18x24 Giclee prints available for $40
with 50% of proceeds to the Frances Perkins Center, Newcastle, Maine
Custom Portraiture
I have created diverse portraits ranging from newborns to seniors, individually and in family groupings, in a variety of settings and sizes. I have also completed numerous posthumous portraits. The goal is to create the portrait that fulfills your dreams, so I will work with you until you are 100% happy with the painting you have commissioned.
A deposit of one-third is required when the commission is agreed upon; the balance is due prior to shipping or upon delivery. Digital previews of completed paintings to be shipped are available on request. Requests for minor modifications in the finished portrait will be honored.
Charcoal, Conte, Pastel & Oil Portraits
The goal is complete client satisfaction. I want you to be thrilled with your portrait, and treasure it for a lifetime. The completion time of portraits in oil varies between one and three months. In other media, a portrait is usually shipped within six weeks of commissioning.
Pricing does not include photo shoot fees, photographic prints, travel expenses, or shipping and handling.
Matting and framing is available starting at $150 up to 16×20; $200 over 16×20. Please call me or fill out the form below with any questions you may have.
Commissioning a Portrait Artist: What To Look For
Commissioning an artist to paint a portrait is a once-in-a-lifetime undertaking for most people, if they’re lucky enough to have the means to do so. Today many more people enter this exciting venture than in the past, since the internet has made hundreds, if not thousands, of choices in portraiture available. Some of those portraits are offered by serious, professional fine art portrait artists; others come from mass production workshops in China and other overseas countries, and sometimes similar outfits in the U.S. which employ teams to turn out work.
Let’s say you’ve decided not to go with the cheapest portrait you can find, but with an individual American artist. That narrows down your selection a little, but you will still find yourself with a vast array of options. How do you know what to look for, and whether you’ll be satisfied in the end, and feel you’ve gotten your money’s worth?
One of the first things you will notice when you’ve begun your search, is that there is a very wide range of pricing in portraiture. Maybe that shouldn’t come as a surprise: after all, you can buy a brand new car for $10,000 or half a million, and it’s still a car. But remember what your parents always told you: You get what you pay for. Are you simply interested in having a favorite snapshot copied and converted into a painting? Or are you looking for a professional to take time to get to know the subject and create a work of fine art which will capture spirit and personality as well as an excellent likeness? Depending on your answers, you will want to call on very different artists. A look at the various sources I’ve placed in the Resource Book will provide ample contrast, and not just in the swing of prices.
What customers think about Artful Heirlooms portraiture
I could hardly wait to open the portrait when it arrived.. Upon opening the meticulously wrapped package, I was simply overwhelmed. The attention to detail, the artistry, and the amazing manner in which Ruth captured Madie’s “twinkle”, had me in tears. Ruth’s portrait exceeded anything I had ever imagined. On Christmas morning, the look on my Mother’s face when she opened her present was the most memorable part of all. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I am forever grateful for Ruth’s talent, her generosity in working with me, and for the gift she ultimately gave to my Mother and to me this Christmas. My Mother tells me it warms her heart each time she passes by Ruth’s amazing likeness of my daughter.
— Kelly B., Michigan
You captured Marsha’s soul as well as her physical beauty. It’s more accurate than a photograph. You did a fantastic job and I will treasure it always. This beautiful portrait is a comfort amid the grief. I can’t thank you enough for the sensitivity you must possess to produce such a wonderful work of art.
— RB, Maine
From the bottom of my heart -thank you! You have captured the caring, the smile, the sensuousness, the grace, the love of my soul mate. Some people paint for a living – you are truly an artist. Love and God Bless.
— M.H., Casco, ME
I can’t tell you how pleased we were with both of the portraits. You captured not only a remarkable likeness but also their own personalities. You truly have a gift! I look forward to seeing Suzanne’s.
— R.N., Birmingham, AL
For you to have immortalized her in such a wonderful way means more to me than I can say. I am honored to have this portrait be a part of my family. Know that you have touched my heart.
— M.K., Shawnee, KS
Just a note to tell you again how absolutely delighted we are with (our dog) Robbie’s portrait. You did a wonderful job of showing his loving spirit and personality. Everyone who sees it is amazed.
— B. & T.S., Walpole, ME
You did an outstanding job and we really appreciate it. The pastel is everything we wanted and much more. We are extremely pleased that we chose you to create it for us. You are a first class talented professional artist, and it was fun working with you. You are the best!
— S. & S. K., Tarpon Springs, FL
Leave a review for Artful Heirlooms
I always appreciate feedback on my work and would be delighted if you would share your experience with Artful Heirlooms. Thanks! – Ruth Monsell