant mission to continue to do so to be able to provide the highest quality result possible.
Archival canvas board is used by default in order to expand framing options, but hand stretched archival canvas is available by request for an additional cost.
Each individual oil paint color used has been hand selected for the highest lightfastedness rating issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This rating, through extensive controlled testing, comes with the guarantee that the paints used will exhibit no appreciable color change after being exposed to the appropriate equivalence of 100 years of indoor museum lighting. This allows me to in turn guarantee that with proper care, your custom portrait painting will be an heirloom-quality investment, enjoyable for generations to come.
Before painting begins, we will need to discuss the commission request and needs, review references images, and plan how best to bring your request to life. Once the formal agreement to services is signed, a 50% nonrefundable initial deposit is required to reserve your commission spot and cover needed supplies.
Once the painting process has begun, 2 progress photos will be sent. At these points, reasonable modifications can be requested. Please note, major modifications can not be made to the painting once complete.
The first progress photo will include base shapes and colors, and any reasonable modifications to the color palette can be made at this point only.
The second progress photo will include more detail, and should include general likeness of the subject(s). At this point, any reasonamble modifications to the subject's features or background may be requested.
After the second progress photo is reviewed and approved, the painting will be detailed and completed. A final photo will be sent for review, and up to two minor modifications may be requested.
Please allow for up to 8 weeks for the painting to be completed, and an additional 2-6 weeks after final approval to ensure the painting is sufficiently dry before it leaves the studio.
Below are the base prices for an unframed, single subject portrait on canvas board. Prices lsted are approximate, and may be adjusted based on the number of subjects, the complexity of the pose, custom matting/framing, or any requested changes. Prices do not include any sales tax that may apply. Any shipping costs, including crating and insurance, are additional.
4×6: $250+
5×7: $350+
6×8: $450+
8×10: $700+
9×12: $950+
11×14: $1300+
12×16: $1600+
16×20: $2600+
18×24: $3500+
While choosing the canvas size for your custom oil painting, you might wonder "is bigger always better"? The larger the canvas, the more details and nuances of the subject's face are able to be captured in the painting, and this holds doubly true for paintings with multiple subjects. However, a custom oil portrait doesn't have to be a budget-breaker or larger-than-life to become a cherished belonging, and with custom canvas size options starting at under $200 and stretching as far your imagination allows, I am able to work with you within your budget to bring your custom piece to life.
Modifications to the reference can be made on a case by case basis for additional price (i.e. changing shirt color or removing unwanted elements of background)
Custom matting/framing available by request, at additional charge.