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Artist Christina Carmel

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How to Choose an Inspiration Image for Your Custom Painting
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.
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How Much Does a Custom Portrait Cost?
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.
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How to Choose an Artist for Your Custom Portrait
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.
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What to Expect From Portrait Artists
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.
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3 Most Important Reasons We Need Arts Integration in Arizona Public Schools
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).
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Artist Christina Carmel is Showing at Fountain Festival of the Arts 2018
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.
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How to Choose the Right Size Artwork for Your Space
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.
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How to Commission Art
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.
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A Very Brief History of Portrait Painting
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.
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All About Wall Art Print Options
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.
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Best Rebel Female Artists Costumes
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.
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Meet Me at These Valley Art Fairs
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.
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The 3 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Portrait Artist
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).
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Absolutely Amazing! Christina painted a picture of our 4 grandchildren and it is perfect. Looking at the painting takes me back to the very moment the picture she painted from was taken. The joy in their faces is the joy of that exact second of time. Having Christina do a painting is more than just the final product. She kept me informed the whole way with pictures of the progress. She let me visit the studio so we could discuss exactly what I wanted in the picture, what was exactly how I wanted it, and what wasn’t quite right. She asked questions about the kids, the family, the situation so she could really understand us so she could make the picture perfectly retell the moment. That’s why she was able to capture not just the scene but the emotion. She asked for closeup pictures of faces so she could get the eyes, hair, and every detail right down to their dimples perfect.She’s the best!


We received one of Christina’s paintings as a wedding present and were so blown away by the realistic qualities. Little details like my own hands. Something I look at everyday and know so well she was able to capture so accurately. I was equally moved by the impressionistic qualities of the piece’s stylistic whimsy like Christina’s playful use of color and the painting’s movement from her soft brush stroke style. It is truly the most special gift we received.



In the day and age of technologically enhanced art, it is incredibly refreshing to see art with such vibrant personality, imagination, and realism that is created from nothing but a brain and a paintbrush. Christina has an uncanny ability to recreate your favorite photo while breathing brand new life into it at the same time. Her creative use of color schemes and brush strokes ensure that your painting is YOURS and not a cookie-cutter recreation of your favorite photo. I commissioned Christina to paint a picture of my favorite athlete, LeBron James. There's no doubt thousands of paintings of LeBron around the globe, but there certainly isn't one close to mine, and that feeling is quite special. Professionally speaking, Christina completed my commission in a very timely manner, frequently sent me updates of the progress, and always asked if I had any suggestions for improvement (I didn't have any). If you're on the fence about whether or not you should spend the money to commission Christina to make your favorite picture come to life, get off the fence, do yourself a favor and do it. There's an overwhelmingly great feeling knowing that you possess something that nobody else in the world has.



My husband and I fell in love with Christina Carmel’s paintings at Phoenix Pride this year so much so that when we bought one of her “She Series”, “SHEar Power”, we completely redecorated our entire bedroom around her! We also plan to do a commission from Christina very soon. 😊 Christina is beautiful inside and out and our story of meeting her and being able to wake up everyday to one of her paintings is truly priceless!


They say, a picture is worth a thousand words. My belief.....MUCH more than that!  There is also a story behind every picture.  And what Christina captured for me, is much more than meets the eye.  She not only impeccably portrayed my raw emotions in that very moment, but helped me realize an AWAKENING in me that had been strengthening for years.  Christina, THANK YOU for truly hearing my story and reminding me that SELF LOVE and SELF CARE, must come first. Before all else! I am eternally grateful to you for gracing my portrait with your love, beautiful spirit and soul! I love you Teeny, my forever soul sister 💞✨

I LOVE Christina’s work. It’s so honest and REAL. Her work is s true representation of women and people in society. She doesn’t paint what a stereotypical society thinks people should look like, who they should love, or what an “ideal” look of happiness is. I bought her CEO painting and it is by far one of the most exquisite pieces I’ve ever had. She portrayed the strong black woman in a simple, colorful, and breathtaking way. This painting is how I see myself, and I thank her for creating it. She’s AMAZING!


I’ve commissioned Christina for two paintings, and will continue to use her for any time I need new artwork! I am in love with her signature, colorful style. She is very communicative throughout the process and sent process updates throughout so I could let her know if I wanted any adjustments - but she was so great I never needed to make any! Thank you Christina for your beautiful work, my whole family loves it!

Christina is an amazing artist who so perfectly captures the relationships, thoughts and feelings of the subjects in her paintings. We own her piece "Finally." She is great to work with, is very quick to respond to messages and is very flexible in working with clients who want to bring her pieces home!

There is so much life in Christina's art! The way Christina captures the essence of these amazing figures is beyond beautiful and more than eye-catching. The colors are on another level! Christina is an incredible human being and her passion for people shows through her awe-inspiring talent. I'm a proud owner of a beautiful and powerful piece painted by Christina and cannot wait to be the owner of more. Christina's work is not to be missed and she can do custom orders too!

JennSheaAZ JessieRead more Google reviews

Excited to be the proud owner of a Christina Carmel piece that I’ve been admiring and finally purchased. Cannot wait to have “Cigar Ladies” framed and in the house, it brings so much fun energy to any space it occupies and is hard to pass without smiling. Highly recommend checking out Christina’s collections, powerful art that possesses an uplifting spirit and is visually captivating.

Christina is not just an incredibly gifted artist, she’s an incredible human being.  My commissioned painting of me and my precious cat that recently passed is my most treasured possession. The way she was able to capture our special bond and love made my heart just feel like it was exploding.  I truly didn’t know what to expect but any expectations I may have had were completely surpassed. She made certain she had every detail perfected.  Christina puts her whole heart and soul into her work and that is why it’s extra special. Highly recommend her for any painting you may want.

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