Custom Portraiture
Thank you for your interest in my custom portraiture. Please thoroughly review the options below and fill out the form at the bottom of the page for official inquiry. Thank you!
Painted Full Figure — Beginning at $980
A "Full-Figure Portrait" is my most premium and involved option for custom artwork. Ideal subjects include children in nature, parents with their children, or (clothed) figures in naturally lit environments. These paintings often aim to tell a deeper story through the surroundings and interactions within the scene. Still, they may also be a more traditional, full-figure portrait, with a simple background.
While smiling faces are always lovely, **candid life moments** or **soft smiles** are preferred for these full-figure portraits, allowing the artwork to convey a more authentic and emotive connection. Natural expressions, environments, and soft, warm lighting create a personal and reflective narrative conducive to the type of art I wish to create.
These portraits range in size and scale, beginning at 11x14 inches, offering room to capture both the details of the subject and the environment. Price considerations include the finished artwork's size, the complexity of the background, clothing, and accessories, and the number of figures in the painting. An official pricing sheet will be emailed upon inquiry reply. (Please check your SPAM folder.)
I reserve only a few of these commissions yearly, based on whether or not the images meet my artistic vision and standards. Unfortunately, I cannot accept all inquiries for this type of commission.
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Apply: Fill out the form below, and I'll reply as soon as possible. (Please check your SPAM folder, as my inquiry replies are often sent to spam.)
Inspiration & Photos: In situations where I am local to you (Dallas, TX), I would love to discuss a photoshoot for reference images. Otherwise, and most commonly, if I am not local to you, we can review existing photographs you may have or walk through ideas for you to have photos taken. We'll decide on the vision together either way, and I'll be happy to help ensure that your photographs meet the best artistic standards for a beautiful painting.
Artwork Size Selection: After we choose the resource photo(s), we'll confirm the size and final price.
Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your spot— Then, I begin my work.
Sketch Approval: Within a couple of weeks, I'll send (via email) a small painted sketch for your feedback before starting the full portrait; this ensures that we have the same vision with color and composition for the final piece and I use it as my guide for the final piece.
Painting Process: After you approve the painted sketch, I'll begin your painting, which takes approximately 6-10 weeks.
Review: As the painting nears completion, I'll involve you in a "proofreading review" to ensure any necessary adjustments are made.
Final Approval & Payment: The remaining balance is due after your approval, and I'll arrange delivery.
Shipping is free in the US.
*For artwork being shipped outside of the continental US, you are responsible for paying for the cost of shipping. Once the artwork size is determined, I am able to quote you a shipping rate upon request, as it is determined by size, weight, and delivery destination. All international artwork is sent via UPS, DHL, Fedex or USPS, and insurance is required.
**Please note: I cannot work from professional photographers' images without a written release of copyright. Please consult your photographer and obtain written release specifically directed to Sarah C. Nightingale before contacting me about creating artwork from those images.
Painted Portrait — Beginning at $780
A "Painted Portrait" showcases a shoulders-and-upward composition of a single sitter, focusing on the subject's face, natural expression, personality. The background is kept minimal to not distract from the featured subject. This portrait style is perfect for capturing a cherished loved one and/or celebrating an age milestone.
While faces smiling into the camera are beautiful, I prefer compositions that emphasize natural expressions over posed, smiling shots, and I encourage selecting photos that reflect candid moments for a more personal and emotive connection to the portrait. Of course, some portraits of children, especially, are most reflective of the individual if they’re smiling—exceptions can be made.
The sizes for a "Painted Portrait" range from 8x8 inches to 16x20 inches.
An official pricing sheet will be emailed upon inquiry reply. (Please check your SPAM folder.)
A guide for choosing/taking the best photos will be available soon..**Please note: I cannot work from professional photographers' images without a written release of copyright. Please consult your photographer and obtain written release specifically directed to Sarah C. Nightingale before contacting me about creating artwork from those images.
Charcoal Portraits— $480
A "Charcoal Portrait" also showcases a shoulders-and-upward composition of a single sitter, focusing on the subject's natural expression. While faces smiling into the camera are beautiful, I prefer compositions that emphasize natural expressions over posed, smiling shots, and I encourage selecting photos that reflect candid moments for a more personal and emotive connection to the portrait. Of course, some portraits of children, especially, are most reflective of the individual if they’re smiling—exceptions can be made.
A "Charcoal Portrait" is drawn with vine charcoal on mi tientes paper at 9x12 inches and matted to 8x10 inches.
A guide for choosing/taking the best photos will be available soon..**Please note: I cannot work from professional photographers' images without a written release of copyright. Please consult your photographer and obtain written release specifically directed to Sarah C. Nightingale before contacting me about creating artwork from those images.
Charcoal Sketch — $170
“Charcoal Sketches” are available through my series,“From Childhood”: a custom, on-going series delicately drawn with vine charcoal. Reservations spots are available 4 at a time, 2-4 times a months. Please follow @SarahCNightingale on Instagram for announcements when these reservations become available via stories. Official listing page for reservations can be found here.
To inquire about custom portraiture, please fill out the form below. Sometimes a reply will deliver to SPAM folders, so please check there if you do not hear from me with 2-3 days. Thank you! While I try to acomodate deadlines, most portraits aside from my Charcoal Sketches are scheduled months in advance.