A commissioned portrait of your animal is a lifetime purchase. Nothing in the art world can give quite the pleasure that a well-executed professional oil portrait of your dog, horse, or other animal friend can provide. Because the decision to commission a portrait is an important one, I want my customers to understand what goes into one of my portraits.
First, I guarantee the likeness of my portraits. You are assured that your portrait will be a faithful representation of your animal. In order to accomplish this I insist upon accurate reference materials. I use photographs and sketches, and there is a significant amount of time taken for the "research phase" before I ever begin the painting itself. I ask that you provide me with good, clear photographs of your animal. If you are close enough to my studio, I will be glad to take the photos myself. If travel is involved, there will of course be an additional fee.
Before I start work on your painting, I will provide you with a sketch of the portrait I intend to execute for you. It is at this point that we will determine— together— what the finished portrait will look like.
A high-quality oil painting cannot be rushed. The paint is applied in layers in a complex procedure that requires allowance for drying time before the work can continue. Depending on its size and complexity, an oil portrait could take up to six months or more to finish, so it is important that we plan ahead if it is to be a gift.
Oil portraits can vary in size from the approximately 2x3" remarque size image up to 20x24" and larger. Within this range of sizes prices will range from about $125 for the smallest to over $4000 for the larger sizes. As an example, the very popular 14x17" size has an average price of $2000. This price is for a single subject. Multiple subjects would be slightly more. Two dogs in a 14x17" portrait would be about $2500. The shape of the painting can also vary. Ovals are popular. Framing is available to your specifications at additional cost, or you can take your portrait to your own professional framer.
I treat each of my portraits as a unique, absolutely one-of-a-kind work of art, and I will be happy to discuss your portrait needs with you.
