Benny is a fine art painter based in Richmond, Virginia. Practicing exclusively in oils, Benny’s diverse body of work showcases his ability to capture his subject in a variety of different styles. Benny does not limit himself to any particular subject matter, and produces an array of portraits, still life pieces, landscapes, and other miscellaneous work. Please see the Available Paintings page to view Benny’s currently available pieces and the Prior Work page to see a sample of his paintings. The Demonstrations page also contains a few process videos showing Benny at work.

Benny also accepts commissions on a limited basis, providing a collector the opportunity to own an original oil painting tailored to his or her desires and vision. For more information about the purchasing and commission process, including general pricing details, please see the following frequently asked questions.

What do you paint?

Everything. Benny enjoys producing all sorts of different pieces and finds that practicing with a variety of subject matters serves not only to keep each painting fresh and unique, but also improves the depth and versatility of his abilities. He paints all manner of portraits, including individual and family pieces, pet portraits, academic portraits, corporate portraits, and judicial portraits; landscape and seascape paintings; still life paintings; and everything in between.

How can I commission an oil painting?

Benny enjoys the opportunity to transform your idea into a lasting work of art. If commissions are open, please send Benny a message and include the subject you would like painted (please email any reference photos), along with the size of the painting you are interested in. Benny will work with you to determine the appropriate surface and finalizing the composition. Once a deposit is received (see the following question for information on pricing), the painting process can take anywhere from at least six weeks to several months depending on how far in advance Benny is booked and the complexity of the piece. Benny will provide updates during the painting process to keep you informed and ensure you like the way things are looking.

What is your pricing on commissions?

Pricing for available work is viewable on the Available Paintings page.

When it comes to commission pricing, Benny offers exceptionally favorable rates compared to other market prices. Whether it's a portrait, landscape, or still life piece, Benny provides an excellent opportunity to indulge in the beauty of custom-made art at unmatched value. Pricing for commissions is subject to a variety of factors, including the preferred surface, the size of the painting, and the complexity of the reference. In general, small pieces frequently can be offered for well under a thousand dollars, with larger and more complex works requiring a higher range. Most of Benny’s commissions are offered at a very competitive and often significantly lower price than could otherwise be received. (Note that, in his discretion, Benny may require the execution of a simple purchase contract for particularly high value commissions.)

Benny typically requires a fifty percent deposit prior to purchasing materials or beginning any work, with the remaining fifty percent due upon completion, prior to shipping. With certain exceptions, Benny usually requests commission payments through PayPal, which provides you with purchase protection. Note that while commission pricing usually includes shipping, Benny does not offer any framing services. Please message for additional details or if you have any questions.

Alterations

Benny will do everything he reasonably can to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your painting, which includes regular check ins during the painting process and the submission of various progress photos to make sure that your expectations have been met. If you have revisions or alterations upon viewing the final work, Benny will do his best to incorporate them prior to shipping. Please note that once a painting has been varnished and shipped, no further changes can be made and no refunds can be offered.

Step-By-Step Process for Commissioning an Oil Painting

In sum, the commission process generally follows these steps:

1. Initial Contact
   To begin the process of commissioning a painting, please reach out to Benny by sending an email to bennysoilpaintings@gmail.com or via the Contact page. In your communication, please provide general information regarding the subject matter, desired painting size, and any other relevant details that would help in conceptualizing your commission.

2. Confirmation
   Upon establishing initial contact, you will collaborate with Benny to confirm the specifics of your commission. This includes finalizing the reference materials, discussing any compositional adjustments, selecting the preferred painting surface (such as hardboard, canvas, etc.), as well as agreeing on pricing and timelines.

3. Deposit Payment
   Once all details have been confirmed, a deposit will be required prior to Benny purchasing the necessary materials and commencing work on your painting. This initial deposit secures your commission and gets Benny started working on your art.

4. Input During Creation
   As the painting process unfolds, Benny will provide periodic updates to ensure the artwork aligns with your expectations. Your feedback during this phase is encouraged to achieve the desired outcome.

5. Completion of the Painting
   Upon completion of your painting to your satisfaction, and after sufficient time has been allowed for drying and varnishing, the final payment will be due. Once received, your artwork will be shipped to your specified address.

6. Enjoy Your Painting!
   Benny appreciates receiving photographs of his work once it arrives at its new home. Please feel free to share a photo of the finished piece in your space.

If you have any additional questions about Benny’s process or are interested in commissioning a piece, please feel free to reach out!