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This may sound a bit odd at first. But in a sense it is an ancient concept. Many of us do say that we sell our goods, time and service. I too, am available for hire, but prefer the term "for rent" rather than for sale.

To illustrate cost, without mentioning money, let me do so on hand of two samples of my work.

When entering into formal apprenticeship at age 14, it was to fulfill a boy's ambition of becoming a mural painter. To do so one would not necessarily pursue the academic path of a fine artist but one through the ancient guild system, which was far more realistic and practical. Here the emphasis was not so much on learning how to express oneself, but to learn the skills required to serve the decorative painting needs and wishes of others.

1. A client desired to have a traditional, handpainted French wallpaper in the Chinese style (Chinoiserie) installed in the entry of their town house.

The paper was discontinued and I was hired to hand paint the scenes directly onto the walls. The cost of my service amounted to half of what the paper and its installation was estimated for.

Thus, although I may have developed into a at least reasonable fine artist, my primary education and experience is in being of good service to my customers. This as a painter, faux finisher and muralist.

Fifty plus years of practical work in the field has made a extremely professional, versatile and efficient craftsman. I take pride in my work and Guild tradition as much as in a high degree of ethical and professional standards. All this at a fair and reasonable price.

On occasion someone would approach me with a peculiar statement: "Your work is so good! We could never afford you." This, I must add, without asking the price.

2. One of the most ambitious ceiling murals I had the opportunity of excecuting was a 1st place winner in the PIPP competition.
The painting included a vast array of traditional, highly realistic images; many by noted masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Tiepolo.

These had been selected by my client and where woven together with my own contributions.

From the moment of our first consultation and sketches to the last brush stroke and finish, it required a total of 11 weeks or about 450 hours of labor.

Of course, simpler paintings such as a effective redition of a sky will be finished much quicker. In four to five days perhaps, depending.
In short and to the point. If you should find value in my work and sense that I may be able to realize your decorative painting needs, be so kind as to contact me.

I love my work and would appreciate the opportunity to be of service. Preliminary consultations, sketches, samples and estimates are of course without obligation; on both sides.