Smallest Canvas Size for Commission?

madmonkey · #1 07-15-2010, 08:15 AM

How small is the smallest canvas/panel you will paint a portrait commission on?

I have found that people are trying to save a buck by asking for "smaller portraits."

And by small I mean like 4 full bodied children portrayed on 10 x 13???

I've even heard "So&so will paint it for $18 but I like the way you paint better. So if you do it on a smaller canvas for $18 that's ok."

Now I'm nothing special by any means, but come on!

Edit - that's 10 x 13 INCHES!

jbart · #2 07-15-2010, 09:22 AM

Those kind of offers aren't sincere. A portrait is to be something special and an adequate size of surface to do it justice is up to the artist to decide. Imo, I like 14x11 inches for a single head and part of shoulders.

**Dana Design** · #3 07-15-2010, 11:11 AM

I don't paint anything smaller than an 11x14 for a head only. Head and bust is 16x20.

And, $18 for 4 children is ridiculous. And insulting. I'd turn it down!

madmonkey · #4 07-15-2010, 11:29 AM

Thank you for the reality check jimmie & dana. I do head & shoulder studies smallish, 9 x 12 but not a finished portrait let along 4 full bodied kids.

To top it off she brings me a photo from a portrait studio she wants me to work from.....not walking but running away, really fast!

**stapeliad** · #5 07-15-2010, 11:42 AM

The absolute smallest I will do for one head only is 8x10.

**Dana Design** · #6 07-15-2010, 12:24 PM

Good idea, Jessica, because she will never be satisfied...even if you painted it on the head of a pin! LOL!

plec · #7 07-15-2010, 01:47 PM

tell them smaller canvases take longer and are therefore more expensive!!
Ken.

trevors · #8 07-15-2010, 02:49 PM

I would tell them to get" so and so" to do it and I would have to bite my tongue to limit myself to that response!

madmonkey · #9 07-15-2010, 03:49 PM

Agghhh, you guys are to funny! It never occured to me to tell her smaller canvases cost more but it did occur to me to send her to "so and so"

**bethanyt** · #10 07-16-2010, 05:51 AM

Totally agree! Smaller is much more difficult- therefore will cost more! The portrait is special and needs your full professional attention- trust your own judgement- DO NOT COMPROMISE! You will always regret the decision!

rwebb · #11 07-16-2010, 09:44 AM

11x14 is the smallest I do for one person.

And I would have told them that I charge $18 to listen to stupid offers. That, or I would have taken the $18 and drawn for stick figures...lol

Judy Manuche · #12 07-17-2010, 01:41 PM

$18 for four children that small??? Really? You should have asked if "so and so" actually paints or does he/she photocopy said reference photo and then glue in on a canvas! I had one person tell me she only paid $180 for a portrait that looked just like the photo...I told her to look really close, there probably aren't any brush strokes!

mimitabby · #13 07-19-2010, 02:16 PM

for 18 dollars you can tell her to buy her a disposable camera and tell her to have at it.
Sometimes I paint 6"x9" size, but that would be only 1 person's portrait. And it's because I like painting small. Don't go too far out of your comfort level for customer, it might result in you ending up with a product you are ashamed of.
Excellent advice was given here

madmonkey · #14 07-19-2010, 03:25 PM

I want to thank you all, it did occur to me to scan the photo, brush some liquin over it and call it done but that just wouldn't be honest

,
but then I figured $18 wouldn't even cover the cost of supplies!!

All is good though, I've got a commission for a 17' x 7.5' mural, and yes, they are paying me more than $18.

Thank you everyone for the advise and the laughs.

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