Commissions
If you want something special or very personal, a commissioned painting might be what you need.
I've done many commissions over the years, including realistic portraits or scenes, abstract paintings, paintings that recaptures a treasured memory, surreal/dream scenes or surreal "portraits" - in other words, paintings of things that just can't be captured with a camera.
All my commissioned paintings are rendered in acrylic on stretched canvas unless another support such as paper, masonite, canvas panel or un-stretched canvas is requested. A final coating of ultra-violet protectant varnish (in either satin or gloss finish) is applied prior to shipping or delivery. Canvas may be either gallery depth with painted edges so the painting can be hung without a frame, or standard canvas depth to be framed. Please note - I do not frame the artwork - I leave that to the purchaser.
Some things to take into consideration when commissioning a painting:
- Size - a large wall space probably needs a larger painting and a smaller space would need a smaller size. A painting can also be made up of 2 or more smaller canvases designed to hang together as a group. Example - a 24x72 painting can be made up of three 24x24 paintings. Using smaller canvases gives you the option to hang them with edges touching or with some space between. It's also less expensive to ship several smaller paintings than a single large painting.
- Colors - the room color, significant color accents in the room, your personal color favorites, etc.
- Lighting of the room - bright, dim, fluorescent or incandescent lighting, etc. This will affect the painting - for instance, some fluorescent tubes tend to make things look greenish and will affect the colors of artwork. Incandescent light tends to make things more yellow. Avoid placing artwork in direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Style - strictly abstract, realistic, surreal or semi-abstract with a personal image incorporated into it? Note - realistic or surrealistic would increase the final price of the piece.
The process:
- Fill out the contact form giving some of the basic details outlined above. Also provide your phone number and a good time for me to call you.
- After discussing what you want in more detail, I will then email you an estimate normally within 24 hours. Once the estimate is received, if you accept it and wish me to go ahead, you will then need to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit (paypal, money order, personal check). If paying by check, it needs to clear the bank.
- After the deposit is received, I will email you a rough sketch of my proposed design. You will need to review the design and either give me the go-ahead or request changes. Once you approve the preliminary sketch, I'll then purchase the materials and begin the actual painting.
- When the commissioned painting finished, I'll email you a high resolution photo of the painting for final approval. If alterations are necessary, these will be done and another photo sent to you. Once you're satisfied, I will require payment of the balance due. I'll apply the UV protectant and the painting will be ready for delivery or shipment. The balance is normally required to be received within one week after your final approval.
- Shipment is in addition to my painting fees. Unless you wish to make other arrangements, shipment is via UPS with appropriate insurance. If within the Philadlephia area, I can deliver the painting (if it fits in my vehicle) or you can pick it up.
- The entire process normally takes about 4-8 weeks from first contact to completion, (not including shipping time). Please bear in mind that this is an approximate timeframe.
Pricing
Prices for commissioned paintings are based on the size of work, the amount of detail and style, i.e., very realistic, surreal works or works containing portraits will be priced higher than abstracts.
| Starting prices in US dollars (final prices may be higher) - | ||
| Size | Strictly abstract | More detailed artwork |
| 16x20 | $275 | $425 |
| 20x24 | $425 | $575 |
| 24x36 | $575 | $725 |
Samples of preliminary sketches and the final works:
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Below is a commissioned piece done in 2007 for a client who successfully survived a lengthy medical treatment which involved lots of needles. Note that the final painting included a patch of blue sky which they later requested. |
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Below are some previous commissioned pieces. You might also be interested in MURALS that I've done.
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