How Much Would You Pay? - Occoquan,VA

3 X 4 FEET is much larger and takes much more supplies than a 12 X 18 INCH painting...

Maybe $350, depending on if you can make a good profit margin after buying supplies needed

We have paid up to $1500 for art work we loved....

it all depends on WHAT it is..I'm sorry I can't be of more help...

If she insists on paying - then tell her what the items/supplies will cost...

Okay, something of that size and scope, that won't be able to be printed and resold would be at least $500 - $800... Most paintings I see about half that size go for around $300-$400. Of course the complexity, time it took to make, quality and detail will play a factor in cost. Cost of paint and a quality canvas alone for that size is expensive, but you also have to take into consideration market value, demand of your work/time and what she is willing to pay. For example, more in demand artists are going to be able to fetch a higher price and such.

Check out some professional artist on etsy and their prices:

http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?search_submit=&q=...

Etsy has an excellent post on how to figure out your pricing structure:
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2010/etsy-success-reevaluatin...

I understand the "friend" discount. It's an easy way to drum up word of mouth business and to build your portfolio. Be careful not to undervalue yourself too much. How many hours will it take you to complete this picture? Figure that out and pay yourself and hourly wage, plus the cost of supplies. My grandmother gets commissioned for work often and she charges around $1,000 for her landscape paintings (bluebonnets mostly). She has to turn away work, even at those prices. So be sure not to undervalue your work!

maybe there is a website of people who are selling their own artwork and you could check it out to kind of compare. or look maybe on Ebay or craigslist to get an idea??? maybe check at an art school?

Can you think about it in terms of how many hours it will take you to finish the painting? Then apply the "friend" discount. It's hard when it's for a friend and the work is still yet to be complete! Be sure to tell her that not everyone gets the friend discount -- this way when she recommends you to someone (stranger) they won't think they'll get the same discount :) You gotta put some in your pocket too!! :)

I agree, don't undervalue your talents. Figure out your costs and give yourself and hourly wage (At LEAST $50-$75 per hour). Remember, you need the money! Not to take advantage of your friend..and by the way, she is a friend because she's not wanting to take advantage of you.

I think it depends on a few things. You should get an hourly wage you can live with and that takes into consideration some of your set up and take down time. But even that depends a little. If you have a space to work where you can leave up the painting while you work, then there won't be too much set up and take down. But if you don't and you can only work in short stints and spend half your time on setting up and taking down, then it shouldn't be counted. If you like your work and only re-do or go over an area the average number of times (I'm not a painter), then charge an hourly rate of at least 8-10 dollars per hour. But if you are a perfectionist or still have a hard time getting some things right, then I would charge less. On the other hand, if you are very good, rarely do things over and have a place to keep the painting up, then I'd consider more like 12-15 per hour.

I honestly don't believe you should give your friend a discount. A true friend would want you to earn a living doing your passion.

That is a pretty big picture. Will you have it framed? You will have to include that too. I wouldn't hesitate to at least charge $250 not including the frame. I have seen some crappy pictures in stores that cost more than that.

Go talk to a local gallery and see what other artists are charging. Be sure to knock the price down and take off the gallery's profit.
Do other artists frame the artwork for the client? I know some do to ensure that the frame compliments the painting. That would up the price for the cost of framing.
Check prices on the internet - many artists sell their work directly through their own websites.

Be flattered that your friend not only values your talent but values the talent and time that you will put into creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art for her. How wonderful!!!!

It depends on the cost of materials you need and the time you will spend to make it. Make sure your friend knows about these.

I would say something around $200 would be reasonable for a good friend.

I do paintings on the side for cash too....i love doing restorations they are so easy. i think a good friend price would be about 100$

it really depends on the complicated nature of the work and how long you spent on it.....if we are talkin about extremely detailed work....then id say 300 or so.

if you can do it in less than a days work of free time def. like 100 or less.

to do flowers and things for weddings its a 34% materials 33% labor and 33% profit..... when i do events for friends i just double my materials add a few bucks for my time and thats it.... if that helps any?

Art is very subjective, I guess you know that. There painters all over Italy, all they do is paint. You can get a hand painted 3 x 4 for anywhere from 50 euro to 150 euro. Now the known artists heck the sky is the limit!

You are not a known artist and even though it takes you a long time to paint that doesn't mean it wouldn't take a more experienced artist a short time. The other thing is painting is not work, or at least it shouldn't be, it is pleasure.

Anyway, in the end you are going to have to find out what the painting is worth to your friend. In other words ask your friend how much would you like to pay me to paint for you. If the price is acceptable then you paint for her. Easy as pie.

I like what everyone has stated here.
One thing I would add......don't price yourself too high that you turn off this prospective buyer. It sounds like you could use the money. You can still give her a discount while making some money. I'm afraid that in asking too much she will just say "Oh that's okay never mind." and I want you to get this commission. How about since this is a friend that you charget $200. Or $175 sounds better. Offer the price now then guage her response. That way if she "high brows" it or seems skeptical and you're afraid of losing the sale you and always add "well for you I can lower it to -----). That way you get the money you need and have her for an advertiser if anyone she knows sees the painting and wants to buy one too. You can even have a cocktail party before you give it to her then unveil it at the party as you give it to her. That way others see it and maybe they will want one too. Just an idea on the last part.

I bought an oil painting of a large ship on the ocean with unfurled sails. The detail is pretty high, you can see little people on the boat when you get very close and there are a few scattered gulls flying about. I bought the painting already presented in a gilded frame. It's measurements are 41 wide by 30 high including the frame. I paid 299.99 plus California tax to a little antique dealer.

I make quilts, and have done some for friends and family for a discount. The mistake I have made is giving them a discount on my labor. I have no idea how much paints and canvas cost, but I would figure out an hourly rate, at least $25 an hour, but $40 is not unreasonable, calculate the time needed to finish, and "throw in" the supplies as your discount to her. People are often shocked by how much a homemade quilt or painting costs, but they have no idea how much time it takes to make something one-of-a-kind. So if I were you, I would ask to be paid for my time, and then it won't become an emotional burden on you.

A friend of a friend does murals. I'm not exactly sure how she determines price, but each of the paintings I've had her do have been rather small, but she said she would be here all day. The price of each was $150, so I would start by estimating how long you think it will take you and $150 per day.