Comissions

Do you have some old family photos that you'd like to turn into elegant work of art? A favorite picture of your grandkids that you want big and beautiful? That perfect picture of a pet which would look great on canvas, maybe as a birthday, holiday, or home-warming gift for someone?

I am happy to accomodate any commission! I specialize in working either in black and white (in ink or pencil), or doing full color paintings on canvas using watercolor or oil paint. Please see my Portfolio for examples of the different styles and materials that I usually work in.

COST BREAKDOWN

My cost averages around $250-$300 per artwork. That includes a down-payment (or retainer) of $100, the cost of the materials (usually around $30-40), time spent creating mockups and reference proofs, plus the hours that I put into the actual drawing/painting (total painting/drawing time averages around 10 hours or so for one artwork). I do not charge by size of painting. My usual requested size is 16 by 20 inches, which is a standard frame size and looks good on a wall. Very large paintings may take a few more hours to complete.

THE PROCESS

When you contact me about doing a comission for you, I will ask you to email me a good reference photo from which to work. Pick one that you really like because the finished painting will look just like it! With that said, I am also very good at Photoshop and can tweak things, move people, erase things, etc., let me know if you'd like the photo altered.

If possible hi-res scanned photos are preferred, but if you don't have access to a scanner (many desktop printers have a scanner built in to the top) then you can take a photo of a photo by laying the original down on a flat surface with indirect light (to avoid the shine) and taking the picture so it is as 'square' as possible. I can give you more tips on how to do that when we chat.

At that time I will ask for that retainer of $100 so that I can buy the materials that I will need to create the artwork (paint, illustration board, leads, erasers, etc). This retainer will come out of the final cost so you will only pay the remaining amount upon taking possession of the work. Think of it like paying for your artwork in two smaller and easier payments instead of one!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

It usually takes me 1-2 weeks to complete a piece, sometimes a few days longer if the materials I have ordered get held up in the mail. I can then mail the finished piece to you, or if you are in the Lafayette, Louisiana area I may be able to come by and drop it off.

FRAMING

Although my canvas works do not need to be framed (they can be hung without one if you like), I do suggest that you get a frame (with glass) for the pencil/ink work so that the art can stay protected. Although I spray pencil work with a special acid-free art fixativ to keep it from smearing, you won't want something getting spilled or splashed onto your art! Also dust or direct sun could damage it over time without protection. I use archival quality illustration board which will not yellow or age with time, so you leave it in a frame it will look good forever!

CONTACT ME!

Drop me a line with your commission idea! While the website is still being built, you can contact me through my Etsy shop by going to my Shop and clicking the "Contact" button under my little picture on the right side of the page.