Custom Portraits from Photographs
The Process
-
1) Submit an inquiry form at the bottom of this page.
2) I will ask you for a reference photo, preferably multiple photos. The quality of the photo is crucial to the success of the artwork. The more detailed the photo I receive, the more detail I can include in the artwork.
Here are a few tips for good photos:
Good lighting! If indoors, try to take photos in front of a large window.
Get close! It’s difficult to see the details of the fur on a dog whose photo was taken from across the room.
Hold steady! Make sure the photo is clear, in focus, and not blurry.
Get eye level with your subject. I do not recommend taking a photo from above. It does not make a flattering portrait of your beloved pet.
-
Once we agree on the project and price, I will send you an invoice for a 50% non-refundable down payment along with a contract. I will start drawing or painting once I receive the signed contract and the down payment.
-
I will send progress emails and photos and will get your approval before varnishing paintings or applying a spray fixative to seal drawings.
-
5) The final payment of the remaining 50% + shipping and handling is due before the drawing or painting is shipped to you (I am willing to hand-deliver locally in Dallas, Texas).
Pricing
Sketch-Style Drawings start at 5x7 inches for $200.
looser style, headshot only, charcoal on toned paper (black & white).
The eyes can be done in color with colored pencils.
Realistic-Style Drawings start at 5x7 inches for $500.
Highly detailed, graphite (black & white) or colored pencil (full color) on white paper, with or without a background.
Sketch-Syle Drawing (left) vs Realistic-Style Drawing (right)
Paintings start at 9x12 inches for $1,500.
**Pricing is heavily dependent on the size, medium, number of subjects, background, and level of detail. Pricing listed is for a single subject.
Payments are made in two installments: 50% non-refundable down payment, and 50% due upon completion of the artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes! I can use multiple pictures to create one new piece of art that includes all your loved ones.
-
Drawings are done in charcoal/graphite or colored pencil on paper. Drawings have a shorter turn around time than paintings. Drawings need to be framed.
Paintings are done mostly with acrylic paint, and sometimes details are added with oil paints and/or colored pencils. Paintings take longer to create than drawings due to having to mix paint colors and wait for layers of paint to dry. Framing for paintings is optional.
-
This process is highly dependent on the individual project and the level of detail. It may take a couple weeks to many months to complete. Drawings have a shorter turnaround time than paintings.
-
No, the price is for the artwork only. I generally don’t like framing artwork myself since I feel the space where the art will be displayed is an important factor when picking the perfect frame. Also, many past clients have had a specific vision, including framing, and would prefer to do it themselves. If you would like help choosing a frame, I am more than happy to help with this process.
-
Once we agree on the project and price, a 50% non-refundable down payment will be required along with a signed contract. The remaining 50% + shipping and handling is due before shipping the completed piece to you. (I am willing to hand-deliver locally in Dallas, Texas.)
-
All drawings and paintings are packaged using quality, acid-free materials. Artwork is wrapped in glassine paper to help protect the surface from smudging and direct contact with other packaging materials. Drawings are reinforced with foam core and placed in a protective plastic sleeve. Paintings are carefully packed in a sturdy box with foam padding and bubble wrap for added protection during transit.
Shipping is included in orders over $500. I am willing to hand-deliver locally in Dallas, Texas.