The amount you charge for an acrylic portrait can depend on whether you charge based on what you feel is the worth of the portrait, or whether you create a system of charging a flat rate. Never sell yourself short, even if you have little experience painting acrylic portraits. Be honest with your customers and serious about your art in order for others to have confidence in your skills and work ethic.

Research Local Artists

Research other acrylic painters near your area for how much they charge. Find their information in the local phone book or search online for acrylic painters near your area. Use their prices as your base price. Keep your rates competitive without charging an excessive amount. Professional or experienced acrylic painters may price their portraits anywhere between $200 and $600, depending on how much detail they used in the painting or simply how much they like a certain painting.

Experience

If you have a degree in art or have graduated from an art program, then mention this to your customers when explaining your rates. Clients may see your education as proof of your dedication and experience. You can charge a higher price if you have experience at painting acrylic portraits. Keep a resume of your work and photographs of previous paintings to show to prospective customers. An organized resume is further proof of your dedication to your art and will help customers take you seriously if they have no knowledge of your work. If you've displayed your paintings in a gallery, coffee shop or restaurant, then this helps validate your reputation as a well-known and skilled artist. A public display of your paintings helps spread your reputation by word of mouth which will further give you the appearance of a master at your craft. You can charge more for your acrylic paintings based on this bit of celebrity. Pricing acrylic portraits between at least $500 and $1,000 is not uncommon for painters who are experienced or widely known.

Flat Rates

Price your acrylic portraits based on their size. Professional or experienced acrylic painters may price their portraits by square inch with $3 per square inch as a reasonable rate. Charge your clients by the hour depending on how long you take to complete the portrait and factor the cost of your painting materials into your price. It is not uncommon for artists to charge between $10 and $50 per hour for an acrylic portrait. Set a flat rate for how many people are part of the portrait and whether the portrait will be based on a photograph or if the subjects will be part of a live sitting. Some artists may charge between $30 and $50 per person. Choose whether to charge a live sitting by the hour or using a flat rate. Sittings can range between $200 and $500 considering the patience involved by both artist and subject in the creation of the painting. You could charge for the price of the picture frame if your client requests a frame.

Source:

Anything Painted On Canvas: Portrait Painting FAQ'S

Art Show: Painting Resources

Nancy Doyle Fine Art: FAQ