AN HONEST PRICE BREAKDOWN
How Much Does a Custom Painting Really Cost? An Honest Price Breakdown
No vague "contact for quote" games — here is exactly what goes into the number, so you can budget with confidence.
A client once told me, “I almost didn’t reach out because I assumed a custom painting would cost thousands of dollars.” She was picturing gallery-auction prices, not a working artist’s real commission rates — and honestly, most people are guessing in the dark because so few artists actually publish real numbers.
So here is the honest version: what actually goes into the cost of a custom painting, broken down piece by piece, so you know exactly what you are paying for before you ever ask for a quote.
1. Size Is the Biggest Cost Driver — But Not the Only One
A small 12×16 inch canvas and a large 36×48 inch canvas are not just different in size — the larger piece needs more paint, more structural support, and significantly more working hours to fill with the same level of detail. As a rough guide, expect price to scale with surface area, not linearly with a single dimension.
That said, size alone does not set the price — a small, highly detailed portrait can take longer than a large, simple abstract piece. This is why an honest quote always asks about both dimensions and complexity together.
2. Detail Level: Abstract vs. Realistic Portrait Work
A loose, expressive abstract piece and a photorealistic portrait of a loved one require completely different amounts of time. Realistic human faces, in particular, demand precise proportion work, multiple correction passes, and often several rounds of reference-photo review with the client before the final layer goes on.
If your painting includes multiple faces, pets, or intricate background elements, expect the price to reflect the additional hours each added subject requires — this is usually the single biggest surprise for first-time commission clients.
3. Materials: Canvas, Paint Quality, and Framing
Materials matter more than people expect:
- Professional-grade acrylic or oil paint
- Gallery-quality stretched canvas
- Proper sealing/varnishing
Framing is almost always a separate line item, since frame style, size, and material vary so much by client preference. I am always upfront about which costs are included in the painting price and which are optional add-ons like framing or a custom easel display.
4. The Artist's Training and Experience Are Part of the Price
This is the part people rarely ask about, but it matters enormously: an artist with formal training and years of commission experience has already solved the technical problems — proportion, colour mixing, composition — that a less experienced painter is still learning through trial and error on your canvas.
I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Fine Arts and have spent 15+ years painting commissions, murals, and sacred art across the GTA — you can read more on my biography page. That training is part of why clients trust me with detailed, sentimental work — and it is fair for it to be reflected in the price, the same way you would expect from any skilled professional service.
5. Revisions and Rush Timelines Change the Number Too
Here is how I handle revisions and rush requests:
- A reasonable number of revision rounds during the sketch and early-colour stage — included as standard
- A rushed timeline (e.g. turning a normally 4-week piece around in 10 days) is reflected as a clearly stated rush fee, never hidden
The honest rule I follow: every cost should be explainable in one sentence. If I cannot explain why a number is what it is, I have not done my job as a professional.
A Fair Price Is One You Understand
The client who almost did not reach out ended up commissioning a portrait of her grandmother that now hangs in her living room — and she has told me since that knowing exactly what she was paying for, before committing, is what made her comfortable saying yes.
If you have a painting in mind, get in touch here with your size, subject, and timeline, and I will give you a clear, honest number — no games, no vague “it depends” without an explanation.
Written by Malini Bedi
Founder of Malinistic Art
Bachelor's & Master's in Fine Arts
FAQ
Do you offer payment plans for larger commissions?
Yes — for larger pieces I offer a deposit-plus-milestone payment structure so the cost is easier to manage.
What is the price range for a typical portrait commission?
It varies by size and detail, but I always provide a specific, itemized quote after hearing your size and subject — never a vague range that leaves you guessing.
Can I see examples of past commissions before booking?
Absolutely — I am always happy to share relevant past work in the same style or subject you are considering.
In This Post
- 1. Size Is the Biggest Cost Driver — But Not the Only One
- 2. Detail Level: Abstract vs. Realistic Portrait Work
- 3. Materials: Canvas, Paint Quality, and Framing
- 4. The Artist’s Training and Experience Are Part of the Price
- 5. Revisions and Rush Timelines Change the Number Too
- A Fair Price Is One You Understand
- FAQ
Ready for an Honest Quote on Your Painting?
Tell me your size, subject, and timeline — I will give you a clear, itemized number, no surprises.