Commissioning Art: Process and Pricing
Having one’s portrait painted is a momentous event, and my goal is to create a beautiful and deeply personal work of art that will bring pleasure to many generations.
Would you like to talk about your idea or get a personalized estimate? Contact me here.
Portrait of a Young Man in a White Shirt by Thimgan Hayden, 16x20 inches
Classically-trained in Florence, Italy, I use the highest quality artists’ materials and traditional methods to create portraits of lasting quality and beauty. My greatest influences include the incredible portraits by Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Diego de Velazquez, and Anthony Van Dyck.
The first step in commissioning a portrait is to contact me!
Via email or phone, we can discuss ideas for your dream art and a working budget.
Where will the painting hang? How large will it be? How formal? What special objects or clothing may be used?
Oil Painting Portrait Fees
Each project is different and I do my best to work with your budget.
In a traditional portrait, the person is painted nearly life size, and in some commissioned works, as part of a scene (see the examples below). Therefore the price range for custom art generally ranges from as low as $500 to a $20,000 luxury or institutional portrait.
Please contact me for more detailed pricing information!
Most Reverend Bishop Hurley of Grand Rapids, Michigan painted from photos I took plus 3 sittings
Delivery day to the Grand Rapids Catholic Diocese! Portrait painted from photographs I took + 2 life sittings
Savannah (Private Collection) 18x24 inch oil on linen from a photo
La Donna Incinta (The Pregnant Woman) 35x48 inches painted from life
Informal portrait done entirely from photos and combined sources 16x20 inches
Portrait Drawings
Portrait drawings are done on archival quality toned paper in either graphite, sanguine, or charcoal/carbon pencil highlighted with white chalk. They are drawn from life within 1 or 2 sittings of 3 hours each or from photo references that I’ve agreed to work from.
Portraits in graphite or other drawing medium begin at $500. They can come framed and ready to hang for under $1000. Prices subject to change.
Sanguine Italian Red Chalk Drawing on Hand-Treated Paper
Gem Portraits
Gem Portraits Gem portraits are small oil portraits or oil sketches that come framed and ready to hang for $1000. For more information about Gem Portraits, click here.
Cedric at Age Four - small portrait from a photo
Mini Treasures Pet Portraits
5”x5” (inch) heartfelt pet portraits in water media on thick Arches painting paper $150.00 + free shipping
For more information click this link.
