How to order custom art/portraits
The simplest way to get started is to contact me (the artist) for a free, no obligation quote. I can ask you questions to see what size and style portrait would best fit your budget and your dreams, and then structure my quote based on that conversation. Please know that I am out about 5 months on custom artwork orders right now.
What style & media of art do you want?
I work in several different media. My charcoal pencils are the least expensive option. All work is done on acid-free Bristol paper in several standard sizes. You can see all of my available sizes and pricing here. There is a small image link on that page that will pop up my pricing matrix.
I also offer watercolor paintings, inked drawings and inked watercolors. Their prices can be found here.
And if you are looking for something on canvas, I also do acrylic paints. Their pricing can be found here. The pricing for the watercolors and acrylics are fairly similar.
I base my pricing on the size of the piece and how much detail will be
required. Most pieces fall into the "standard level of detail" category. I am experimenting with more impressionistic work that doesn't have as much detail, and thus doesn't take as much time so that I can offer more economical options.
What sort of photos do you have?
I generally work from photographs. I can sometimes merge photos together to create a composite image to use as my reference. The more clear that reference photo is, the better the final artwork will be. If the reference photo was taken by someone other than yourself, please make sure that the photographer is alright with my using their art as a reference. A professional photographer may prefer to sign a release. I will gladly give them photo credit in any social or web posts.
I don't need a physical photo. If you want to email the digital file, that is totally acceptable. I usually blow the photo up to about 8x10 and get that printed to use as a reference.
an example of how to price a portrait
So, say you have a photo of a couple of kids that you want to have drawn. If you want to go with a 9x12 drawing, that would be $159. If you wanted them to be on an 11x14, then that pencil drawing would be $239. If you decided they would look really cool as an inked watercolor, then the price would be $295.
This pricing does not include sales tax or any shipping fees.
Framing & Prints
To keep things convenient for my customers, I do offer custom framing services. I can do single and double mats in a combination of colors. Many different styles of frames and colors are also available. I will work with you once the piece is started to design a nice frame package and then will give you an estimate before adding that to your project total.
There is a great way to solve the problem of giving away the portrait to someone and then it's gone. I can get prints made of your artwork and they look very close to the original . Today's print technology is simply amazing! Prints start at a simple smooth 5x7 print at $7 and go up from there. I can offer them matted and/or framed; or even in a canvas option.
how to get started
Once you are ready, please send me a message and we can discuss your project. Then I will give you a formal estimate so that you can be clear on the costs. If you have a discount coming to you, please be sure to tell me about it and I will apply it to your estimate. That discount would also cover any framing or prints that you should add on later in the process.
I will require your reference photo(s) and a 35% down-payment. The 35% is non-refundable, as that covers my initial time and materials into the project. The only exception is if
the work completion date goes 45 days past the deadline agreed upon between
Robinsbest and the Customer. I accept checks, credit cards and direct bank payments.
How long will it take?
It all depends on how busy I am when you place the order. I seem to be about 2-3 months out right now. It is best to order right away so that I can get you on my project list. I will give you an idea of timelines when we are working out the details of the project.
can you ship the custom artwork?
The short answer is yes! Shipping times range from 1-7 business days after the work is completed. Tracking information will be emailed to you as soon as available. Shipping for these items will be based on weight and actual shipping costs. An estimate will be sent to you prior to shipment. All original artwork is double and triple-protected; the packaging process can take a couple of hours to prevent any damage during transport.
Cart Weight | Ground Shipping | Expedited 2 Day Shipping |
Up to 1LB | $ 25.00 | $60.00 |
5 - 10 LBs | $95.00 | $200.00 |
10-15 LB | $150.00 | $290.00 |
( Please note these are only examples and not actual shipping prices according to weight)