about.
Welcome to HG Custom Arts! My name is Hilary Ginther and I am an artist based in Denver, CO specializing in custom commissioned portraits. While I have been commissioned mostly to draw pets or animals, I also draw a variety of subjects such as people, landscape, still life, and I even offer line drawings for embroidery. I draw using high quality colored pencil or graphite on sturdy, acid-free paper, and offer multiple size options to suit your needs.
I am also a professional opera singer...surprise! During the pandemic I was unable to perform so I turned my drawing hobby into something creative that I could share with others while I couldn't sing for audiences. I am happy to now be able to create in both the visual and performing arts industries as both art forms influence and help deepen my understanding of each other.
Please take a look around my website to see some of my recent work, or visit my commissions page if you're interested in having me draw a custom piece for you! You'll find lots of information on pricing, sizing, and how to get the best reference photo. Thank you for visiting, and I hope to draw something for you in the future!
"I was given a custom portrait of our two dogs from HG Custom Arts as a wedding gift, and I was absolutely blown away. Hilary is extremely talented; her meticulous attention to detail captured every whisker and every spot perfectly. The personality and sparkle in our dogs' eyes shines through in the piece, so much so that it actually brought me to tears the first time I saw it! It was by far the most special gift we received for our wedding and we will treasure it forever." -Erin H.
gallery.
*commissioned originals - NOT for sale*
"Just when I thought our wedding couldn't get any better we were given this wonderful rendition of our fur babies! My wife cried, I had a grin ear to ear...it was the perfect gift at the perfect time! Thanks again for the wonderful portrait of Otis and Rufus." - Andy
commissions.
If you are interested in a commission, I have laid out some size and pricing guidelines below. I have also provided guidelines for choosing your reference photo(s) to ensure your portrait is the best it can possibly be. Please note that I do not piece things together from multiple photos, rather, I replicate one photo down to the minute detail so choosing the right reference photo is very important in the outcome and quality of the drawing. Once you have reviewed below please submit your commission request via the form under Contact.
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SIZE OPTIONS:
*Pricing depends on the detail and difficulty of the reference photo, but this can give customers a ballpark idea of what they may be quoted. Other custom size options (square, 8.5x11", etc.) are available and will be priced according to the detail and difficulty of the reference photo photo.*
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Price is ultimately determined by difficulty of photo - this is a general price guide.​
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8 x 10" ($500 - $600 USD)
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9 x 12" ($650 - $750 USD)
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11 x 14" ($800 - $900 USD)
(plus shipping)
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*If you would like more than one subject/pet in the portrait, please add 25% per extra subject. Please inquire for other size options.*
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*** Once I have approved the reference photo a 50% deposit is due in order to secure your place in the queue.
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REFERENCE PHOTO GUIDELINES:
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Natural, indirect sunlight light is best (example: outside under a tree) with no shadows or as few as possible.
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Photo should be taken close to the subject for detail and clarity and should not have any blurring.
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If possible, photo should be taken straight on at the height of the subject, not from above or below.
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A good way to know if the detail is clear enough is if you can see individual hairs and a clear reflection in the subject’s eyes.
@hgcustomarts
contact.
CUSTOM COMMISSIONS:
Please answer the questions below along with sending any other questions or information you feel is helpful. Once I've reviewed your request I will ask for reference photos.​
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Do you have a deadline?
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Is this a gift or surprise?
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What size do you have in mind?
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"LA DIVINA" print of Maria Callas:
Send me a message here and we can work out payment and shipping details.
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LINE DRAWING FOR EMBROIDERY:
Price depends on detail of photo (usually $150-200). Please inquire here or send an email with photo(s) to hgcustomarts@gmail.com