Many people have a hard time deciding exactly what kind of artwork they want to commission. I’ve put together a list of notes to help. My preferred media are pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, acrylic, and oil. I can do watercolor but that is not my strongest skill. I can work on paper, canvas, panels. I like to customize each project and the quote based on the customer’s specific desires. The information below will help establish a baseline, and get you started toward planning your commission.
Oil Paintings
Oil paint is my preferred medium. Oil paintings take much longer to complete because of drying time, but they are also a more flexible media, allowing for corrections or changes along the way. The final oil painting has a rich color and the ability to blend allows for fine rendering of detail, or a more painterly effect of blended colors and backgrounds. It is the best medium for portraits because of the ability to blend soft edges in flesh tones. The final product is a timeless item that will last for generations. Due to the cost of materials and time involved, oil paintings are usually the most expensive option, starting around $500 and increasing based on complexity. A good example of price increase would be portraits with multiple subjects. Each person in the portrait is priced as a separate painting due to the complexity of recreating each face. This means that a single portrait on an 18x14 for example, may start at $500 and a portrait of two people on the same size canvas may start at $1000.
Oil paintings can take a very long time to complete, due to the drying time involved. Depending on the complexity of the painting, completion could take from 2-3 months to over a year.
Oil paintings should not be framed behind glass. Some people prefer to have their paintings done on what is called a ‘gallery wrap canvas’ that does not require framing.
Acrylic Paintings
Acrylic paint is a wonderful option for still life and landscapes. It dries very quickly, allowing for paintings to be completed faster. It does not work well for me for portraits because the fast-drying time doesn’t allow for extremely smooth blending of skin tones. Acrylic paintings can be completed in as little as a week. The schedule, however, depends on the complexity. These are not framed behind glass and can also be done on a gallery wrap canvas. Prices start at $300 and increase based on complexity.
Pen and Ink
Pen and ink drawings are a beautiful option that matches nearly any interior design theme. They can be very detailed or less detailed as required. They are done on paper and allow little correction along the way. They should be framed behind glass and not displayed in rooms with high levels of moisture. Prices start at $100 and price and schedule increase based on complexity.
Colored Pencil
Colored pencil is one of my preferred media. It has the ability to look like a painting when blended properly. Prices start at $200 and like other art, the level of detail the customer wants does affect schedule and price. They are also done on paper and should be framed behind glass and not displayed in room with high levels of moisture.
Pencil Drawings
Pencil drawings are the most cost-efficient option and usually the fastest to complete. Prices start at $100 and increase based on complexity. Like the other options done on paper, they must be framed behind glass and kept away from moisture.
Other Tips
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Prior to starting your commission, decide where in your home or office it will hang. That will give you clear guidelines as to the size and even the colors that will be used.
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Keep in mind when deciding on a size that custom framing is more expensive than purchasing standard size frames. It may help to explore standard frame size options before deciding on a size.
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Once the commission is started, it is very difficult to make changes. Changes will delay the schedule and possibly increase the price. Take as much time as you need to decide exactly what you want prior to starting.
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Please do not wait until last minute to commission a Christmas, birthday, or other gift. Some commissions take weeks, months, or years to complete. I may also have commissions scheduled ahead of yours, so please let me know as early as possible.
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If you have an unusual request, do not be afraid to ask. For example, painting on a piece of furniture, graphic design, unusual media, or interior design, I may be willing to consider it.
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I do not do nude or explicit artwork. I reserve the right to decline any commission for any reason.