Paintings by Anastasia: Commissions

Subjects and Timing

Send me email at paintings@anastasia.com to begin exploring if I may make a picture for you. 

A child, grandparent, favorite flower, special occasion, or fondly remembered location all make excellent subjects. 

The painting will be from photographs, as explained below.  Painting time is 2 to 4 months. 

Materials

My custom portraits are executed from photographs.  Sitting is not required, so a painting can be done as a surprise present.  However, if feasible, I like to meet and converse with the subject so I can better capture their special spirit.  Even though a painting can be done from existing photographs, I prefer to photograph the subject in several different situations to ensure appropriate lighting conditions, plus clear and detailed facial expressions.  Several photographs of people, pets, and backgrounds can be combined in a single painting.  In particular, the final background chosen for a portrait may be completely different from the one in the photograph of the subject.  (for instance, an outdoor scene can be substituted for a "studio" background).  For example, the photographs on the right were the basis the painting below.

Photographs

Planning & Design

Final Painting

Once the photographs have been shot (usually 4-5 rolls of film), we will meet to select photographs which will satisfy your expectations and be a strong basis for a painting.  From the selected photograph(s), I will design a maquette (a black and white sketch with computer generated components) with the actual portrait proportions and composition.  I will incorporate corrections into this proposed design until we reach agreement about how the completed painting will look.

Execution

• After the design is completed, actual painting time can vary from 3 to 4 months depending on the complexity and the length of my queue. 

• Before completing a painting, you will be invited to comment on the likeness of the facial expression, and minor details can be changed or added.  At this point I may also request another interview with you, to fully capture the subject. 

• Framing is usually not included in a contract, but I can work with you in selecting an appropriate frame for the finished portrait. 

• If you desire, high quality prints and notecards of the finished portrait can also be ordered for your personal use. 

Prices

Type		Size	Oil
Figure
	head only	12×9	$1,515	(life size)
	torso	20×16	$2,120
		24×18	$2,875
	full	24×18	$2,875
		24×30	$3,445
Floral or Landscape
		16×20	$1,815
		18×24	$1,815
		24×30	$2,975
		30×40	$4,450

Additional charges

• $50 for lace, jewelry, and/or fancy clothing.  $300 to $500 for background other than simple vignette, depending on the complexity and size of the painting (typically ~$200 for an outdoor scene). 
• $500 per subject in a group portrait. 
• Photo expenses (typical charges for 4-5 rolls of film ~ $80; photographer's time ~ $100). 
• Shipping and insurance. 

Terms

• Prices for oil paintings include neither mat nor frame. 
• Payments:
  • none, as we discuss the painting goals and I interview you about the subject. 
  • 1/3 due at shooting the photographs, which starts the detailed design process; or as I start the design with photographs you have provided. 
  • An invoice for the photograph expenses. 
  • 1/3 due upon final design agreement, when actual painting starts. 
  • Final 1/3 due upon the completion of painting. 
  • Shipping and insurance charges as they happen. 
• Upon completion, you have one week to return the painting for minor changes free of charge. 
• I retain copyright of the image, per standard professional practice.  I may ask you to allow the painting to be entered in a competition.  (It's always nice to have a prize to brag about with your painting!)