FAQs
THINKING OF GETTING A PAINTING COMMISSIONED, SOMETHING UNIQUELY YOURS ?
PERHAPS A PORTRAIT OF A LOVED ONE FOR A GIFT OR MEMORY, A FAMILY PORTRAIT, A PET PORTRAIT ?
OR DO YOUR HAVE A PARTICULAR PLACE OR SCENE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE CAPTURED IN OILS, A GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL ?
I HAVE PUT TOGETHER THE ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE QUESTIONS I HAVE BEEN ASKED PREVIOUSLY RELATING TO COMMISSIONS.
HOPE IT HELPS, AND FEEL FREE TO ASK ANOTHER QUESTION IN THE FORM FOLLOWING IF YOUR QUERIE ISNT ANSWERED BELOW!!
How much do you charge?
Probably the main question, and most asked! Coming from a Trade background I view the art I create as an Artisan endeavour so I work for an hourly rate $30 per hour plus materials. I record the hours I actually work on each painting including prep, creative design and composition as well as splashing paint around!
So based on the information given to me, size, image type and style etc and conversations with you I can give a pretty accurate quote on a commissioned work.
Do you do Pet Portraits?
Yes I do and I love doing them, see PORTRAITS for examples.
With pets, as with human portraits, the better the reference, the better and more economical the result. I find with pets, as with humans, but especially animals the eyes have it!
So generally I try and source as many photos of the subject as possible, and again with close consultation with the client I come up with a composition and hook in. I have found that nearly every time I have done a pet portrait, tears have eventuated when the painting is delivered…it’s a thing!
Do you paint from photographs?
Yes I do, the reference for paintings can come from anywhere, but most of the commissions I do come from photos that are usually supplied by the client. The better the quality of reference material generally the better and more economical the result! There is a creative process on the composition and this is usually determined with close consultation with the client.
Do you paint in oils and what do you paint on?
Yes I paint in oils predominately, although I do like other mediums. I use high quality Artist oil paint, hand made.
At the moment I am using Australian made Langridge Oil Paint, I find the vibrant and beautifully textured paint compliments my style, and it’s Aussie made!
I now paint predominately on Aluminium Composite Panel, this is a 3 or 4 mm thick panel that is used for signage everywhere. The panel is light and durable, it’s archival properties are great and it id hard to damage. It is easy to cut to size, which makes it great for customising for framing and compositions. It can also be hung unframed or framed. Artists from all over the world are using it as the first choice substrate(canvas) and it is so cheap compared to other materials such as canvas and linen!
Because it is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a poor substitute, the opposite is true. I prepare it with bonding acrylic undercoats, and at least 2 coats of Oil based grounds (undercoats) and this allows the surface of the painting to truly show the colours and strokes in the painting as well as keeping the cost to a minimum for the client.
Having said that I love painting on Canvas or Belgian Linen, the more traditional canvases. Its up to the client and their preference, and something that will be discussed should a work be commissioned.
Do you paint portraits from photographs?
Yes I do, I enjoy painting portraits, see(PORTRAITS) for examples.
They are the ultimate challenge. With portraits ideally live sittings and photo reference produce the best results, but in the real world this isn’t often practical. The next best is photo references taken by me and again this isn’t often practical, so generally I try and source as many photos of the subject as possible and again with close consultation with the client come up with a composition and hook in!!
Do you frame all of your paintings?
Some of my paintings are framed and priced accordingly, I have quality framing equipment and I’m steadily increasing my framing output.
With commissions it is up to the client but generally I would offer the option of framing. Frames can often really enhance the look of a painting but my paintings tend to look fine without as well.
Sometimes where the painting will hang can influence frame choice and again this is the clients choice. Frames can elevate the price of a painting alarmingly so limiting this expense can be crucial.
I am always on the look out for quality frames that I can source economically then customise to suit my paintings, this combined with canvas choice add value for the client.
Commission Enquiry Form
If your are interested in commissioning a painting by Lindsay please feel free and without obligation to fill out the form below. Using the FAQ section above to assist if necessary, or just make a general enquiry, Lindsay Brennan Art will happily answer as soon as possible