ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HAVING ME CREATE A SPECIAL PAINTING FOR YOU?

"Stealth" Original Watercolor

I am always interested in doing custom paintings for clients, as long as they can result in an interesting painting. I will admit that I will not accept all offers made, because I don't have expertise in everything. For example, I seldom do house portraits because I hate doing things with straight lines.

However, I am always willing to discuss your ideas, and see if we can come up with something that will work out for both of us.

I do two general types of custom work: Portraits, and Everything Else

Portraits:

"Quiet Time" Original Watercolor

Portraits are normally done in watercolors or oils. I generally work from photographs, and prefer to work from photos that I take myself. If you are located near Pasadena, California, we can make arrangements for me to take photos to work from. If not, I will need to work from your photos, and can email you some photo guidelines. I will not work from poor photos, but anyone can take good photos. If your first photos are not acceptable, I can help you take better ones.

Portrait prices are for one subject with a simple background and simple clothing (no plaids that have to be rendered exactly please). Complicated backgrounds cost more and I will have to evaluate that on a case by case basis. For more than one subject, add 50% for each additional subject. I will also only do multiple subjects in sizes 15x22" or larger. Lots of people in a small painting would make me nuts, and I hope you don't want that on your concience.

I have also noted with the prices what kind of portrait I am willing to do for that size of portrait. For example a small painting can't cover much more than the head and very top of the shoulders, but a larger painting can be a full body or most of the body of the person. Yes, I also do pets, although I haven't done very many recently.

Portrait Prices

All prices are unframed and include shipping:

11x8" - $250.00 - Head studies only
15x11" - $450.00 - Head studies only
22x15" - $800.00 - Head and shoulders are possible, maybe hands - depends
30x22" - $1400.00 - Usually a 3/4 view of an adult (no feet, but maybe down as far as the knees) or a full view of a child.

Prices are subject to change without notice

Terms:

Custom portraits are paid for in two installments - half when the commission is accepted by me, and the balance when it is accepted by the client. Portrait commissions seldom take less than 6 weeks, and may take considerably more if my schedule is backed up. The time frame can be discussed before the portrait is accepted. If you want a portait for a special occasion, and you know that it will not be done in time, I can provide a gift certificate for you to present to the recipient at the appropriate time before completion.

EVERYTHING ELSE

This is the information area for all the other kinds of custom paintings I do. For example, maybe you want a large painting of water lilies in an unusual shape to go over a credenza. Maybe you want some tulips and peonies painted in a particular vase. Maybe you want a painting of a cockatoo combined with a still life of yellow chrysanthemums. Maybe you need a painting to match a couch. While I can't and won't always do everything people ask, I am always interested in finding out things that people want. One of my favorite paintings ("Poppies Gone Crazy") was painted to go with a couch. I do love the challenge of coming up with a dynamite painting that meets the clients needs and goes way beyond just looking good.

"Sunflowers in Cobalt Pitcher 2" Original Watercolor

"Daffodils with Poppies on the Side" Original Watercolor

 I have considerable archived photographic material I have taken over the years of flowers, animals, and landscapes that can be incorporated into a finished painting, but if you want a painting of a specific flower that is not in the archive, in bloom or available to me, it may take a while to finish the painting - since I don't like to work from other people's photos and will never work off of magazine or calendar pictures. This way these paintings are unique and totally individual, but I may have to wait until a plant is in bloom locally in order to take photos to complete your painting.

"Hydrangea" Original Watercolor

 The most important thing to remember about having a custom painting done for you is that I want it to be a fun unique experience for both of us. I want to make a good painting. Not a ho-hum painting. And you want something special that meets your requirements. As a result good communication via email, telephone, or in person is very important.

Now, about pricing. The below prices are guidelines - very unusually complex paintings will cost more, but these prices include paintings with a good deal of complexity. And remember that just about any reasonable size can be made. Note: These prices are higher than portrait prices, because usually the complexity in composition and painting detail is higher for these kinds of paintings.

All prices are unframed and include shipping:

11x8" - $350.00
15x11" - $550.00
22x15" - $1000.00
30x22" - $1800.00
40x22" - $2500.00

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Terms:

Custom paintings are paid for in two installments - half when the commission is accepted by me, and the balance when it is accepted by the client. Commissions seldom take less than 6 weeks, and may take considerably more if my schedule is backed up. The time frame can be discussed before the portrait is accepted. If you want a portait for a special occasion, and you know that it will not be done in time, I can provide a gift certificate for you to present to the recipient at the appropriate time before completion.

I can also make arrangements for commissions to go through my gallery, Tirage in Pasadena, and they can accept credit cards. The bottom line, is that if you wish to purchase anything, just email me to get the ball rolling!

Send me e-mail: donna@barnesroberts.com

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