Custom paintings are a great way to celebrate a special occasion because they’re created specifically for you, and will last a lifetime (and sometimes even beyond). For some of us, the photo makes the decision. The sparkle in her eye or devious look on his face is the reason you chose to get a custom portrait in the first place. For others, choosing the inspiration photo can feel a bit overwhelming. Read through these expert tips to help you choose an inspiration photo that will help your artist create the project of your dreams.

Most people recognize the significance of a completely custom painting and portrait. They understand how priceless it is to give someone else or yourself a gift that will last not only a lifetime, but a lifetime and beyond. Whatever your reason for thinking about commissioning a custom portrait, you have probably considered how much it will cost you financially. To help you with this, I have created this handy outline of the most commonly quoted prices.

Whether your youngest daughter is having her first baby or your parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, there is always a reason to celebrate with a commissioned piece of art. This is such an exciting time, because you are helping to create a family heirloom that will last for generations! Although exciting, this time can also feel a bit overwhelming. Choosing a photo is just half the plan, and the other choice lies in the artist who will actually create the work.

When commissioning a custom portrait, it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect. Commissioning family portraits or other artistic works does not follow the same protocol as making a regular purchase. The process of commissioning a custom portrait is emotional, exciting, nerve-wracking, and exhilarating. When commissioning a custom portrait, you are helping to create a precious family heirloom that will last for generations to come.

It’s September, and my first school year without a classroom of my own and students to love. Needless to say, I am definitely missing my kiddos. Because of this, I decided to connect to my former students by doing some research on Arts Integration Programs in Arizona schools. As most teachers who have ever used art integration in their classrooms already know – these types of programs have a profoundly positive impact on both teachers and students. Through my own experiences and research, I’ve decided to compile this list of the 3 most important reasons we need more art in public schools (although there are about a million more I could list).

For me, it meant purchasing all the materials (10 by 10 foot canopy tent, temporary walls and hangars) and carting them along with all my paintings to my sister’s house to set up the booth. In the heat, we assembled the tent and walls and hung each of the paintings. My wife then took a few photos and we then tore it all down. I’m not going to lie, this was a lot of work for just a few snapshots of a booth I wasn’t even sure would make it into art shows.

I get asked this question a lot, so I decided to write about it here. Choosing the right size canvas for your new custom painting can be quite a headache for many to decide. A painting that is way too small for a space will be underwhelming and even awkward. A painting that is way too large for a space can swallow a room, and dwarf any other wall art that may be present. I’ve compiled this helpful list of tips and tricks to help ensure you choose the perfect canvas size for your new, custom painting. These tips can be used whether you are commissioning a custom artwork, or are looking to purchase original art or prints.

Baby showers, weddings, and graduations… oh, my! Luckily, this beautiful life is chock full of reasons to celebrate - and commission custom artwork to go along with it. Whether its a portrait of you as a child for your parents’ 40-year wedding anniversary or a portrait of your son’s favorite grandmother to hang in his first house, we could all conjure up a million and one reasons why a custom painting is an impactful, lasting, and thoughtful gift for yourself or your loved ones.

For as long as there has been painting, there has been portraiture. Portrait paintings date back to at least 5,000 years ago to ancient Egypt, where the art form is said to have originated (although many other ancient peoples also practiced portrait artistry). Portraits are defined by the Tate Modern museum as simply a “representation of a specific person”. Paintings are not the only way artists can create portraits. Sculptures, photos and drawings are also considered portraits as long as the art aims to depict the expression, likeness or mood of a particular person.

Wow. Figuring out how to offer the highest quality but affordable prints has certainly been a whirlwind - but I am so proud to announce that we’ve done it! I am thrilled to now offer prints of my work as wall art as well as lifestyle accessories. Whether you’re looking for a case for your brand new XS Max or are redesigning your living room, we now have you covered.

I think it’s safe to say we’re all a bit tired and wary of the “sexy” this and “sexy” that Halloween costumes. Whether you’re looking to do something different for yourself this year or are teaching your little one about empowered women throughout history, consider dressing yourself or your kiddo up as one of these famous artists this Halloween.

It’s an exciting time of the year! The weather is finally (well, sort of) cooling down, Halloween is almost over and the holidays are quickly approaching. Along with cooler weather and holidays comes one of my favorites times of the year - art fair season! This will be my first time as an actual artisan at these local art fairs, and I hope to see you there.

I want to help ensure your commission process is a breeze and your painting turns out as everything you imagined and more. That is why I have compiled this helpful list of the 3 biggest mistakes people make when commissioning artworks (and how to avoid them).