Commissioning a Painting:
When an artist refers to commissioned work, he simply means a piece of artwork painted specifically for a patron (customer). Like a custom-made suit, the work is tailored to the preferences of the patron, rather than to please the artist's tastes. Usually, people like to commission paintings of favorite vacation spots, loved ones or even pets.
I like to work from photographs, so we have a common reference point, and I can clearly understand what you want. Note: it must be your photograph (or I can take one for you). We DO NOT want to break the law by infringing on anyone else's copyright! In some instances, it may be necessary for you (or the subject) to pose in my studio in person. I am glad to make arrangements for this. Please note that I do not accept commissions for nudes. This is not 'fantasy portraiture'.
I ask that you pay half the amount in advance, and the other half upon completion. I gladly accept checks, money orders, cash or PayPal. I am willing to barter, in some instances. I will be happy to have work framed for you, or consult with you on what frame to install (these services cost extra). The sizes below are standard sizes that fit ready-made frames, or you may enjoy having a quality frame custom-made. They generally don't cost very much more than the ready-made kind.
Only the finest museum-quality materials are used. All of my works are guaranteed to last a lifetime; most will outlast our children's children. If they are properly framed and taken care of, they will be a true heirloom that you can pass down to the generations.
| size | medium | framed $ | unframed $ | no.sq.inches | |
| 6 x 8" | pastel | 100.00 | 50.00 | 48 | |
| 6 x 8" | oil | 125.00 | 75.00 | 48 | |
| 11 x 14" | pastel | 175.00 | 100.00 | 154 | |
| 11 x 14" | oil | 350.00 | 250.00 | 154 | |
| 12 x 16" | pastel | 425.00 | 300.00 | 192 | |
| 12 x 16" | oil | 575.00 | 450.00 | 192 | |
| 14 x 18" | pastel | 650.00 | 500.00 | 252 | |
| 14 x 1 " | oil | 800.00 | 650.00 | 252 | |
| 18 x 24" | pastel | 900.00 | 700.00 | 432 | |
| 18 x 24" | oil | 1,200.00 | 950.00 | 432 | |
| 22 x 28" | oil | 1,800.00 | 1,500.00 | 616 | |
| 24 x 3 " | oil | 2,800.00 | 2,500.00 | 720 | |
| 24 x 36" | oil | 3,850.00 | 3,500.00 | 864 | |
| 36 x 4 " | oil | 4,900.00 | 4,500.00 | 1512 | |
| 48 x 48" | oil | custom | 10,000.00 | 2304 | |
| murals | acrylic | $25 / sq. ft | |||
From time to time, someone makes the observation that my prices seem high (usually as a lead-in to try to 'cut a deal'). My response to this is: yes, they are. They are high for a reason. My work costs a lot of money because it has taken me over thirty years to learn how to do what I do. That is much longer than the training required of even, say, a brain surgeon. And while a competent brain surgeon may save your life, good art is part of what makes life worth living. Also, as noted above, my materials are the best and the work will last for generations. If you have priced good quality art materials lately, you will know that one small tube of paint can cost as much as $70! My prices are fair and they are firm.
Thanks ever so much for your interest in my work. I look forward to getting to know you (and getting on with the fun part!).
P.S. I no longer offer prints of any of my work, in order to maintain a greater investment value for my originals.