Commissions / FAQs
Q. How much does a commissioned oil painting cost?
Large oil paintings are about 600-900 square inches (20x30 to 24x36 inches) and usually represent a 3/4 or full body image. They require numerous preliminary drawings, as well as time to build canvases and allow layers of oil based primers to completely dry. The painting at the right entitled "Ready and Waiting" is 20x32. A similar commission will run approxmately $5000.
Medium sized canvases are head portraits approximately 20x24 inches. Although smaller, they require almost as much production time as larger paintings because of the slow drying time of oils. The portrait of John Henry (at left) is a 20x24 painting commissioned for Santa Anita Racetrack. A similar commission would run about $4000.
Additional subjects or detailed backgrounds may require an additional charge.
Q. How long does a painting take?
A. Please be patient. Oil paintings take a little while to create.Production time for commissioned oil paintings run between 2-6 months from the time of the photo shoot (or receipt of acceptable photos). A custom canvas will need to be built and several layers of oil-based primers need to dry before painting can begin. During this time, preliminary drawings will be done for client review. The actual painting will be done in a series of layered glazes, each layer requiring drying time.
All oil paintings will be given a light coat of retouch varnish upon completion. Please note that the nature of oils means the painting will be dry to the touch and can be handled and framed, yet full drying time (curing) will take an additional six months. It is highly recommended that a second, permanent coat of varnish be applied after it is completely dry. The artist will gladly do this free of charge, but is not responsible for shipping the artwork to and from her studio.
Q. I cannot afford a full sized painting. Do you have anything smaller?
A. Yes. My Portraits on Paper is my most popular request.Portraits on paper are more economical but by no means less expressive. Image size is approximately 11x14. Gift Certificates are available. Prices are $800 (without tack) or $950 (with tack). Find out more here.
Q. Do you work with a live horse or with photographs?
A. Both.I will conduct a photo shoot personally at no charge if the subject horse is within Los Angeles County. (Transportation fees will incur for any photo shoot conducted outside of Los Angeles County). I prefer to get to know the subject horse and talk to the owner (or trainer) to find out about a horse's personality and quirks to see if they can be incorporated into the painting. If the subject horse is not available, I might be able to work with photographs provided by the client, depending on their quality of detail.
Q. I need artwork for a gift. Can you produce something quickly?
A. Yes. I can make you a Portrait on Paper in four to six weeks, or offer a gift certificate.Turnaround time for one of my Portraits on Paper is four to six weeks (after photo shoot or receipt of acceptable photos). For holiday delivery, last day to place an order is November 1. Gift Certificates for portraits are also available. A custom made card will be sent to the recipient with nstructions on how to submit photographs of the subject. Find out more here.
Q. Do you have any ready-made artwork for sale?
For available prints, please click here. Top quality paper and canvas prints are produced by world-renown printers (Kolibri Art Studio and Marco Fine Arts).
A. Yes. Drawings, watercolours and studies are also offered for sale.Drawings, watercolours, sketches and studies are also offered for sale. Availability varies and they can be shipped immediately. Click for Current List.
Q. Can you send my artwork framed?
A. Yes. Costs will vary for custom framing.Any piece of artwork can be framed. Please inform me of your framing preferences at least three weeks before your painting's estimated completion date to avoid any delays on delivery. There may be increased shipping costs due to greater size and weight.
