see some of Mara's commissions below....

PROCESS & PRICES OF A CUSTOM PAINTING BY MARA

General Information About Custom Painting Commissions (January 2022)

You will receive exclusive rights to your commissioned image AND the original painting.
(Exclusive rights mean that you can use the image in any way you would like.)

In some instances, I am also given limited rights to create cards or prints with the commissioned image, which is solely at the client’s discretion.

My customary charge is $55 per hour.
I ask for an initial down payment of $333 and equal installments at the completion of each phase of the painting.

Prior to beginning the painting, we would co-create a simple contract, clearly stating all aspects of our agreement.
The contract would include a timeline.

Commission Size and Price

I usually work on canvases no smaller that 18” x 18” and no larger than 30” x 30”.

Canvases can be square or rectangular format.

Painting Labor (variable)

40 to 60 hours total ~ labor cost range $2,200 to $3,300.

Hours required depends on complexity of the image.

Painting Materials (variable)

Canvas is an additional cost, which is based on size selected.

There is no additional cost for other painting materials used (paint, varnish, etc.).

The Four Phases of Creating a Commissioned Painting

1. VISION and DREAM (apprx 10 -15 hours)

Discuss & share ideas via email and phone… possibly in-person.

Several (2 to 3) rough, small, simple 'thumbnail' sketches to be developed

as our exploration continues (I email these to you).

Research various details to be used in the painting.

(ex: specific animals, plants, symbols, etc.).

2. FINAL DRAWING and COLOR PALETTE (apprx 10 -15 hours)

Choose one thumbnail sketch and create the final 'to size' drawing.

(I email you copy for approval).

Decide upon colors (I email you color samples for approval).

3. PAINT (apprx 20 to 30 hours)

Create the finished painting.

Varnish the painting (for protection).

4. SCAN and SEND (optional, apprx 3 - 5 hours)

Scanning is a separate (optional) cost, which is variable depending on the size of the painting. A high quality digital scan is what graphic designer’s use when printing the painting image for a variety of uses such as: website / brochures / products / etc.

I can have the painting professionally scanned by a local printer. You may choose to create the scan yourself, or perhaps choose not create a scan at all.

5. PACK and SHIP (variable)

Shipping charges are extra.

They are based on the exact charge of shipping (box, shipping, insurance).

I always pack the painting well and ship safely and as reasonably as possible.

To avoid shipping cost, it is also possible for client to pick up their painting from my home in Trinidad, California.