Commissioning a Portrait Painting

To me, every portrait is deeply personal. My ultimate goal is to deliver a masterful oil commission that you and your family will cherish for generations.

I believe the finest portraits come from collaboration. When you contact me, I take the time to get to know you and understand your vision. By working closely together, we ensure your final portrait is dynamic, soulful, and truly unique.

The Commission Process

Because of the level of detail I put into my work, I like to work from my own reference photography whenever possible. Here is how we can bring your portrait to life based on your location:

Local Clients (Within 60 Miles)

• The Consultation: We will meet to collaborate on clothing choices, props, and background settings that best reflect the subject's personality.

• The Photo Shoot: I will schedule a professional reference photo shoot with the subject in our agreed-upon setting. There is no additional charge for this photo shoot.

• The Selection: After the session, I will process the digital images and work with you to select the perfect pose, lighting, and expression before I begin painting.

Non Local Clients (Beyond 60 Miles)

The process is very similar to a local commission. While I am happy to travel to you to conduct the reference photo shoot, please note that any travel expenses will be factored into the final commission price.

Working from Existing Digital Photos

Whether you are local or long-distance, you may already have a high-resolution digital photograph you love. If the image quality and resolution are high enough, we can absolutely use it as our foundation, discussing minor color or design choices before I begin.

Vintage or Posthumous Portraits

Transforming an old or vintage photo into a lifetime oil painting is a beautiful way to honor a legacy.

• The Starting Point: We will need the highest-quality digital scan of your original photo possible. (You can see an example of what is possible in my commissioned piece, The Woods, which was created from a moderate-resolution vintage copy).

• The Palette: We can discuss whether you prefer a classic monochrome portrait (Black & White, Sepia, etc.) or a full-color painting.

• Artistic License: Please note that when working with damaged, low-resolution, or vintage photos, I may need to take minor artistic liberties to beautifully recreate lost details.

Timeline & Delivery

Once the brushes hit the canvas, most paintings will take approximately three months to complete.  Completion dates will ultimately depend on size, complexity, and number of subjects.

• Local Delivery: Whever possible, I can personally deliver paintings to local clients.

• Shipping & Long-Distance: For non-local clients, your artwork will be securely packed and shipped. Shipping costs (or travel expenses for personal delivery over 60 miles) will be added to the final commission price.

Investment & Pricing

When you commission an oil portrait, you are investing in a piece of fine art designed to last for centuries.

Payment Terms & Schedule

To make commissioning a custom oil portrait as seamless as possible, investments are divided into three equal payments tied to key milestones in the artistic process:

• 1/3 Initial Deposit: Due upon signing the commission agreement. This locks in your position on my studio calendar and initiates our creative collaboration and design consultation.

• 1/3 Progress Payment: Due after our reference photography session is complete and we have mutually selected the final pose, lighting, and composition. Receipt of this payment initiates the sketching and oil painting process on canvas.

• 1/3 Final Balance: Due upon completion and your final approval of the portrait, prior to framing, delivery, or shipping.

Please note: The initial 1/3 deposit is non-refundable, as it covers custom materials, scheduling, and dedicated consultation time. Any approved travel or shipping expenses will be added to the final balance invoice.

At Craig Rackley Studios, every single commission receives the same immense enthusiasm, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail, regardless of the size or scope. I welcome private, corporate, official, and gallery commissions alike. My goal is not just to paint a portrait, but to exceed your expectations.

Whether you have a clear vision or are just starting to explore the idea, let's chat about your custom oil painting.

Craig Rackley Studios

205-543-0510

Birmingham, AL