What Does a Custom Painting Cost? (Real Pricing Guide)

It’s one of the first questions people ask — and one of the hardest to find a straight answer to online. Most artists are vague about pricing. Most “guides” give ranges so wide they’re useless. This article gives you real figures, explains what drives the cost of a commissioned painting, and helps you understand what you’re actually paying for when you invest in original art.

No vagueness. No hedging. Just honest numbers.

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Why Custom Painting Costs Vary So Much

Before the figures, it helps to understand the variables — because the price of a commissioned painting is not arbitrary. It’s built from a specific set of factors that compound quickly.

Size. The most obvious variable. A larger canvas requires more paint, more time, and more physical effort. A 40×50 cm piece and a 120×150 cm piece are not the same project — they’re not even close.

Medium. Oil paint takes longer to apply, layer, and dry than acrylic. A complex oil commission on stretched canvas costs more to produce than an acrylic on board — and that cost is justified. Oil paintings, properly cared for, last centuries.

Complexity. An atmospheric abstract with loose, expressive brushwork is a different undertaking from a detailed figurative portrait or a large architectural interior. The more information the painting must contain, the more time it requires.

The artist’s experience and reputation. A painter with 20 years of professional practice, a collector base, and an exhibition history commands different rates than someone who started painting two years ago. This reflects genuine skill, market standing, and the trust that comes with a long track record.

Framing and finishing. Some artists include framing or varnishing in their commission price. Others price these separately. Always ask.

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Real Pricing: What to Expect at Each Level

These are honest figures from the professional art market in Europe. They reflect what established, experienced artists charge for custom work.

Small original commissions (30×40 cm – 50×60 cm)

Typical range: €600 – €1,800

At this size, you’re looking at an intimate piece — a bedside table painting, a study, a gift. For an experienced artist working in oils or acrylics, expect to start at around €800 for a focused, well-executed work. Simpler abstract compositions sit toward the lower end. Detailed figurative or portrait work sits at the higher end or above it.

Be cautious of commissions advertised at €100–€300 in this size range. At those prices, the artist is either very inexperienced, using materials that won’t last, or producing work very quickly.

Medium commissions (70×90 cm – 100×120 cm)

Typical range: €2,000 – €6,000

This is the most popular size range for residential commissions — large enough to have presence, proportionate for most living rooms and bedrooms. A professional artist charging in this range is typically working with premium materials, spending two to four weeks on the piece, and bringing significant craft and experience to the work.

For context: a bespoke piece of furniture for a similar wall space would cost comparable or more, and nobody questions that price. Original art at this level is equally considered, equally skilled, and far more personal.

Large statement commissions (120×150 cm and above)

Typical range: €5,000 – €20,000+

Large canvases for luxury interiors, villas, and significant residential spaces operate at a different level of investment — and a different level of impact. A well-placed large original painting transforms a room in a way that nothing else can. Interior designers working on high-end projects routinely allocate this level of budget for statement art, because the right painting is the room.

At this scale, the artist’s experience managing large-format work matters enormously. Look for specific examples of large work in the artist’s portfolio.

Portrait commissions

Typical range: €1,500 – €8,000+ depending on size and complexity

Portraits are among the most technically demanding commissions. A single-figure portrait on a medium canvas from an experienced artist typically starts around €2,000–€3,000. Multi-figure compositions, full-length portraits, or highly detailed works command significantly more.

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What You’re Actually Paying For

When someone sees a price of €4,000 for a painting and balks, it’s usually because they’re thinking of the hours and the paint, not the full picture.

Here’s what’s inside a professional commission price:

Years of training and practice. Most established artists have spent a decade or more developing their skill. That knowledge is embedded in every brushstroke.

Premium materials. Professional-grade oil paints, stretched Belgian linen or high-quality cotton canvas, artist-grade varnishes and grounds. These materials cost significantly more than student-grade equivalents — and they’re what separates a painting that ages beautifully from one that cracks or fades within a decade.

Consultation and design time. The conversations before paint touches canvas — understanding your space, your brief, your references — take real time and genuine thought. This is not administrative overhead. It’s the difference between a painting that works in your home and one that doesn’t.

The irreplaceable nature of the object. There is one of this painting in the world. It cannot be reprinted, restocked, or duplicated. That singularity has value — aesthetic, personal, and increasingly financial as the artist’s career develops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an artist’s commission price is fair?

Compare their pricing to similar artists at a similar career stage. Look at their portfolio — an extensive, consistent body of work justifies higher prices than a sparse collection of student-era pieces. Check for evidence of sales, collector reviews, and exhibition history. A professional artist who is transparent about their pricing and process is almost always worth the fee.

Is it cheaper to buy a print than to commission a painting?

Yes, significantly — which is precisely when a print is the right choice. A signed limited edition print at €150–€300 gives you access to the artist’s vision at a fraction of the commission cost. For secondary spaces, multiple rooms, or when the budget doesn’t stretch, prints are the intelligent alternative. For the main wall of a key room — or when you want something made specifically for your space — a commission is in a different category.

Do I need to pay a deposit to commission a painting?

Yes — a deposit of 30–50% upfront is standard practice across the professional art market. It reflects the significant time and materials an artist invests before the piece leaves the studio. It’s not a red flag; it’s a sign of professionalism. An artist who asks for no deposit and wants full payment only on delivery may not have the same level of commitment to the outcome.

Can I request changes after seeing a work-in-progress photograph?

Yes — this is exactly what the work-in-progress stage is for. Most professional artists share a photograph at a meaningful midpoint (typically when the key colours and composition are established) and invite feedback before the painting is finalised. If something doesn’t feel right at this stage, say so clearly. It’s far easier to adjust an unfinished painting than a completed one.

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If you’re considering a commission and want to understand what’s possible for your space and budget, the conversation starts here — no obligation, just a genuine exchange about what you’re looking for.

→ Enquire About a Commission

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