Oil Portrait Commission Pricing
As a portrait artist specializing in museum-quality oil paintings using traditional Renaissance techniques—including underpainting, glazing, and multiple layers for depth and luminosity—I price my work to reflect the extensive time, skill, and archival materials involved.
All commissions are custom and require an initial consultation to discuss details. Prices below are for single-subject portraits on canvas with simple tonal backgrounds and standard poses. More complex elements will incur additional fees.
I reserve the right to refuse any commission request that is not congruent with the artistic reputation and standards I wish to maintain.
Base Pricing by Composition
Head and Shoulders (or Bust/Vignette)
Focuses on the face, neck, and upper torso without hands.
- Small (e.g., 14×11 to 20×16 inches): $7,000
- Medium (e.g., 24×20 to 30×24 inches): $10,000–$12,000
- Large (e.g., 36×30 inches or life-size head): $15,000+
Half-Length (with Hands or Three-Quarter Torso)
Includes arms, hands, and more of the body.
- Small/Medium (e.g., 24×18 to 34×28 inches): $12,000–$15,000
- Large (e.g., 40×30 inches): $18,000–$20,000
Three-Quarter Length
Depicts most of the figure (e.g., to the knees).
- Medium (e.g., 28×22 to 48×36 inches): $18,000–$22,000
- Large (e.g., 60×40 inches): $25,000+
Full Body/Full Figure
Encompasses the entire subject.
- Medium (e.g., 30×24 to 60×40 inches): $22,000–$28,000
- Large/Life-Size (e.g., 72×48 inches or taller): $30,000–$50,000+
Additional Factors and Upcharges
- Multiple Subjects: Add 50–100% of the base price per additional person (e.g., +$3,500–$7,000 for a second figure in a small head-and-shoulders portrait). Groups or families quoted on request.
- Complex Elements: Intricate backgrounds, detailed clothing/jewelry, pets, or props: +20–50% (e.g., +$1,400–$3,500 for a small portrait).
- Travel Expenses: Required for on-site photography sessions. All travel-related costs (e.g., airfare, lodging, meals, transportation) are extra, must be paid in full upfront, and are non-refundable. Estimated and agreed upon in advance.
- Framing: Not provided. Clients are responsible for selecting and arranging their own framing to suit their preferences.
- Shipping: Clients are responsible for all shipping costs, including insurance if desired. Shipping will be arranged upon final payment and completion.
- Custom Requests: Quoted individually; no rushed jobs or hard deadlines accepted, as the layered Renaissance process cannot be expedited without compromising quality.
Payment Terms
Payments are structured in three stages to align with the artistic process:
- 1/3 non-refundable deposit due upfront upon signing the commission agreement (includes any travel expenses if applicable).
- 1/3 due upon completion of the underpainting.
- Final 1/3 due upon completion of the portrait.
All payments are non-refundable once the corresponding stage is reached.
Prices are in USD and subject to change based on project specifics. Taxes, if applicable, are additional. For inquiries or to begin a commission, please contact me with details about the desired composition, size, and any special elements.