How do I order a portrait or custom piece of art?
Go to Menu > Customized Artwork > Portraits + Other Customized Artwork
Or just click on this link Customized Artwork ;)
On that page I have an inquiry form that you can fill out with the details of your piece. You will also find prices listed there. Once I receive your form, I will contact you via the email that you provide. My response will contain a proposed start date and any follow up questions that I may have.
Can you combine different reference photos to make a single image.
Often times this is requested when the scene someone desires is either difficult to achieve (ie. multiple pets) or no longer possible (ie. deceased family member).
I know how special something like that can be. My goal with any portrait is to give you something that you will love. In order for that to happen, I have to feel confident that the combined image will be up to the caliber that I aim for.
This really comes down to your reference photos. A painting will only be as good as the reference. If you give me a grainy warm lit photo and expect it to look good with a well lit, high quality photo, you will be disappointed. If you want a combined piece, you can absolutely submit your inquiry, but below are a few tips when choosing your reference photos*
How do I choose the right reference photos:
1. Choose high quality, well lit photos that accurately display skin tones or fur colors. Simply put, the more detail I can see, the more detail your portrait will have.
2. Some of the best photos are of the nostalgic, emotion-invoking variety. Laughter, a silly face, that dimple they always had, your pet with his favorite toy, etc. Don't be afraid to choose the one that makes you smile the most and say "that was so them".
*3. If combining separate photos, find ones with similar lighting and shadows. If the light source is on the left in one photo, but on the right in the other, that would be unrealistic when combined. I can make up details to a degree, but the more similar the lighting, the better.
*4. When selecting photos to be combined, be mindful of poses and choose ones that can go together easily.
Refer to the images below as an example for what to send in
Reference photo example 1
In the example below, the client wanted all three pets posed together but only had individual photos. We went back and forth until we found the right combination of photos. These three photos combined had good lighting, good detail, similar viewpoint (eyelevel, straight on), easily meshed together, and minimal details had to be made up.
Reference photo example 2
Another example; I really loved the stick photo for the dog the best. There was personality and detail that had me so excited to paint him. Due to the pose, the second photo with the owners made the most sense to blend with the stick photo and still get good detail for their faces.
These two photos combined had good and similar lighting, good detail, similar viewpoint (eyelevel, straight on), easily meshed together, and minimal details had to be made up.
Additional details that the client asked for were the cowlick that was always present, but not visible in the stick reference photo and a few of the owners favorite plants.
When do I pay?
Once you submit your inquiry and we agree on reference photos and the timeline, I will send you a $25 deposit invoice. This secures your spot on my calendar and is non-refundable. The deposit will be a credit toward the final cost of your order.
Once I begin working on your piece, I will send an invoice for the total amount that is left. Full payment is required before I will deliver or ship your finished piece.
What is the timeframe for a custom piece?
For most portraiture, once I start painting I can get it finished in 1-2 weeks. However I typically have a waitlist and thus, getting on my Calendar is going to give you a more accurate idea of timeline.
An acrylic commission can have a wider range of timeline depending on the size and subject.
I also am a big proponent of not burning myself out by cramming commissions in. While yes, in theory, I can get your commission done very quickly, giving myself time to get it done yields a better result for you and my mental health. If you need a commission rushed, it is up to my discretion if I am willing to, but I do charge a $25 rush fee.
Ready to get yours?
follow the link to my inquiry form!