GLORIA PINSKER PORTRAITS

Fine-Art Portraiture of People & Animals

SIZE & PRICE INFORMATION FOR PORTRAITS 

PORTRAIT SIZES

I do not charge by the size of the portrait, but rather by the pose. This is because the more of the figure that’s included in the pose, the more work for the artist, and thus the price is higher. The small difference between actual sizes of the canvas/paper is not as significant to me as an artist as the pose is, so you do not have to choose a tiny size in order to save money.

The sizes of my portraits range from 11″ x 14″ up to 24″ x 30.”  The format can be either vertical or horizontal, depending on the subject. (See the photos below for visual examples.) Most of my portraits fall within standard frame sizes, but other sizes, dimensions, or shapes (such as round or oval) are available and are sometimes more suitable for certain subjects. Together we can decide upon the size that will best suit your particular custom portrait! If you intend to do the framing yourself with a store-bought frame, let me know and I’ll make sure that your portrait falls within standard size dimensions. If you are going to have the artwork custom framed (recommended), the dimensions don’t matter as much, since the frame will be made especially for your portrait. 

The actual size of the portrait varies depending on the number of subjects (figures), size of the subject(s), and how much background is being included, as well as the size of the space where you’ll be hanging the portrait. Once the reference material is agreed upon, we can discuss size options. 

I do not work smaller than the sizes listed above. The reasons are:

• I prefer to work approx. 2/3 of  life-size (for head & shoulders) — this gives the most realistic results.
• It is difficult to get sufficient detail on a very small painting.
• Generally, a very small painting will not show up well when hanging on a wall.  
• Contact me to discuss sizes and prices based on your photo(s).
• You can have the portrait done in monochrome (black-&-white) or full color. You have choices within both categories: Monochrome portraits can be done in graphite pencil, charcoal, black-&-white or sepia-&-white colored pencil or pastel on toned paper, white pencil or pastel on black paper, or even in acrylic paint. Full color portraits are available in oil*, acrylic, or pastel. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which you should choose. Check out my artwork gallery for examples of each, or contact me and we can discuss which might be the best option for you.

      *acrylic underpainting finished with oil paint

BELOW ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF VARIOUS  POSES & SOME SUGGESTED SIZES. Variations are possible to suit your particular portrait. If there are more subjects in the portrait, the size might need to be larger.

ARTWORK SIZE VS. FRAME SIZE:

Please note that the sizes listed above are the size of the actual artwork. For mat/frame sizes, add anywhere from 2″to 4″ to each dimension. Portraits made in dry media such as pencil, charcoal, or pastel need to be matted, as well as framed under glass. Oil and acrylic paintings do not need a mat, and are framed without glass, although some people like the look of a mat (liner) with these as well. My dry media portraits are done on fine-quality archival paper. Oil and acrylic portraits are usually painted on smooth portrait canvas mounted on a panel (for ease of handling and shipping), but stretched canvas is also available. You can also choose to have your acrylic or oil portrait painted on a “gallery canvas,” which has deeper edges that are painted over and do not need a frame. There is an extra charge for gallery canvas portraits.

If you have a limit on how large you want your framed artwork to be, let me know and we can find the best solution for you.

 PORTRAIT PRICES (in U.S. dollars):

These prices are for ONE subject in the portrait, with a plain/abstract background and simple clothing. Add 50% for each additional subject (size may be larger)

For detailed backgrounds or clothing, or for subjects in motion, there is an extra charge, depending on complexity.

MONOCHROME PORTRAITS (Black-and-white)

Animals:

Head & Neck/Shoulders: $150

Half-Length (head & torso): $175

Full-Length, sitting, standing or reclining: $200.00

People:

Head & Shoulders: $200

Half-Length (to waist), hands not showing: $225

Half-Length (to waist) including hands:$250.00*

Full-Length: $275.00

 COLOR PORTRAITS

Animals:

Head & Neck/Shoulders: $225.00

Head & Torso: $250.00

Full-Length (sitting, standing or reclining): $275.00 and up

People:

Head & Shoulders: $300.00

Half-Length (to waist), hands not showing: $325.00

Half-Length (to waist), including hands: $350.00*

Full Length: $400.00 and up

* Why do I charge more for portraits that include hands? Because hands are very complex and can be as difficult, or sometimes more difficult, to draw and paint than the face.

Prices do not include mats, frames, or shipping/handling on non-local orders. I can often hand-deliver local orders (within 10 miles) at no charge.

GIFT CERTIFICATES are available in any amount. There is no dollar amount listed on the gift certificate — it will simply state the pose, type and medium that the gift certificate will purchase; i.e., “Head & Shoulders Child Portrait in Oil.” Gift certificates can be purchased by check, money order or PayPal, and sent to you or the gift recipient either by “snail mail” or email. Please contact me to inquire about details.