Commission work has been steady over the years and I have enjoyed the challenge of painting home, family, and pet portraits that are truly unique gifts and often quite moving to those close to the subject. I find this kind of work very rewarding but have learned that to me, as the artist, it is very important that I paint on my own terms, in my own style, and using my own vision, in capturing the subject(s) in watercolor.

I do not paint portraits that look like a studio photograph, but rather, your finished painting will be truthful, unique, fluid, and alive with light and color. Please browse my prior commission work and sample commissioned painting agreement below. My minimum fee for commission work is $450.

Note: size and subject(s) determine pricing.

View samples of this work in the online Gallery.

I, Bill Abel, will paint a watercolor portrait of _____(subject to be painted)_____by (date to be completed), for a  total cost of $350. The painting will measure 11 x 15 inches–suitable for framing at 16 x 20 inches. All efforts will be made to capture the likeness and details specific to the above subject, as well as including the street address written in the foreground of the painting.

Before entering into this agreement a $100 deposit has been made to the artist, to cover initial expenses, materials and time involved in setting up this commission.

While satisfaction is guaranteed and every effort will be made to paint the above painting as requested, 50% of the initial deposit shall be retained in the event that this commission work fails to meet the customer's expectation.