Commission a Painting
Interested in a personalized art work by me? Here is where to begin.
I've been painting for 13 years as a professional artist. In that time, I have painted hundreds of paintings for happy clients and, more importantly, have truly refined the commission process down to an art.
1.Consultation
This is the initial phase of the commission process. This is where clients reach out to let me know they are interested in having a custom painting created as well as any questions they have.
These consultations are either held in-person, over-the-phone, or in a virtual meeting and you're under no obligation at this stage. We're simply collaborating on a vision. We'll discuss the best options for your painting, the timeframe you have in mind, and address any of your concerns.
Here's a list of things that will help speed up the process and ensure we understand exactly what it is you have in mind for your piece:
A picture if you would like a specific subject of the painting. While Alejandro is happy to paint portraits of celebrities, role models, from movies or TV, he no longer paints personal or family portraits.
The size(s) you have in mind for the painting.
Photos of inspiration you might have for the piece. We have had clients request Alejandro composes the piece himself and they simply bring a 'mood board' of inspiration. The next step of the process is much smoother if you bring us reference photos of paintings, photos, or ideas you have in mind. The more the better!
Know if you'd like to pick up your painting or have your painting shipped. We are very familiar with shipping work via UPS in a safe and secure manner all over the United States and we are happy to ship the painting to you. If you would like this option, we will discuss your options with you and the shipping will be added to your final bill.
Once you decide you would like to schedule a consultation, simply reach out to Alejandro at (325)340-5742 or email us here.
Here is my pricing structure for a painting:
16"x16" - $400
16"x20" - $450
20"x30" - $500
24"x24" - $600
24"x30" - $900
24"x36" - $1050
30"x30" - $900
30"x40" - $1300
36"x36" - $1350
36"x48" - $1450
Custom size available.
How to Select a Good Photo for your consultation.
A little known key to success of a stunning work of art is a good reference photo.
What makes a good reference?
A good reference photo is first and foremost crisp and clear. It is not blurry or faded. While Alejandro has worked from antique pieces in the past, it is undeniable that a well-composed, clear photo (like the photo below) will render the best results.
If you are concerned a photo isn't up to par, feel free to bring a few to the consultation for us to select one. We have found that using bits an pieces of several photos does not yield the best results. We will have to work from one singular photograph if you would like a specific subject painted.
If you need a recommendation for an excellent local photographer, we are happy to recommend one.
2. The Payment Process
Once we have consulted, all there is to do left before we get started is to pay the 50% deposit.
Our payment process for a commission works in 2 steps and your deposit applies to your final bill.
Here's our payment process:
Deposit 50% (This is applied to your final bill).
Once we have agreed on a design that your delighted with, we want to begin as soon as we can! In order to do this, we will need to purchase the specific supplies for your project.
Therefore, we require a 50% deposit.
Once we have received your deposit, we will schedule a time for us to begin working on your mural!
Final payment of your final bill after the work is completed.
After completion of the work, your final bill is due before pick up or before we ship the portrait to you. Throughout the commission process, we will keep you up-to-date on our progress so this won't sneak up on you!
From design fee to final payment, we are able to take payment in:
Cash
Check: Made out to Alejandro or Shelby Castanon
Credit or debit Cards
Cash App
Venmo
Paypal
My Collector's and Their Stories
Portrait for a Hall of Famer
If you're a fan of MMA fighting then you'll be familiar with the Pride champion Bas Rutten. Bas has also made his way into film and TV as well. A few years ago Bas contacted me to paint a portrait of his family. For being the "liver shot king" he's a swell guy. He sent me a picture of his family and gave me creative freedom. I shipped this 36"x48" painting to California where he got it framed before hanging it in his home.
A local realtor wants to show off San Angelo
Max Puello is a local real estate agent who has made finding homes for his clients an empire all his own. Max also serves as President of the COSADC which helps develop our local economy. Max contacted me to paint a landscape of San Angelo that he could show off in his office. Max, like most of my clients gave me creative control. This 30"x40" painting fit perfectly in the space behind his desk!
Butch and Sundance Kid for an Attorney
I was contacted by a local attorney to create this epic painting for his office after he saw my art hanging at the Roots at the Silo (located at the Chicken Farm). He was already a collector of amazing local artwork. I was honored to have this be the center piece for his office. Interestingly his office was next door to our home so the 36"x48" painting only needed to be walked a short distance for delivery.
A farewell painting for Sealy Flats
Before Rod Bridgman and his wife Denise left San Angelo I was contacted by the Blues Society to paint a special going away gift presented to them at their going away party. Rod was instrumental in my development as a local artist in San Angelo. He was one of the first business owners to give me my break. I'm fovever grateful!
Portrait for a tattoo legend!
Shanghai Kate is a legend in the tattoo world. Mentored by the legend himself, Sailor Jerry. I was incredibly fortunate to have painted this for her just a few years before she passed in 2022. I delivered this to her studio in Austin and got a few gifts from her! She is an inspiration to all tattoo artists and leaves a legacy behind for everyone to follow.
A local legend retold
A couple that is building a new home in the country approached me to recreate a legendary mural that was displayed in downtown for decades. For locals, this was a mural of Pancho Villa on the corner of Chadbourne and Concho. After the Angry Cactus renovated the space the famous mural was preserved and now hangs above their bar area. The couple asked me to reimagine the painting in grand form. Sadly the original painting had be worn by the weather and was severely faded. I had to reconstruct the face with my own and take some liberties with the colors and background. This immense 48"x60" canvas was a challenging project but turned out great! An homage to a local legend.
Muhammad Ali for a boxing fan
I was contacted on my website by a collector in California to paint this unique take on a famous fight between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston. This match is legendary and so is the photograph. I was able to make this even more profound by using bold colors to capture the energy of the moment. Keeping most of the focus on Ali as his stature enveloped Liston.
Lifted Space Man for a local shop
The guys from Lifted Smoke and Vape contacted me to create this one of kind painting. They were kind enough to encourage me to really let loose. From far away it really does look like an astronaut but up close it's incredible loose and abstract. They loved it! You can see at the location downtown.
Old Town Books
After helping the owner of Old Town Books with a few initial steps for getting their business started during my time as a Business Advisor at the Small Business Development Center at Angelo State University, she approached me to create a painting of her store that would capture the essence and spirit of the adventure of opening the shop. To do so, she requested vibrant colors to help capture the energy as well as the imagination of each reader who entered her shop.
Get to know the artist!
My name is Alejandro. I'm a military veteran, self taught artist, and entrepreneur. After separating from the military as a Combat Engineer I moved to San Angelo and opened an art gallery in 2011.
It quickly grew to a six figure business which I sold in 2019.
While developing my skills as an artist I also completed my degree in Marketing from Arizona State Univesrity which led to a position working with the Small Business Administration. This allowed me expand my knowledge for starting and growing successful businesses across the Concho Valley.
During my time in Texas I've deepened my appreciation for the rural west and it's culture. Painting rodeo portraits, Westerns, and pop art is exciting subject matter. Something I truly enjoy capturing on canvas.