Why have a commissioned portrait? Portraits are original and enduring works of art that are handed down through generations. They are beautiful, unique, offer something that photos just cannot, and are a wonderful way to honor those you love.

I am happy to paint people or pets from a photograph. Ideally I would be able to meet the subject in person, but it’s not necessary. Either way, I would like to know a little more about my subject’s personality. Ideas will be roughly sketched and agreed upon before painting begins. Final works will be in oil on canvas or board. All commissioned work will begin with a contract and a down payment. See the commission contract for more information: <a href=”https://kbstudioart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/KB-Studio-Art-Commission-Contract-blank.pdf”>KB Studio Art Commission Contract

Commission Pricing

Pricing depends on the scope (e.g., full body vs head only; background) and size of the work, and on the turn-around time. People are generally pricier than pets. Additional subjects add to the cost. Commissions are permanent and personal pieces of art and are priced according to the skill and time each piece takes. The following prices are general estimates. Please contact me (karen.bendersky@gmail.com) to discuss your ideas.

Pets (single)
6 x 8 $350 oil ($200 scratchboard)
8 x 10 $450 oil portrait head ($200 drawing); $550 full-body
9 x 12 $650 oil portrait head ($275 drawing); $900 full-body
14 x 18 $850 oil portrait head ($300 drawing); $1000 full-body
Custom sizes available

People (single): 
8 x 10 $450 oil portrait head ($250 drawing)
9 x 12 $750 oil portrait head ($300 drawing)
14 x 18 $950 oil portrait head ($375 drawing)
16 x 20 $1000 oil portrait head ($400 drawing)
Custom sizes available

Miniature
3 x 5 $450
3 x 3 $400
3 x 4 $400
Custom sizes available

Please note that all prices (in-state) will be subject to Maryland’s required 6% sales tax. UK commissions will not be taxed.

Choosing a Photo

Choose a photo that reflects the exact pose you would like in the painting. The photo would ideally be of high resolution, very clear (not too dark), and sharp (not blurry). Dramatic lighting (e.g., side lighting with shadows) is often best but not necessary (see paintings of Phoebe, Norton, and Alexis 1 for dramatic lighting examples). Take cues from other portrait paintings and photos you admire as you choose your photo. For a pet and child’s portrait, it is best to take the photos of your subject at eye level and to fill the frame (again, to reflect the painting pose/orientation you desire as much as possible). For example, do not include a lot of background unless that is what you want in the painting. However, if you have an existing photo that has enough of the subject, I can definitely work with that even if it is background heavy. Portrait mode, if available on your phone camera, is a suggested tool for capturing great photos. Usually people send me lots of photos and we work together to choose the right one.

Background

Start thinking about the background type you want. My style is to do a dark background (if dramatic lighting is used or a dramatic effect is desired, or a brightly colored background. If you would like a bright background, let me know if you have a color preference. I can also do a more tailored background for additional cost.