Cost of a commissioned painting is determined by several factors, including how big of a painting you would like, and how many subjects (individual people) are going to be included in the painting.

Other factors that could impact the cost are:

• If there is a rush to complete the painting.
• If there are significant revisions after the sketch is approved.
• Shipping and handling will be additional. (I am happy to hand-deliver paintings to customers in the Chicagoland area at no extra charge.)

These being the case, I will create a custom quote for your project, or even quote a few options if you would like. Just start out by filling out the inquiry form below!

Once a quote is approved, I ask for a deposit of half of the cost of the painting up front, which is refundable for all but $50 until the painting is started after a sketch is approved. The balance is due upon completion, and must be paid before the painting will be delivered.

The first thing to do is to fill out the inquiry form below, so that we can start a conversation to clarify what you are looking for, and to work up a quote. If you approve the quote, I will provide a contract outlining the payments, the process, and timeline before beginning the painting.

First off, information. We will need to work out the specifics of your painting, such as the size and medium (acrylic on canvas or watercolor on paper).

Next, I need to make sure that we have a good reference photo(s) to work with. What makes a good reference photo? High resolution, clear details, and good lighting. I can help you to chose the best photo for the project.

Also, there will be a contract that will need to be signed by us both that will outline the timeline, payment specifics, and how the painting will be delivered.

Once all of the projects terms are agreed upon, the contract is signed, and the down payment is made, I will begin your project!

Throughout the process I will keep you informed with first, a sketch to be approved, then I will follow up with occasional process photos where you will have the opportunity to request minor adjustments. However, once the sketch is agreed upon, major changes can no longer be made (such as changing the reference photo, pose, or anything that would require starting the painting over. These types of changes will increase the cost and timeline of the project.)

I will also send final photos before the painting is ready to be shipped to its new home.

Typically the base time for a one subject portrait, from signed contract and finalized reference to completion of the painting is 6 weeks, not including delivery time.

Factors such as particularly large paintings or many people in the painting can affect the estimated time to completion.

Significant revisions can add several weeks to a painting time-line as well.

The final factor in complete turn around time is packing and shipping, which can be more complicated the larger the painting is, as it's important that it does not get damaged in transit.

A smooth and timely process is helped by working out all of the needs for the painting before it is started, and providing quick responses for approval of the sketch and any other stages along the way.

In the unlikely event that there are unforeseen problems on my end that will impact the turn around time of your painting, I will communicate them quickly and clearly, and work with you to find an acceptable solution.

If you live in the Chicagoland area, I am happy to deliver the painting to you at an agreed upon location and time when it is completed.

For all other deliveries, shipping and handling will be determined by the project. Very large paintings may need special handlers to make sure they will arrive safely, and I do all I can with every shipment to make sure that your piece arrives safely and undamaged.

That said, I am not responsible for damaged caused by delivery services, so I will make sure that shipments are appropriately insured.