One Creative Crow
Watercolor Painting Portrait Commission Information
Why Commission Artwork?
Each commissioned watercolor portrait captures cherished memories, bringing your loved ones or beloved pets to life with vivid realism and a personal touch that transcends mere decoration. Many of my commissions are memorial pieces, created either for personal reflection or as heartfelt gifts.
I approach each subject with deep respect, understanding that commissioning a memorial portrait is a bittersweet experience. My goal is to honor your loved one and capture their essence, creating a painting that serves as a poignant reminder of them.
When I paint, I feel as though I’m spending time with the subject, getting to know them intimately. On the rare occasions when I’ve met my subjects in real life after painting them, it’s an oddly familiar experience—like a sense of déjà vu!
Beyond the emotional significance, bespoke artwork is a special luxury that should be accessible to all. A custom painting, crafted to last a lifetime, provides invaluable beauty and significance for your family. It becomes a cherished reminder and a conversation starter, enriching your life in ways that go further than the piece itself.
To ensure the best results, it's crucial to provide a high-quality reference photo. Here’s why:
Single Main Photo:
I work from one primary photo for your subject or pet’s pose. This ensures vivid realism and avoids the “uncanny valley” effect, where the portrait may look slightly off. Additional photos are used only for details like eye color and the direction of a cowlick.
Pose Consistency:
The chosen photo will determine the pose of the painting. I cannot alter the pose or combine elements from multiple photos to create a new pose. Basing the painting on one photo guarantees accuracy and realism.
High-Quality Photos:
High-quality reference photos are essential, especially for larger pieces (16x20 and above) and for capturing intricate details. Without clear, detailed photos, the vividness and accuracy of the painting may be compromised. You know your pet better than anyone. Select a photo that makes you say, “Wow, this is a great photo of Roxy!” The quality of the photo directly impacts the quality of the painting.
Requirements
Pricing
Single Subject Portraits:
4x6 Portrait: $60
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7x10 Portrait: $120
8x8 Portrait: $120
9x12 Portrait: $150
10x14 Portrait: $200
12x16 Portrait: $220
14x20 Portrait: $250
16x20 Portrait: $300
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Two-Subject Portraits:
9x12 Portrait: $200
14x20 Portrait: $360
16x20 Portrait: $450
More than Two Subjects:
Please contact me for more information.
Custom cut sizes available for an additional fee.
22x30 Portrait: Available by special request.
Note: High-quality reference photos are essential for sizes 16x20 and above. Ensure the photo you provide captures your pet’s details vividly to achieve the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your payment options?
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A 50% deposit or payment in full is required to start your painting. I am happy to offer installment options for paintings over $300. I take payments via Square, Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, Cashapp, etc. Please indicate your preferred method of payment when contacting me, and once we decide on a reference photo, you can pay.
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How long do the portraits take?
I have an ongoing commission list, but generally my turnaround is no longer than a month. Each of my watercolor portraits is meticulously crafted, taking dozens of hours and several days to complete. The process begins with careful photo editing to capture every detail, followed by precise sketching onto high-quality, 100% cotton Arches watercolor paper. Layer by layer, I build up the painting to perfectly match the subject.
Do you ship?
Yes! I can ship paintings 9x12 and smaller easily for around $5. Larger than that, expect a $10-15 fee to ensure the safety of mailing via special mailing tube. If you are local to the Seattle area, you are welcome to pick up your painting in person and forgo shipping costs.
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Do you work from live animals?
No, I can only work from photos. I can't express enough how important a good reference photo is. They are the difference between a good and a bad painting.
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Do you take photos?
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Yes! If you are local to the Seattle area, I am happy to take photos that will work best with my style. Alternately, I am happy to discuss with a photographer local to your area the best way to get a good reference photo of your subject if you are not local.
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How can I gift this to someone?
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If you already have the photo you know you would like to use, I can send the final piece to you and it's up to you to get it to your recipient. alternately, you can purchase a gift certificate for them and they can contact me directly once you give them the certficate. That way, you know they pick the exact photo they want for their painting
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How do you do group portraits?
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It's best if you send high quality individual photos of each dog in similar lighting/shadows, but sometimes seeing the pets together helps. I sketch each dog via Procreate on my IPad and play around with the best posing/sizing before beginning on the real paper.
Do you show progress photos or mock-ups?
I generally take photos all through the stages of my paintings. Usually I send a photo of the sketch before I start painting to ensure everything looks right with the client. I am happy to share progress photos once the final painting is completed.
​Can I use my painting commercially?
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I retain the copyright to all my artworks, so while you own the physical piece, you can’t reproduce or use it commercially without my permission. For any such uses, please contact me to discuss licensing. Thank you for understanding and respecting my creative rights.
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Ready?
You can message me at any of my public social media pages, email me at mkcrowart@gmail.com, or send a message via my contact form and I will get in touch with you ASAP.