The fine print….
Is there is a significant occasion in your future….a family wedding, a special anniversary, graduation, retirement? A commissioned painting of that memorable setting is a treasured gift….one that will bring back cherished memories and become an heirloom in years to come. Photo shoots for sites local to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts are done by the artist, otherwise your painting will be created from your own photographs.
Inn owners – commissioning a painting includes use the image on your own marketing material at no extra cost. Also see Business Paintings for more information.
The price of a house/inn portrait will vary depending upon the size of the painting, complexity of the structure and also number of buildings involved. The prices listed below are the starting point if the property is very complicated, or the actual price if not. Final price will be determined once artist visits the site or studies photos. Custom sizes are also available and priced individually based upon size and complexity.
Painting Size Starting Price
Effective through 12/31/24
12 x 16 $ 950
12 x 18 $1075
12 x 30 $1200
15 x 22 $1250
15 x 30 $1325
18 x 24 $1300
18 x 26 $1325
20 x 28 $1475
24 x 30 $1600
26 x 38 $1825
30 x 36 $2225
Visit the House Portrait Slide Show of paintings I have done in the past for ideas on perspective and season for your own personal painting.
Read this blog page Interested in a House Portrait? for additional ideas; also read information below for more suggestions and details.
The Process
1) Photos and Sketches
Most of the time I visit the property myself and take many photos, walk all around the yard, study the architecture, neighborhood, shrubs and landscaping. I often do some sketching on-site as well. And I sometimes return for 2-3 visits to make sure I’m capturing it exactly right. However, I have also painted homes when all I had was a couple of old sepia photos because the home no longer existed. If I cannot get to the property, I will request lots of photos sent and ask many questions about the home and surroundings. I like to feel like I have been there.
2) The Drawing/Design Phase
Often folks have a good idea of the particular view of the home they are interested in; but if not, that’s ok, too. Based upon the photos and sketches, I will then do a more detailed drawing (sometimes many) that more fully captures the view and perspective that is most appealing. I can move buildings and trees, change seasons, times of day/night. The design phase often takes longer than doing the actual painting because there is a lot to discuss and decide. You are very much involved in this process.
3) The Painting Phase
Once all decisions have been made (view, size, what to leave in, what to leave out, season, time of day, etc) then I paint. Only very minor changes can happen in this phase, which is why it is so important to be totally happy with the design phase. Once I begin to paint, it usually doesn’t take any longer than a week. As with so many other things in life, the real work is in the preparation. When done correctly, that is why the results are so pleasing.
The Usual Questions
1) How is the price determined? There’s a starting price for each size; this is usually the cost of your painting. If the house is very complicated, and/or there are many out-buildings, or other complicated designs to be incorporated, then the price will be adjusted. You will always know the final price before you commit.
Payments – Usually a small deposit is made up front. Once the drawing/design phase is completed and the decision is made to start the painting, 50% of the price is then paid. The remainder is due when the painting is complete, you see the scan and you are totally happy with it.
2) What does the price include?
Original watercolor painting on heavy archival watercolor paper (NOT matted or framed);
Photo shoot (if local to the Berkshires);
CD with the image in multiple formats for your personal use;
Certificate of Authenticity;
Permission to reproduce for your own use.
3) How long does it take from start to finish? Often the entire process is completed within a month. A lot depends on how quickly you make decisions, and also how busy I am. I’ve never missed a deadline, and will make sure you have your painting for your important event.
4) How far will you travel to do a photo shoot? Local to the Berkshires is included in the price; beyond that, if driving distance, we will figure out the extra cost based upon mileage. Otherwise, I will have you send photos and I can explain what I need. It works out fine.
5) Can I add in some “extra” things in the painting? Of course, I personalize paintings all the time…pets, cars, trucks, bikes, snowmen…but you have to provide me with the reference shots for the specific items. There is no extra charge for this unless they are very complicated and time consuming – hasn’t been an issue yet.
6) I just put in new shrubbery… can it be mature in the painting? As long as you can give me an idea what they should look like with a few years growth. I can trim shrubs and move/remove trees too.
7) How do you change seasons? If I only see the property in, say winter or summer, and you want autumn, I will ask lots of questions about the types of trees and colors of the foliage. Older photos help but are not critical as long as you can describe the colors. I often refer to botanical, gardening and tree books when painting trees and shrubs.
8) I want to give a house portrait as a gift but I’m afraid I will pick out the wrong scene/season/view. Give a gift certificate. Besides the recipient ending up with exactly what he/she wants, they go through the fun of planning it … and it really is a pleasurable journey and a very personal and thoughtful gift. I make up a lovely gift certificate, include info about the process, a little about the artist, and how to reach me to begin.
9) Where do I have it framed? There are many excellent framers in this area who are expert in helping you select the perfect framing treatment for your painting. Framing is an art in itself and one I have not mastered.
10) Fine Art Reproductions can be purchased at any time directly from the artist.