That's a great question! Due to the wide variety of options available, price can range very widely. I am happy to do my best to fit your budget and make you a painting you'll love, whether you have $5 to spend or $500. That said, things which may increase the price include: large canvas size, multiple pets, rendered backgrounds (as opposed to a solid color for example), adding humans to the portrait, and shipping. 50% deposit is required before work begins, electronically or by cash or check.

I usually start by sketching out a guide on my canvas (based on your photo!) over a solid color base. Then I emphasize the lightest higlights and darkest shadows in paint pen to get a good idea of the composition, and lay down base colors. After that, I paint the background first, followed by the subject, and top it off with a coat of protective varnish.

I've been trying to answer that question for a long time! Honestly, I frequently forget to record how much time I spend on these pieces because I work on them in every spare minute I have, even just for a few minutes at a time. Depending on my personal life and work schedule, as well as requested size, number of subjects, and complexity, a painting can take anywhere from about a week to several weeks to finish. I can give you a better estimate when I have the details of your piece.

Yes! Probably more than you want! I try to document my process by taking photos at the end of each painting session and will send these to you periodically (via your preferred communication method) for review. That way, you have a chance to change things, add or subtract details, and watch your painting develop!

I work mainly in acrylic paints, but have been known to dabble in mixed media ;) Paintings may include gouache and graphite or charcoal as well. My brushes are a mixed bag of hand-me-downs, dollar store multi-packs, gifts, and ill advised Michaels splurges. All paintings are sealed with Liquitex professional archival quality satin varnish.