Commissioned portraits are painted from photograph using acrylic paint and other mixed media.  Acrylics are water-based paints made from pigment mixed with acrylic resin and emulsion. A semi-gloss or gloss varnish protects finished paintings.

I will need a clear photograph of the subject/s to complete the painting.  Better photos make better portraits! Remember that your photo is the only image I have of your child/adult so I will paint the pose reflected in the photograph. If I am painting multiple subjects I can use a separate photograph of each.  Once I receive a photo via email or mail, I will go over any preferences regarding color and background subject matter.

At the request of many clients I have included ephemera such as copies of old family letters, an outline of a church, or images that represent a child’s interests etc.  These items must be received before the painting is started since the paintings are constructed in multiple layers. All photographs and any additional materials you send will be returned to you when your custom portrait is delivered.

Paintings typically take 4 - 6 weeks to complete. Custom portraits with multiple subjects or those commissioned during holiday or high-volume months may take longer. If you need your custom portrait art by a certain date or for a special occasion, please let me know and I will do everything possible to accommodate your request.  Plan ahead for the holidays and start the process early, as this is my busiest time.

When your portrait is completed, a digital proof will be sent to you via email. I am happy to make any changes if required.

To commission your custom work please email me at: ashley_hackshaw@dc.rr.com

Size of Canvas                                                 

18” x 18” x 1.5”                                                     

18” x 18” x 2.5” (Gallery Canvas)                         

24” x 30” x 1.5”                                                     

24” x 30” x 2.5” (Gallery Canvas)                         

*Pricing is for one subject.  Each additional subject is $250.  Keep in mind that one subject is ideal for the 18” x 18” canvas and up to three subjects is ideal for the 24” x 30” canvas. This pricing is a starting point only. I am always willing to discuss custom canvas sizes and subjects.

I have many requests to paint multiple portraits at one time (i.e. paint three children on three separate 18” x 18” canvases).  I offer a discount of 15% on any additional portraits ordered at one time.

The commission price does not include framing.  Completed portraits are delivered unframed.  If you plan to frame a painting the 1.5” canvas is recommended.  The 2.5” gallery canvases are typically hung without framing.  However, both the 1.5” or 2.5” canvases may be hung without framing since the painting will wrap around the edges. 

Shipping and insurance costs are in addition to the price of the commission. If shipping is necessary, your artwork will be properly packed and insured.  Shipping prices do vary.  They can run anywhere from $60 to $100.

After an understanding is reached of what the commissioned painting will entail, a commission contract is drawn up.  I require a signed commission contract and 25% deposit to start. This will hold your place in my schedule and I will email you to verify receipt and provide an expected completion date.

When the portrait is completed I email you a proof of the finished portrait.  Once you have approved the final painting, I will send you an invoice with the remaining balance plus shipping and insurance. When your final payment is received, I will ship your portrait to you.

Payment can be made either by check or money order. To pay by check or money order, make it payable to Ashley S. Hackshaw, and mail the full amount to:

Ashley Hackshaw

P.O. Box 1375

Palm Desert, CA 92261

I also accept credit card through Paypal at the account address: ashley_hackshaw@dc.rr.com.

Your complete satisfaction is very important to me. When you are 100% satisfied, payment can be arranged. Once payment is received, your artwork is safely packed flat and sent via prompt delivery with a tracking number.  If for any reason you are not entirely happy with the finished artwork, you are under no obligation to accept it.  Any rejected portraits become the property of the artist.

All portraits are done from one high quality photograph for each subject. This eliminates sitting fees and also allows me to work around my 2-year-old daughter’s schedule! Photographs should be clear and taken in natural light when possible. The higher the resolution, quality and clearness of your photo, the more detail I will be able to pick up. You may send multiple poses if you have trouble deciding and I can help with choosing the best quality image or pose. 

Digital images work best and allow the most flexibility. Digital images should be 200 dpi or higher and in JPEG or TIFF formats and can be emailed or sent on CD. I can also work from prints such as school or professional photographs if you scan them or send them in the mail. 

I take great care of your photos and they will be returned to you with the finished portrait.

Process

Pricing

Commission Contract & Payment

Customer Satisfaction

Photo Suggestions

Pricing*

$800

$850

$1000

$1100