But one of the most touching reasons I hear from my customers for giving a gift is that they want to commemorate their family home as a way to honor their parents.

And having a watercolor house portrait commissioned as a gift celebrates not only the parents, but the home that they bought and raised their family in.

Now the kids are grown up, they’ve moved on from the family house, sometimes raising their own families, thinking back on what it was like for their parents to raise them. Maybe with some kind of gratitude or even just deep respect for how much effort and love it takes.

The childhood home you grew up in is more than just square footage, more than just four walls and a fireplace, more than just a place to sleep. It lives in your memory as almost another member of the family.

This is especially true when you’re little. Speaking personally, as a child I spent hours exploring all the nooks and crannies of my house, the dark basements and dusty attics, sitting down on the floor and touching the carpeting, and leaning up against the walls; every surface was intimately familiar to me.

A portrait of your family home, painted in my usual dreamy style of watercolor and ink, can be more evocative than a photo because I try to capture the feeling of a place, not necessarily the exact color of the shutters or the precise dimensions of the front porch. It almost looks like it would in your memory.

(That’s what I’m going for, at least!)

The paintings on this page are all gifts of gratitude from a child to their parent(s). Gratitude for the memories, for the love, and for the four walls that contained their childhood. All painted in a light, colorful, storybook style that’s more like a nostalgic dream than an architectural rendering.

If you’re inspired by these heirloom-quality gifts and you’d like to commission one of your own, feel free to reach out and let me know. Just click the button below and fill out the commission request form - no pressure, it’ll just start the conversation between us!

Request a Commission

Further reading:

This past year I had the chance to paint the pieces on this page as commissions for some local businesses. I definitely plan on doing more.

I can see the awning that’s a little sun-faded. The hand-lettered sign nobody’s bothered to update in twenty years. The sidewalk out front that shoppers can linger on as they window shop. I often start “painting” these places in my head while I’m out and about, before I even get home to my painting supplies.

These places do more for a neighborhood than we probably realize. I love a bakery that remembers my order when I walk in. Or a hardware store where the guy behind the counter still walks you to the right aisle instead of pointing.

This gallery is my attempt at a small business portrait series, painted in watercolor and ink (the way I paint most things): a little loose, a little imperfect, more trying to capture the feeling of a place than getting every brick exactly right. Some of these shops started as somebody’s (slightly reckless) dream. A lot of them are still around because they became part of the community around them, so people actually show up.

If you’ve got a shop like that in your life (a favorite diner, your aunt’s old flower stand, the bookstore that basically raised you) I’d love to hear about it.

And if you’re thinking about commissioning your own storefront painting, as a gift or just a way to say thanks to a place that mattered, email me at daniel@danielpaintsyourhouse.com.

I’ll paint it the way you remember it. That part I am sure of.

If you want to learn more about how to commission a watercolor painting of a local business you love (or one you own), check out this link:

A custom house portrait solves that problem in one swoop. It’s not a bar cart accessory or a throw pillow that eventually gets rehomed to the guest room. It’s a keepsake, one that actually means something.

New homes are full of boxes, exhaustion, and a slightly manic kind of energy (have you seen someone’s face on move-in day?).

But seeing their new home rendered as a watercolor painting might just allow the new homeowner a moment to breathe, a moment of peace.

I work in loose watercolor and ink, a little whimsical on purpose. I’m not trying to recreate a real estate listing photo of their front porch. I want the painting to feel like a memory already, even on day one.

That’s the whole idea behind giving a personalized home portrait instead of a gift card. It’s not just decor. It’s a bit of storybook house art, a chapter that’s just getting started, the kind of thing they’ll be glad to have on the wall in year one and year twenty.

Realtors have caught onto this too. A custom home painting made for the actual house, instead of a generic gift basket, tends to stick around in someone’s memory a lot longer. It’s the kind of realtor closing gift that turns into referrals.

So if you’re hunting for a housewarming gift portrait for someone who just got their keys, skip the candle aisle. Get them a piece of meaningful home art instead, something hand-painted just for their place. They’ll still have it long after the boxes are unpacked and the candle’s burned down to nothing.

Want to commission one for your favorite new homeowner? Check out the post below to learn about my simple commission process:

A house they still carry around, sometimes even years later. The kind of place where a screen door had a specific creak, or a window looked out over a yard that meant something.

These custom house portraits aren’t supposed to be architectural renderings. They’re about the years someone spent inside four walls, growing up, or growing a family.

Nobody commissions a nostalgic house portrait because they want an exact replica. They already have photos for that.

What they want is closer to a feeling. The version of the house that lives in memory, softer around the edges, maybe a little more golden than it actually was.

That’s the idea behind painting things the way you remember them, not the way they actually looked. Memory already works like watercolor. Blurred in some places, vivid in others.

So when someone sends me photos of a house they left behind, I’m not just looking at siding and shutters. I’m looking for the one detail that made it theirs. The porch light. The tree out front. The door everyone actually used, instead of the “front door” nobody touched.

Some of these houses don’t even belong to the family anymore. Sold off, or lived in by strangers now. Which means the watercolor and ink portrait becomes the last version of that house that still exists, or at least the version that mattered.

They all started the same way: someone loved a place enough to want it remembered on paper, forever, as a kind of heirloom nobody could hang onto any other way.

If there’s a house like this living somewhere in your own memory, one you’re not ready to lose entirely, that’s exactly the kind of thing I love turning into a custom house portrait. Email me at daniel@danielpaintsyourhouse.com and let’s talk about what a keepsake house portrait of your own place could look like.

That experience led to me buy a beginner watercolor set from Amazon and put brush to paper for the very first time in my life.

(Relatable? Anyone else?)

I was 42 years old, a semi-employed actor and tour guide, and had never really done any visual arts before.

But I started watching YouTube and TikTok videos about watercolor painting, and, with quite a bit of free time on my hands, I was able to practice pretty consistently.

Humble beginnings

I don’t know what drew me to painting houses and buildings to be honest. My first painting (below) was of a cabin in the woods, and I suppose I just got fixated.

I shared some of my early works with my family and, even based on these EXTREMELY amateur attempts, my sister encouraged me to start an Etsy store and start taking commissions! (She’s a wonderful cheerleader, I’m very lucky.)

I had the good sense to practice a bit more before I started charging people actual money. But when I felt ok about a few little sketches I’d done, I posted them on social media just to let people know what I was up to.

Almost immediately, I had two people ask if I would paint their house - for money!

Then over the next few days I had two more people message me about doing portraits of THEIR houses.

It was truly a “What the heck?” moment. It felt way too easy!

The hobby vs. side hustle dilemma

To be honest, I had wanted painting to be just a hobby, not another side hustle. Something that was just for me.

But as someone who was struggling to string enough money together to cover my bills each month, who was I to say no to some extra pocket money?

Within a few weeks I had launched Daniel Paints Your House on Instagram and was working pretty consistently for a few extremely kind and generous early patrons.

I’m not going to pretend this was ever a full-time income for me; that I now live a prosperous, abundant life with art commissions as my only income. Far from it.

But at this point I’ve made about $11,000 over the last four years or so through my painting. That’s a fairly significant amount of money for a side hustle, and I’m proud of that!

Attempting to live a creative life

My life today looks very different than it did when I started this endeavor.

For one thing, I was diagnosed as neurodivergent, a topic I’ll get into in another post.

For another, I (sadly) left acting behind in 2024 and am now a full-time corporate employee doing the Monday-Friday 9-5 bit in an anonymous skyscraper in midtown Manhattan.

It’s the farthest thing from a glamorous artistic life you can imagine.

So it’s become even more important for me to have creative outlets in my free time. And that’s what my painting gives me.

I’m a born creative - it’s a MUST for me. I was never able to make a full-time living doing it, but that doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. It’s the “creating” part that’s important.

I hope you’ll stick around to read a few more posts about how I work, the tools I like to use, the strengths and struggles I deal with as a neurodivergent artist, and all the other topics that pop into my head as I grow this publication.

In the meantime, if you’ve got any questions about how to get a custom house portrait commission from me, I’ve put together a quick guide here.

Or fill out the form on this page and I’ll get back to you ASAP:

Request a Commission

When I first started doing custom house portraits, I learned pretty quickly how to create a product that would last: how important it was to use good quality paper, to buy paint brands wouldn’t fade, and how to package the paintings so they didn’t get jostled around too badly in the mail.

But I realized that I wasn’t educating my customers about how to care for their original watercolor painting once it was in their hands. To my great dismay I learned that not everyone rushes out to Michael’s craft store to get their painting immediately framed in UV-protected glass!

So I started including an insert in my packaging with some simple rules of thumb to keep your Daniel Paints Your House original looking great throughout the years - so it can become a true legacy for you and your family.

But if your insert ever gets lost, consider this post your official watercolor care guide. Nothing complicated, I promise — just a few small habits that’ll keep your painting looking as good in twenty years as it does the day it arrives.

Display Tips

Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays are watercolor’s biggest enemy (dramatic, but true). They’ll fade your painting over time if you let them. Find a spot with indirect natural light, or use UV-protective glass if you’re framing it.

Frame it right. Always use a mat — that’s the backing board that keeps the painting from touching the glass directly. It prevents moisture damage and lets the paper breathe.

Control humidity. Aim for a room with stable humidity, somewhere in the 40–60% range. Bathrooms and kitchens are the enemy here — anywhere prone to dampness can warp the paper or, worse, invite mold. (Not the storybook memory you were going for.)

Handling & Cleaning

Handle with clean hands. Oil and dirt from your fingers can leave permanent marks on an unframed piece. Hold it by the edges only — kind of like you would a vinyl record.

Dust gently. A soft, dry brush or cloth is all you need for the frame and glass. Never spray cleaner directly onto the glass. Spray your cloth instead. Moisture seeping behind the glass is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

Leave restoration to the experts. If something happens and your painting gets damaged or dirty, resist the urge to DIY it. Watercolor paper is delicate, and a well-meaning cleanup attempt can do more harm than the original mishap. Call a professional art conservator instead.

Storage

Not displaying it right now? Store it flat, in an acid-free folder or portfolio, away from heat sources and humidity. A cool, dry spot with a consistent temperature is all it needs to sit patiently until it’s ready for its wall.

In Conclusion

That’s really it. The painting just asks for a little gentleness once it’s framed and hanging. Give it that, and it’ll be part of your home for a very long time.

If you don’t have a painting yet and you’re the type of person who wants to remember a special place — a childhood home, the church you got married in, a vacation spot that still lives rent-free in your head — that’s exactly what I make these for.

Click the button below and fill out the commission request form. I’ll send you the details on how to get started. No commitment, just a little back-and-forth about a place that matters to you.

Request a Commission

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Further Reading:

It's not fancy paints, cold-pressed French watercolor paper, or top-of-the-line brushes.

One of the best ways to ensure a great finished product when I start working on your house portrait is to take a great reference photo of the house you want me to paint.

You DON'T have to hire a professional photographer, this is totally stress-free. But if you already have professional photos, then by all means send those!

If not, just follow these six simple tips...

#1 Send me at least one photo of the WHOLE structure with nothing cut off.

The angle doesn't matter! Just make sure it's the whole thing.

By all means, send me detail photos too if you want. I'll use it all! But just make sure one of the photos captures the whole structure.

#2 Back up.

Take the photo from a bit of a distance. If you take the photo from too close, the proportions will look funky.

A good rule of thumb: stand back far enough that you can see the roof of the house, if possible.

If you're too far away from the house, I can always zoom in. But if you take the photo from too close, I can't zoom out.

#3 Include some of the surroundings around the house.

I like to see what's around the house - trees, flower beds, out-buildings, water features. It helps to give the final painting some context.

Try to capture some of those unique outdoor features that make the house special.

#4 Pay attention to the position of the sun.

Take the photo at a time of day when the sun isn't directly behind the house.

If you can, wait until the sun is positioned behind or to the side of YOU.

If the sun is behind the house from your perspective, the colors and shadows in the final painting will look off.

#5 Avoid "too much garage" syndrome.

If your house has a prominent garage (or other feature that isn't memorable or meaningful to you), take the photo from an angle that de-emphasizes that part of the house.

For example, try to get an angle that focuses the front door as the focal point for the picture, and not the giant garage door.

#6 Include some close-ups and details if you can.

Things that otherwise might get overlooked, like a wreath, a mailbox, or a string of lights.

If it means something to you, I'll try my best to include it in the final painting!

In conclusion.

1. Take at least one photo of the whole structure with nothing cut off.

2. Take the photo from farther away than you think you should - I can always zoom in.

3. Include some of the background and context around the house.

4. Wait until the sun is behind or to the side of you, not behind the house.

5. De-emphasize unimportant parts of the house, such as a prominent garage.

6. Include details and close-ups if you can.

Here's a great example of a reference photo:

I hope this helps!

But I do need to say: DON'T STRESS! I've created house portraits from all kinds of reference photos. These are just some tips that will help me make your painting even better.

Get started with a painting commission:

If you’d like to commission a custom watercolor house portrait from me, just click the button below and fill out the commission request form!

Request a Commission

Further reading:

Full payment of $175 is requested upfront before I begin your commission. I accept PayPal and Venmo. The standard commission includes one 10” × 7” original ink and watercolor painting of places, buildings, or architectural structures (I don’t paint people, but can include small pets). You’ll need to provide at least one clear reference photo of the subject. Estimated turnaround is about 3 weeks, and free standard shipping is included for US deliveries. International shipping is available for an additional fee, to be determined at the time of your request.

Revisions are not included in the base price. Each commission is considered final upon completion, though revision requests can be discussed on a case-by-case basis for an additional fee. If you need to cancel before I’ve shipped your painting, you’ll receive a 50% refund. Once shipped, no refunds are available. I take great care packaging each piece—I’ve never had a painting arrive damaged—but optional shipping insurance is available since I can’t control what happens during transit.

You’ll have full rights to use your commissioned artwork however you’d like, and I retain the right to photograph and share it in my portfolio and on social media (unless you request otherwise). If it’s a gift, just let me know and I’ll wait until after the occasion to post it online.

By commissioning work from me, you agree to these terms and the full Terms & Conditions below.

Full Terms & Conditions For House Portrait Commissions

Effective Date: October 21, 2025
Contact: daniel@danielpaintsyourhouse.com
Website: danielpaintsyourhouse.com
Instagram: @danielpaintsyourhouse

1. Agreement to Terms

By commissioning artwork from Daniel Marmion (”Artist”), you (”Client”) agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. This constitutes a binding contract between Client and Artist. Please read these terms carefully before submitting a commission request.

2. Commission Process

2.1 Requesting a Commission

Clients may request a commission by contacting the Artist via email at daniel@danielpaintsyourhouse.com. Commission requests should include:

• Description of the subject (place, building, or structure)

• At least one reference photo showing the entire structure without obstruction (to the best of Client’s ability)

• Desired size (if different from standard 10” x 7”)

• Any specific elements or features to be highlighted

• Shipping address

2.2 Artist’s Discretion

Artist reserves the right to accept or decline any commission request at Artist’s sole discretion without providing a reason.

2.3 Timeline

The estimated turnaround time from initial contact to delivery is approximately three (3) weeks under ideal conditions. This is an estimate only and not a guarantee. Actual completion time may vary based on Artist’s current workload, complexity of the commission, and other factors beyond Artist’s control.

3. Pricing & Payment

3.1 Standard Commission Price

The base price for a standard commission is $175 USD. This includes:

• One original ink and watercolor painting

• Standard size: 10” × 7”

• Free standard shipping within the United States

3.2 Custom Sizing

Requests for sizes other than the standard 10” × 7” will be reviewed and priced on a case-by-case basis. Client will be informed of any additional charges before work begins.

3.3 Payment Requirements

Full payment is requested upfront before Artist begins work.

Accepted payment methods:

• PayPal

• Venmo

3.4 Payment Disputes & Chargebacks

Client agrees not to initiate payment disputes, chargebacks, or reversals through PayPal, Venmo, or any financial institution after agreeing to commission terms.

If a payment dispute or chargeback is initiated:

• Before shipment: Artist will pause all work until the dispute is resolved

• After shipment: Client will be considered in breach of contract. Artist will pursue all available legal remedies including recovery of commission price, court costs, and attorney fees.

Initiating a fraudulent chargeback after accepting delivery may result in legal action.

4. Subject Matter & Artistic Scope

4.1 Specialty

Artist specializes in painting places, buildings, and architectural structures. Small pets may be included in commissions at Artist’s discretion.

4.2 Exclusions

Artist does not paint people or human figures.

4.3 Prohibited Content

Artist reserves the right to refuse commissions involving:

• Hateful, discriminatory, or offensive content

• Copyrighted characters or intellectual property owned by third parties

• Any content that violates applicable laws

4.4 Artistic Interpretation

While Artist will incorporate Client’s requested elements and references, the final artistic interpretation, style, composition, and execution remain at Artist’s sole discretion. Client acknowledges that commissioning custom artwork involves Artist’s creative judgment.

5. Reference Materials

5.1 Client Responsibility

Client must provide at least one reference photo of the subject matter. Reference photos should show the entire structure clearly without parts cut off or obscured, to the best of Client’s ability.

5.2 Insufficient References

If reference photos are unclear, insufficient, or unsuitable for creating the commission, Artist will contact Client to discuss alternative solutions on a case-by-case basis. This may result in delays to the estimated timeline.

5.3 Accuracy

Artist will work from provided reference materials but cannot guarantee photographic accuracy. The commissioned work is an artistic interpretation, not a photograph.

6. Revisions

6.1 No Revisions Included

Revisions are not included in the base commission price. The completed artwork is considered final upon completion.

6.2 Revision Requests

Clients may request revisions after viewing the completed work. All revision requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and Artist will provide a price quote for any approved revisions. Artist is not obligated to accept revision requests.

6.3 Scope Clarification

Revisions refer to changes made to a completed artwork. Questions or clarifications during the creation process before completion do not constitute revisions.

7. Cancellation & Refunds

7.1 Cancellation Before Shipment

If Client wishes to cancel a commission after payment has been made but before the painting has been shipped, Client will receive a refund of fifty percent (50%) of the amount paid.

7.2 No Refunds After Shipment

Once the painting has been shipped, no refunds will be provided for any reason, including buyer’s remorse, change of mind, or dissatisfaction with the artwork.

7.3 Artist’s Right to Cancel

Artist reserves the right to cancel any commission at any time. If Artist cancels, Client will receive a full refund of all amounts paid.

8. Shipping & Delivery

8.1 Domestic Shipping (United States)

Standard shipping within the United States is included in the commission price at no additional charge.

8.2 International Shipping

International shipping is available for an additional fee based on current carrier rates.

8.3 Expedited Shipping

Priority mail or express shipping services are available upon request for an additional fee to be determined at the time of the request based on current carrier rates.

8.4 Shipping Insurance

Risk of loss or damage transfers to Client upon shipment. Artist is not responsible for artwork that is lost, damaged, or delayed during shipping.

Optional Insurance: Clients may purchase shipping insurance at their own expense. Artist can facilitate insurance purchase upon request. Clients are encouraged to consider insurance, especially for international shipments.

8.5 Delivery Timeframes

Artist will ship completed commissions promptly via the chosen shipping method. Artist is not responsible for carrier delays. Estimated delivery times are provided by shipping carriers and are not guaranteed by Artist.

8.6 Shipping Address

Client is responsible for providing an accurate and complete shipping address. Artist is not responsible for packages shipped to incorrect addresses provided by Client.

8.7 Packaging Standards

Artist takes great care in packaging all commissioned works to ensure safe delivery. Each painting is securely packaged using protective materials appropriate for the artwork’s medium and size. To date, Artist has maintained a perfect record with zero paintings arriving damaged or in distress. However, Artist cannot control handling by shipping carriers and therefore cannot guarantee condition upon arrival. Clients are strongly encouraged to purchase shipping insurance for added protection and peace of mind.

8.8 Damaged or Lost Shipments

If a painting is damaged or lost during shipping and Client did not purchase insurance, Artist cannot provide a refund. Clients should file claims directly with the shipping carrier if they purchased insurance.

9. Intellectual Property & Usage Rights

9.1 Client Usage Rights

Upon full payment and completion of the commission, Client receives full usage rights to the commissioned artwork for any personal or commercial purpose.

9.2 Artist Copyright

Artist retains copyright to all commissioned works and all photographic reproductions of commissioned works. Artist may use images of commissioned works for:

• Portfolio display

• Marketing and promotional materials

• Social media posts

• Website display

• Professional documentation

9.3 Privacy Requests

If Client requests that Artist not display the commissioned work publicly (for example, if the artwork is a gift), Client must inform Artist in writing at the time of commission. Artist will honor such requests.

9.4 Gift Commissions

If Client indicates the commission is a gift for a specific occasion, Artist will delay posting images to social media and public platforms until after the occasion has passed.

9.5 Attribution

When sharing or displaying commissioned artwork, Client is encouraged (but not required) to credit Artist and include Artist’s website or Instagram handle.

10. Warranties & Disclaimers

10.1 Artistic Medium

All commissioned works are created using ink and watercolor on paper. The appearance, texture, and characteristics are inherent to this medium.

10.2 Color Variations

Colors in photographs and on digital screens may appear different from the physical artwork due to photography, lighting, and screen calibration. Artist is not responsible for color variation between digital images and physical artwork.

10.3 Timeline Disclaimer

Estimated turnaround times are approximate and not guaranteed. Artist will make reasonable efforts to complete commissions in a timely manner but is not liable for delays.

10.4 “As-Is” Nature

Custom commissioned artwork is provided “as-is” based on Artist’s creative interpretation of Client’s request and reference materials.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Artist’s total liability for any claims arising from a commission shall not exceed the amount paid by Client for that specific commission. Artist is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages.

12. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to:

• Provide clear, suitable reference materials

• Respond to Artist’s questions or requests for clarification in a timely manner

• Provide accurate payment and shipping information

• Inspect artwork upon receipt and report any shipping damage to the carrier immediately

• Communicate respectfully and professionally with Artist

13. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute, claim, or disagreement arising from this agreement or the commissioned work, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through informal, good-faith negotiation by communicating directly via email.

14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action related to these terms shall be brought in the appropriate courts located in Hudson County, New Jersey.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions constitute the entire agreement between Client and Artist regarding commissioned artwork and supersede any prior communications or agreements.

15.2 Modifications

Artist reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Updated terms will be posted at danielpaintsyourhouse.com with an updated effective date. Commissions requested after the effective date of updated terms will be subject to the new terms.

15.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15.4 No Waiver

Artist’s failure to enforce any provision of these terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

15.5 Contact Information

For questions about these Terms & Conditions or to request a commission, please contact:

Daniel Marmion
Email: daniel@danielpaintsyourhouse.com
Website: danielpaintsyourhouse.com
Instagram: @danielpaintsyourhouse

By commissioning artwork from Daniel Marmion, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

I've been painting custom watercolor-and-ink house portraits for a few years now, and I've got the process down pretty well!

I really try to make it as easy as possible for you to commission a painting - whether it's for you, or a loved one.

First and foremost, this should be a one-on-one experience between you and me. I've deliberately avoided "automating" this process because I want to be able to communicate with you, my customer. (Maybe one day when I have 100 commissions a month I'll automate some of it, but for now there's no need!)

But if you've never commissioned a painting before, you might have the notion that it's a complicated, time-consuming ordeal.

But I can promise you - no headaches!

So without further ado, here's how the simple process of getting a house portrait from me goes…

The TL;DR Version

1. Start by sending me a message using the button below or emailing me at daniel@danielpaintsyourhouse.com.

2. Timeline is roughly 2-3 weeks from payment to delivery.

3. $175/painting, or $150/painting for orders of two or more.

4. Paintings are 10” x 7” and are unframed.

5. Shipping within the US is included! (International shipping is an additional $35.)

Request a Commission

The Detailed Version

Getting in Touch

The first step is to let me know you want a painting!

There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest is probably just to fill out the brief form on this page:

Request a Commission

You can also email me (daniel@danielpaintsyourhouse.com), or DM me on Instagram.

What I Need From You

I’ll ask for four things from you to get started:

Photo(s):

I have no problem admitting I like to be comfortable when I work: sitting at my dining room table, my SodaStream nearby for ice-cold fizzy drinks, my dog Murphy nudging me every so often when he needs attention.

So I’m perfectly ok with painting from photographs, and (if I may say so), I don’t think my work suffers from it!

Plus, working from a photo, I can paint your house in the full bloom of spring, even if it’s the dead of winter outside.

When I started taking custom house portrait commissions, I simply asked my first customers to send their favorite photos of their house/property. And that’s been my policy to this day:

At least one photo of your whole house, with nothing cut off, to the best of your ability. Preferably from a bit of a distance so I can see the surrounding context.

Here’s a post I wrote that goes into more detail about what makes a great reference photo.

Shipping Address:

This is fairly self-explanatory.

But there are a few things worth mentioning here about mailing your painting.

• Shipping

Shipping to anywhere in the US is included in the cost of the commission.

Let’s go, free shipping!!

But if you need it expedited, or you need it sent internationally, or there are other unusual circumstances, we can discuss any additional fees for those services.

• Packaging

I’ll ship it in a rigid cardboard envelope with multiple layers of protection.

I’m pleased to say that as of this writing I’ve never had a painting arrive damaged. I even had one customer report that her package was left out in the rain and the painting inside was completely undamaged!

• Digital Scans/Photos

Once the painting is done, I don’t send digital scans or photos of it to you ahead of time.

I want you to see the finished product at its best - in person, when it shows up at your doorstep!

The address of the building you want me to paint:

This is optional, but helpful.

If the photos I get from you leave anything out, I can usually find a few photos of the house on Zillow or Redfin, even if the house hasn’t been listed for awhile. These can give me additional context.

And if worst comes to worst I can sometimes also use the address to find additional imagery on Google Maps.

Payment:

• Payment Forms

As of the time I’m writing this, I accept payment via Venmo or PayPal. If you need another option, we can discuss.

• Your Investment

Painting commissions are $175 USD.

• Bulk Discounts

I’m happy to offer you a bulk discount if you commission two or more paintings at once. In that case, each painting would only be $150 USD.

Furthermore, if you order five paintings at once, the fifth one is FREE! $600 USD for five paintings.

The only caveat to these discounts is that payment must be made in full, upfront.

• Refunds

If something in your circumstances changes suddenly, I can do partial refunds on a case by case basis, up until the painting is in the mail - at that point I won’t be able to do any refunds.

• Revisions

Revisions are not included in the process or the cost. If, for any reason, you’re unhappy with how your painting turned out, I can redo it, but bear in mind that will incur additional costs (to be discussed when the revision is requested).

What You’ll Get

• Roughly two to three weeks after I receive payment, you’ll get your painting in the mail. That timeline could change based on my current workload, but I’ll always be upfront with you about my commitments and when I can realistically get your painting done.

• The painting will be on 10” x 7” paper (unless you’ve requested another size specifically), and will arrive unframed.

• It’ll ship in a rigid, flat, brown, cardboard envelope. So far I have a 100% success rate, with none of my paintings ever arriving damaged - knock wood!

• The envelope will include a card with instructions on how to care for and protect your painting (which you can also find here).

What’s Not Included?

As a general rule, unless discussed up front, I don’t include the following:

• Human figures. Occasionally I’ve been asked to include a small pet, but I don’t like painting humans. My specialty is literally in the name: Daniel Paints Your House!

• Progress photos. I like my clients to first see their painting in person, held in their hands - not on their phone screen.

Exceptions can always be made, but will need to be discussed upfront.

Usage Rights

You can use the painting in any way you’d like, personally, commercially, or otherwise. It’s yours!

And, unless you request otherwise, I retain the right to use your painting for marketing and as part of my online portfolio.

But don’t worry - if you let me know it’s a birthday gift or a holiday gift, I won’t post your painting publicly until after the special day has passed!

Got More Questions?

If you would like the full picture of all of this, you can read my Terms and Conditions on this post. (I’ll also email it to you when we begin working together.)

If you’re ready to commission a custom house portrait, you can start the process by clicking the button below. Fill out the brief form and I’ll respond within 24 hours.

Request a Commission