One Creative Crow
Pricing
Requirements
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your payment options?
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.
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.
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.
Do you take photos?
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.
How can I gift this to someone?
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
How do you do group portraits?
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?
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.
Watercolor Painting Portrait Commission Information
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.
