House Portraits
And other commissioned art.
I started painting my East San José neighborhood because I wanted to remember it.
I still live here, but as time passes, I notice things change. Buildings get remodeled, painted, torn down. Fences, street signs, and traffic lights get replaced. Trees reach the ends of their life cycles.
Our day-to-day lives are set in our neighborhoods. Our homes, the streets and intersections we frequent, the hills our eyes inevitably wander toward while sitting in traffic – all of these become a part of us and help shape our identities.
Let me help you capture a place that’s meaningful to you with a watercolor commission.
Here’s how it works.
Step 1
Together we’ll establish your vision, including the painting’s subject and size.
Send me an inquiry to get the process started. I’ll ask for any photos you might have (it’s OK if you don’t have any – I’ll take my own as well). I’ll give you an idea of the timeline and send you a commission agreement with all the details mapped out.
Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash
Step 2
Return the signed agreement and pay the deposit.
I take a 50% non-refundable deposit to get started on the painting. The remainder is due when the painting is finished.
Sit tight while I paint!
When the piece is finished, I’ll send you a photo and prepare it for delivery.
Step 3
Enjoy your personalized work of art.
Once the remaining balance is paid, it’s ready for pickup. In-person pickup or hand-delivery by me is definitely the most cost-effective choice (it’s free!), but shipping is also available.
Step 4
Commission Pricing
Prices are based on size, as seen below.
Prices include:
An archival quality mat and backing in white that I’ll cut to fit inside a standard size frame. Local pickup or hand-delivery by me are also free.*
What's NOT included in the price:
Sales tax
Framing – my default is to leave framing up to you, but I do keep stock of frames that work well with my paintings. See frame options under “Add-Ons” below.
Shipping – larger paintings, especially framed, get pretty pricey to ship. This is why I prefer pickup or delivery if the buyer is local. If you would like your painting shipped, I can give you a cost estimate after you decide on the size(s) and framing options you want.
*Hand-delivery is available within a 25-mile radius of my San José studio only.
Small
6 x 8 inches – starting at $375
A 6 x 8” painting is matted to fit into a standard 11 x 14” frame, as shown above.
Framing available (see Add-Ons).
Medium
8 x 10 inches – starting at $595
An 8 x 10” painting is matted to fit into a standard 11 x 14” frame, as shown above.
Framing available (see Add-Ons).
Large
9 x 12 inches – starting at $750
A 9 x 12” painting is matted to fit into a standard 16 x 20” frame, as shown above.
Framing available (see Add-Ons).
Add-Ons
Still thinking?
That’s okay! Send me a message if you have any questions.
Just be sure you get the process going several months ahead of your target date to secure your place on my waiting list – commissions take time!
Commissioned art is a meaningful investment for yourself or for a loved one. It also makes a thoughtful gift for grandparents, mother’s day, father’s day, retirement, birthdays, and other big events like the purchase of a new home or a relocation out of the area.
Families often opt to commission one painting and order prints to give to each family member. Perfect for Christmas gift-giving.
Lots of options and lots to think about. Still have questions? Let me know how I can help.
