Watercolor Commissions

• Original watercolor and ink paintings of your home, garden, business or favorite view.
• Will work from your photos.
• Free consultation with no obligation.
• Highest quality paints and papers used.
• Unique gift or keepsake.
• Holiday cards, note cards, postcards, and prints can be made from the original for an additional charge

 

* Mat included in price.

**Prices do not include California sales tax if applicable (CA residents only).

Prices subject to change without notice.

Price includes original art, not the right to reproduce art.

All rights retained by artist. Please ask for a quote on rights to reproduce art.

 

Commissions in Oil

• Original oil painting on canvas sized to fit your home.
• I’ll make your idea for a painting a reality.
• Free consultation with no obligation.
• Will work from your photos.
• Unique gift or keepsake.
• Holiday cards, note cards, and postcards made for you from the painting.
• Highest quality paints used.
• Original painting reproduced any size as a giclée print on paper or canvas.

Commissions in Oil Price List

*Prices do not include California sales tax if applicable (CA residents only).

Prices subject to change without notice.

Price includes original art, not the right to reproduce art.

All rights retained by artist. Please ask for a quote on rights to reproduce art.

Ask for a quote on a custom size.

Ask about Commissioned Art. We’ll get back to you quickly.

What People Are Saying about Commissions by Susan Sternau

Fantastic to see Murphy come alive! A beautiful portrait. Our friend received your lovely painting and put it right up on her wall. A beautiful addition to her house, and a wonderful work of art to be cherished. Thanks again, from both of us, for your skillful, creative, and professional work on the Murphy painting — it is much appreciated and will be forever enjoyed. –Athena and Jet / Sonoma, CA

The drawing came in and it looks great! A real likeness of Lucy! Her portrait looks wonderful in chalk. I like it so much I may not give it to the kids. I may keep it myself. –Charles Sternau / Woodlands Texas

We love our commissioned painting of the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland. Susan captured the look of the theater and the feeling of the Art Deco era perfectly. –Linda Friedrich and Gail Stein / California

A painting of the local movie theater with our first documentary’s title emblazoned on the marquee, our family of eight waiting in front of the theater, our dog, and a deceased family member’s car driving out of the scene was our request. After studying many pictures and listening patiently long-distance, Susan completed (on schedule) the striking 26 x 36 oil painting that hangs over our fireplace. We love it! –Jeffrey and Charlene Chapman / Documentary Filmmakers

Lucy and I thank you SO much for the beautiful painting you did of our home, our beloved Burlington bungalow! It was a rare treasure of a Christmas gift!

The special touches you made, like my cat on the front porch, the earth flag, mailbox, and little plaque by the front door … and leaving out the big ugly air conditioner — all so sweet! And the color and light brings out my memories of the house as it was in our first weeks living there last June: bright greens and cool dappled shadows. –Martha and Lucy

“I wanted a “before & after the remodel” painting of our house, complete with our dog Oreo in the windows of both, to present to my partner for our 21st anniversary last year. Susan was the one I called to expertly and whimsically capture it. While spotlighting the improved house, Susan’s watercolor also freeze-frames the past: the house before a second floor was added and our recently departed Oreo. This priceless rendering draws visitors to it like a magnet and has become THE highlight of the renovation.” –Monica Levin

Commissions: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly can I get the painting?

A: Watercolors regular turnaround is 14 days. Rush is 7 days, add 25% to price. Super rush is 6 days or less, add 50% to price.

Oil paintings regular turnaround is 30 days, minimum to allow drying time. Rush is not available.

Q: Can you work from my photos?

A: Yes, you can email me digital reference photos.

Q: Will you show me studies?

A: Yes, for complex projects, I’m happy to share my studies and get your input. There is no additional charge.

Q: Does buying your art give me the right to copy it?

A: No, you are only buying the original piece. I, the artist, retain all the rights and the copyright. However, by request I’m happy to allow reproduction for a reasonable fee.

Q: Are commissioned paintings returnable?

A: No, custom art, like most custom products, is not returnable.

Q: How do I commission you to do a painting?

A: Contact me with your idea and provide photos if possible. I will begin work upon receipt of your 50% deposit by credit card. The balance is due upon completion of the artwork.

Q: Is the painting guaranteed original?

A: Yes, all art is 100% original and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist.

Q: Is framing included?

A: No, framing is not included, but I’m happy to make suggestions. I recommend you take the art to your local frame shop for custom framing.

Q: Is matting included?

A: Yes, for watercolors in most sizes, a neutral color mat is included and the painting is enclosed in a crystal clear protective sleeve.

Q: Do you charge sales tax?

A: Yes, sales tax is charged, but for California residents only.

Q: I don’t see the size painting I want on your chart. Do you do custom sizes?

A: Yes, custom sizing of art is available. Please contact us for a quote.

Q: Do you do commissioned drawings as well as paintings?

A: Yes, charcoal drawings on paper are also available. Please contact us for a quote and to discuss your idea for a drawing.