ABOUT / PRICING
I began painting in 2014 as a way to help pass the long winter evenings in Alberta. I took some online lessons through Tim Gagnon Studio and quickly learned some of the basics. I found out that learning the basics was easy; but to combine what you learn into a pleasing composition is difficult. I continue to do his lessons but am at the point now where I also enjoy painting whatever comes to mind or working from my own photographs. I find that the more I paint the more there is to learn. My favourite subjects are landscapes, facades, trees, old buildings, birds, insects and animals. I love painting details on my subjects and making them look as realistic as possible. I don't paint to make money. I paint because I enjoy it and knowing that my painting is hanging in someone's home because they like it.
November 1, 2020 Milestone - I sold my 100th painting last week. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would happen. I happy to have paintings hanging in Sweden, many in Canada and several in the US including Tennessee, California, Colorado, Hawaii and Washington.
DONATIONS
Last spring I donated 15 paintings to a local school for a silent auction to raise funds for their outdoor school. The school raised approximately $1500 with the paintings I donated. In January 24, 2022 I donated three paintings to the MS Society of Alberta to help raise funds for the MS Bike Ride in June. At the end of September 2022 I donated three paintings to the Canada Post Children's Charity in Redwater for bidding. In October 2022 I donated three paintings to the Morinville Chamber of Commerce for the Fall Gala and Silent Auction. I also donated six paintings to the Redwater Art Society for their fundraiser in October 2022 as well as three more paintings to the Canada Post Children's Charity.
PRICING
Most professional artists will charge between $1.00 and $6.00 / sq. in. This may sound high but includes the cost of the canvas, paints, supplies and time; which in many cases could be 10 - 20 hours our more depending on the size and complexity of the painting.
Canvas costs for 11 x 14 up to 18 x 24 are in the $15 - $20 range. I buy the highest quality Gotrick canvases. I also frame most of my paintings with a standard 1.25" black wooden frame. I buy these in bulk from The Matshop and the prices range from $35 for an 11 x 14 to $60 for an 18 x 24. The majority of my paintings are 16 x 20 and the frame costs is $55. So even before I start I have invested about $55 in what will be a framed 16" x 20" painting. Frames for a painting of this size at most framing outlets or when purchased online will be at least $100.
As mentioned, I don't paint to make money. I paint because I enjoy it and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that people like my style of art. However, I can't "give" my paintings away. When I started painting I charged $0.40/sq. in for my paintings. Even at that time I was told I don't charge enough for my paintings. As I have become more experienced and generated more sales I am now charging between $0.50 and $0.75/ sq. in. which is very reasonable. So that means for a 16" x 20" framed painting the cost would be between $160 and $250 depending on the time it took to do the painting and the detail. Many artists I am familiar with would charge between $500 and $900 for a painting of this size. Shipping costs to most locations in western Canada are about $25.00. The furthest I have shipped a painting was to Tennessee and it was only $50 via FedEx. Of course if you are in my area we can arrange for pickup or delivery at no charge.
