Basically, I can draw and paint just about anything. However, I don't do photo realism. Don't let this scare you away; let me explain. What would you rather have should you see a painting/drawing of your favourite pet? This response: "Nice photograph!" "It's not a photo, it's a drawing/painting." "Oh wow, I thought it was a photograph." Or this response: "That's (my) Poppy, and it's so her!" (to just use a random pet name) Well? I personally prefer the latter response as not the realism should be upfront; the animal should be. If you want something so realistic it could be a photograph either commission someone else or take a photograph. The point is, my animal drawings and paintings are in fact realistic, however, I'm trying to capture the essence of the animal, not copying a photograph. I will not - I repeat: will NOT - copy a photograph. When I paint something for you it will be something unique.
You know what? Most realistic painters strive for ultimate realism, and most realistic painters derive their work from a single photo, copying it precisely to achieve such ultimate realism. To me, that's not art, it's a waste of time. Also, there are painters saying painting animals isn't that hard because animals haven't such distinct personally unique features like us humans do. What I think of such a statement? I think it's complete and utter nonsense. The fact people think this, is because with animals individual traits are often harder to spot, and it takes a bit of studying or getting familiar with the individual to understand how different they all are not only in personality but also in looks. Why that's difficult? Because as humans we're used to distincting other human's features. Studies have shown that for instance a Caucasian human has difficulty recognizing individual traits on African-American humans, and the other way around. Why? Because most people aren't used to 'people of another origin'. I'm absolutely positive the same applies to how we view animals. It takes a bit of practice and familiarity to see all the unique little differences.
You may have noticed I work in different genres of 'art'. This is the very reason I have divided this commission page in different genres also.
:::Realism:::
I'm not fond of portraying people realistically and I freely admit I've never even really given it a try either. This does not mean I won't do it (or can't do it: I can do anything with a pencil), it just means I'm not experienced in that field. I can however portray a lot of animals. My speciality are dogs and horses regarding domestic animals, and general wildlife, especially wolves. I must however admit I'm mostly experienced with land mammals, big or small. Canine, feline, equine, you name it, I do it.If you want me to draw a specific pet for you there are a few guidelines I would like to call to attention. I always prefer meeting your pet in person. If that's not possible because either you live at the other side of this planet or your pet passed away a while ago I can still get by photo based. However, I always prefer talking to the owner in person about the pet's personality. If you're not the owner, you can just tell me what you know. I hold the animal's individual traits in high regard when painting a picture. Preferrably I work both photo, owner, as well as real life based when it comes to animals but unfortunately that's not always possible. If you'd ask me to portray your Frisian horse Wiebe (trust me, that IS a Frisian name) I can assure you it's not some Frisian I'll paint for you, it'll be Wiebe.
::.::Cost::.::
Basic line drawing: €5 to €10.-
A line drawing like this one would cost 5.-.
Simple drawing: €10 to €20.-
This horse drawing would be 15.-
This one would also be 15.-
Common drawing: usually €20 to €100.-
(depending on size, detail, media and subject)
Pricing from left to right: €90.- (would usually sell at about 50 but this one was done with a tight deadline and during a busy season) €65.- (graphite isn't easy to work with nor is composing three heads together a piece of cake) €30.- (due to small size of 13x16inch/30x40cm and experience with medium)
Big or challenging projects: starting at €150.-
This one was sold at €325.-
The painting shown above has been made with reference and is old in the sense that the lack of interaction between animal and background would be something I would avoid nowadays. Backgrounds take time so note that if you wish for a background the picture will automatically become more expensive than without.
Prices are estimates. Each painting is different as is each subject. Prices include material costs however exclude shipping and handling (which is a minimum of 2euro standard). If the subject is very hard to portray I might ask a difficulty fee. If a tight deadline is needed, I might ask a rush fee, depending how busy I am at the time.
With prices above €150.- I ask for a downpayment of half the price before I start working on your requested picture. This is simply so I can buy needed supplies (such as a canvas and paint) and still be able to pay my rent (what do you mean, I'm starving?).
Progress and pre sketches will be shown to you as a commissioner for approval as to avoid disappointment. An estimate is made beforehand, however if problems arise, there might be an additional charge of ten to twenty percent of the initial price. This however, has never occurred before, so don't worry.
When done with the picture, I either invite you to come see it, or I show you a small picture of the original. From there, you can decide whether it's as you please or if it's not to your liking. You will receive the original once the final payment is done. This is merely to avoid either working for half the price or for free (which would mean no food for me that month, haha). Once I have received payment, you will in turn receive your requested painting. I have no reason to keep a commissioned piece so don't worry I won't send it to you once I receive the final payment. Why? Because it's your pet and I wouldn't have enough space to keep all them paintings. I live in a really small apartment. ^-^
Now, if you would like more estimates (perhaps a guideline what other commissions you see on this website cost), would like to start negotiating or would simply want to discuss the possibilities do not hesitate to contact me at art@josav.com
:::Animation:::
Characters not belonging to me that are shown here are simply for illustrative purposes. No money is made off of those specific pictures; they serve only as examples.::.::Cost::.::
Basic line drawing: €5 to €10.-
Simple drawing: €10 to €15.-
Common drawing: usually €15 to €40.-
(depending on size, detail, media, subject and receipt)
Big or challenging projects: starting at €50.-
(no image available)
I haven't gotten myself into big animation projects yet. Most what I do in animation is a decent line art and some colouring. So I charge less money for animation. I'm better with traditional media than I am with digital.
Basically, the same rules apply as mentioned with realism.
For character design (so if you can only tell me what the character looks like instead of show me pictures) I charge an extra €10.- to €20.- per character.
Same payment rules apply for these commissions as for realistic paintings. I prefer cash or paypal. Any other type of payment can of course be discussed however keep in mind I don't trust shipping cash. Via a banking is usually not the way I work however, it can be discussed. You can always contact me at art@josav.com or asashey@yahoo.com with "commission" as subject for further information or negotiation.
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