If you have ever considered commissioning a custom oil painting of your child, you may have been discouraged by either the price or by the process. And because there are hundreds of custom oil painting services online -- with many questionable in quality and work standards -- choosing a service is often more difficult than choosing the photograph to have painted.
In our case, we were quite pleased by the experience we had with Master Arts on Canvas. In October, shortly after the birth of Penelope, we were contacted by Nested reader, Jane, who is the owner of Master Arts on Canvas. She asked if we'd be interested in commissioning a painting of Penelope and then reviewing the work.
The process was quite simple: We selected a photograph to have painted (a close-up works best) and the painting begins. Along the way, we were contacted about decisions that were to be made (for example, did we approve of how the photograph was to be cropped). Finally, when the painting was ready to be proofed, a photograph of the work was sent via email. If we wanted changes, then they would make them. If it was okay, the painting would be stretched and dried. We were happy with the painting and so no changes were requested.
We received the art a couple weeks later and were delighted by the results. Everything about the painting was polished, from the stretching to the work itself. The painting captured the photograph, but was clearly a painting.
The oil portraits of single subjects start at $142.95, inclusive of shipping. Our art was stretched, which is an additional fee. The standard delivery method is canvas, rolled in a tube and ready for framing.
The only downside -- looking at the art now -- is that we commissioned a painting based on a photo of a four-day old baby. And, as much as we love our little one, newborns are kind of weird looking. Of course, this isn't any fault of Master Arts. It's just a pro tip from us: pick your photo wisely!
If you're looking for a great father's day gift or just some art for yourself, then we highly recommend the folks at Master Arts on Canvas.
Jane has provided Nested readers with a 10% off discount from now until June 30, 2008. Just use the voucher code "nested."
