CUSTOM PORTRAITS
How to commission a custom portrait
Whether working from reference photos or from life, I strive to create custom oil painting portraits that capture the true essence of the subject, bringing them to life on the canvas.
My artistic style draws inspiration from the Impressionist movement in expressive brush strokes and the use of warm and cool colors playing off of each other to create vibrancy.
However, as you can see from the examples, the level of impressionism in each portrait can vary- depending on your desires. Each portrait is a testament to the subject's personality, and a work of art that will be treasured for generations to come.
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Portraits are much more time-consuming to paint than other art subjects. The tiniest stroke of paint can suddenly cause the likeness of the person to appear-- or vanish! On average, it takes me 3-4 times longer to paint a portrait than a landscape painting of equal size.
The 2023 base price for my portraits is $9 per square inch of unframed painting.
The minimum size is 8" x 10" inches= 80 square inches= $720 plus tax
What does the base price include?
The base price includes a head and shoulders painting of one person, painted with archival quality materials on a frameable panel on your choice of hardboard or linen canvas.
It also includes edits until you are satisfied! It's never happened yet, but if you don't love it, you are not committed to buying the finished work.
What is not included in the base price?
The frame is not included, and a flat panel will need a frame. A middle option is choosing to have it painted on a cradled panel (light colored wood sides) that is able to go right on the wall without a frame. The added cost of this option depends on the size of the artwork, but is a minimal fee compared to traditional framing. This is a clean, contemporary look that also saves you the hassle and cost of framing.
Examples of Standard Sizes (inches) and Portrait Base Price:
8x10 $720
9x12 $972
11x14 $1386
12x16 $1728
16x20 $2880
18x24 $3888 (can include more than head and shoulders)
24x30 $6480 (can include more than head and shoulders)
Add-ons to the base price include:
addition of another person- add 30% to total price
addition of a pet-- add 20%
significant deviation from reference photos (different clothing, etc)
What is the process?
1. You reach out to ask me any questions you have.
(425)422-4109 call or text
info@brittgreenlandartist.com
2. If you decided you're interested in continuing, let me know the budget or size and tell me a bit about what you're interested in.
Email me several photos you like of the subject if possible.
3. I get back to you with some possible croppings and a price quote as well as a timeline.
4. You choose a reference that you like best.
5. I let you know when I start and keep you posted while in progress!
6. Once finished, you can approve pay and take it home OR ask for edits. Once final edits are done and you love it, you can pay in full and enjoy a piece of art that wouldn't exist without you!
"I don't know how, but this painting is just so much more ME than the reference photo. I feel like you really see me as I am."
Mary S.- West Seattle
Pricing of Custom Portraits in Oils
"We had admired Britt's work for her beautiful and vivid landscapes and reached out to see if she worked on commission. We had a particular scene and size in mind, and Britt was happy to work with us. We shared a few pictures with her and she advised on how best to bring them to life in a painting. She kept us in the loop throughout the process but we also could rely on her judgment. We couldn't be happier with the final result - it was just what we had in mind! She even helped us through the framing process and provided some in-process pictures of our painting. Thank you Britt!"
Emily P. Issaquah, WA
"I wanted to commemorate my husband’s first glacier climb. Britt helped me select a photo from the climb. She helped me to realize the ‘what’ that I was trying to capture in a painting. I selected a challenging scene of mostly glacier snow and ice. Britt was able to show the texture of the snow as well as capture the action of the climbers as they move up the glacier. I am absolutely thrilled with how the painting came out. I definitely recommend her as a painter of commissioned art!"
Lisa L, Seattle, WA