«Archival Oil Paintings»
Over the years, I have explored many different approaches to painting. I have studied the works of the old masters and asked myself, “Why have some paintings endured for centuries, while others have not?” and “Why do some paintings develop cracks, while others remain flawless?”
With time, the answer became clear: the support, the primer, the oil paint, and the entire painting process are key to creating a lasting work of art.
When you commission an oil painting from me, you can be confident that your artwork is created with care, using professional techniques and materials chosen for their long-term durability.
Why commission a painting?
A commissioned painting is an investment in something deeply personal, an artwork that will bring more beauty into your life. I have been painting for many years, and with all my paintings I strive to craft something timeless, meaningful, and truly special. With a commission, you will receive a piece that you will cherish for a lifetime.
All of my paintings are extremely archival, they’re built to last for generations, even through an apocalypse! This durability comes from using only the highest-quality materials (see materials below).
Each piece is painted on an ACM panel with great quality oil paints and varnishes so your custom piece is the best quality possible!
Exemples:
Single-person portrait or group portrait
One or more full human figures
Pet portrait.
A scene from a film.
Master copies (please let me know which one in the form section below and we can discuss it together)
Quick note: Some of my paintings feature thick, impasto brushwork inspired by a Rembrandt-style approach. This technique tends to work best for male portraits, while a thinner paint application is often more flattering for women and children.
That said, paint thickness is always adjustable, whether thick or thin, I’m happy to change it to your vision. Please let me know if you have a specific preference!
Your panting comes with
Certificate of authenticity
Care guide
Handwritten thank-you note
The process
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The process ✧
∘ From Start to Finish ∘
1.
Fill in the contact form below to request a commission. Include all the photos you’d like me to consider.
2.
I'll get in touch to discuss any extra details, the price, and the timeframe.
For the reference: I might make adjustments in Clip Studio Paint (ex. improving the lighting, experimenting with different backgrounds and so on)
Please note, the timeline starts when I begin your painting, not when you submit your request. I’ll give you an estimated start date based on my current waitlist.
3.
Once we agree on the details, I will send you a contract to sign to ensure protection for both of us.
The contract covers the right of refusal, copyright, artist reproductions, payment terms, future responsibilities, and shipping.
4.
Once the contract is signed, a 50% deposit is required to begin your commission. Payments will be made via Wise or Paypal.
After the painting is finished, we can proceed with the full payment before shipping.
5.
When requesting your commission, please keep in mind that both the painting and drying times can vary. I need to ensure the painting is completely dry before shipping.
Painting time: Typically 1–3 weeks.
Drying time: Once finished, the painting needs about 4–6 weeks to dry. Afterward, I apply a protective varnish.
Shipping: Your painting will be sent via UPS, DHL or FedEx, depending on the destination.
6.
Once the final payment is received, I’ll carefully pack your artwork to keep it safe during shipping
I am always happy to adjust to your budget and find a way to make it work. Thank you for trusting me on this project!
PRICING & SIZES
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PRICING & SIZES ✦
Bigger and some odd sizes are available as well
If you plan to use the painting for any commercial purpose, prices will vary.
For international customers: Since August 29, 2025, shipments to the United States might come with customs fees or import taxes, no matter the order size. These costs are handled by the buyer, so please keep this in mind when placing your order.
✧ SMALL ✧
EXTRA-SMALL
15 x 20 cm (6 x 8 in)
400 €
Features:
✓Great for a single portrait
✓ Painted on an ACM panel (highly archival)
✓Easy to frame and display
Includes:
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Care Guide ✓ Handwritten thank-you note
Shipping:
–European Union (EU): 25 €
–International (Non-EU): 35 €
SMALL
23 x 30.5 cm (9 x 12 in)
550 €
Features:
✓ Usually includes more of the neck and clothing (depending on the photo)
✓ Painted on an ACM panel (highly archival)
✓ Easy to frame and display
Includes:
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Care Guide ✓ Handwritten thank-you note
Shipping:
–European Union (EU): 25 €
–International (Non-EU): 35 €
✧ MEDIUM ✧
MEDIUM I
28 × 35,5 cm (11 × 14 in)
750 €
Features:
✓ Usually includes more of the neck and clothing (depending on the photo)
✓Painted on an ACM panel (highly archival)
✓Easy to frame and display
Includes:
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Care Guide ✓ Handwritten thank-you note
Shipping:
–European Union (EU): 25 €
–International (Non-EU): 35 €
MEDIUM II
30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 in)
850 €
Features:
✓Ideal for single-person
✓Usually includes more of the body, such as clothing (depending on the photo)
✓Painted on an ACM panel (highly archival)
✓Easy to frame and display
Includes:
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Care Guide ✓ Handwritten thank-you note
Shipping:
–European Union (EU): 25 €
–International (Non-EU): 35 €
✧ LARGE ✧
LARGE
40,5 × 50 cm (16 × 20 in)
1200 €
Features:
✓A striking centerpiece for any room
✓Ideal for single-person
✓Usually includes more of the body, such as clothing and hands (depending on the photo)
✓Painted on an ACM panel (highly archival)
✓Easy to frame and display
Includes:
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Care Guide ✓ Handwritten thank-you note
Shipping:
–European Union (EU): 35 €
–International (Non-EU): 55 €
EXTRA-LARGE
45.5 x 60 cm (18 x 24 in)
1500 €
Features:
✓ A significant work of art
✓ideal for single-person
✓Usually includes more of the body, such as clothing and hands (depending on the photo)
✓Painted on an ACM panel (highly archival)
✓Easy to frame and display
Includes:
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Care Guide ✓ Handwritten thank-you note
Shipping:
–European Union (EU): 35 €
–International (Non-EU): 65 €
PREMIUM
61 × 101 cm (24 × 40 in)
1900 €
Features:
✓ A significant work of art
✓ideal for multiple-person portraits
✓Usually includes more of the body, such as clothing and hands (depending on the photo)
✓Painted on an ACM panel (highly archival)
✓Easy to frame and display
Includes:
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Care Guide ✓ Handwritten thank-you note
Shipping:
–European Union (EU): 35 €
–International (Non-EU): 75 €
✧Take a look at the materials✧
No secrets!
Support
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When it comes to oil painting, nothing has a greater impact on the final result than the support. I work on ACM panels, which I consider to be among the most archival supports available. Far more stable than linen or cotton canvas, they are designed to last for generations.
Primer
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The following description explains how I prepare my panels. When commissioning a painting, the panels will already be fully prepared.
Before I start painting, I prime the ACM panel using a high-quality primer, Golden Acrylic Gesso, which is one of the best on the market. I apply one coat first, let it dry for 24 hours, then add a second and final coat. After that, I wait at least one week to ensure the primer is fully absorbed. Once that’s done, the panel is ready for painting!
Oil paints
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I use very high-quality oil paints in all of my work. These paints have excellent lightfastness, ensuring long-term color stability and resistance to fading.
Direct painting palette:
Titanium White (Rembrandt: Linseed oil), mixed with the Velázquez Medium (Natural Pigments)
King's Blue - Williamsburg
Yellow Brown – Old Holland
Napthol Red – Michael Harding
Quinacridone Magenta – Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors
Transparent Red Iron Oxide - Natural Pigments
Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide - Natural Pigments
Indanthrone Blue - Rembrandt
Raw Umber - Old Holland
Van Dyke Brown - Old Holland
Ivory Black
Indirect painting palette (for glazing):
Titanium White (Rembrandt: Linseed oil), mixed with the Velázquez Medium (Natural Pigments)
Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide - Natural Pigments
Quinacridone Magenta – Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors
Transparent Red Iron Oxide - Natural Pigments
Indanthrone Blue - Rembrandt
Varnish
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Varnish is the final step in my process. Once it’s applied, the painting is truly finished. I use Gamvar Gloss Varnish to protect the surface and preserve the painting for many years to come.
“My experience recently working with Alexandre was nothing short of wonderful. I reached out to him on Instagram to inquire about commissioning a painting of my niece for my mother, and honestly cannot be happier with the result. Not only is my painting beautiful, but the experience from start to finish was a pleasure. Alexandre is so talented, kind, responsive, respectful, considerate and understanding of a client’s wishes. He captured my niece’s essence perfectly and really heard my requests. Additionally, international shipping of the item was extremely quick and it was packaged wonderfully ensuring safe delivery. I am so happy to know his work will be displayed on the walls in our family home for years to come. I would highly recommend this work of such a kind person to anyone. Thank you Alexandre!”
D.Rassam
Contact Form
Lyon, France | shop@alexandreairian.com
Frequently Asked Questions
✦
Frequently Asked Questions ✦
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Simply because it’s a long process. The painting itself is not the longest part, waiting for it to fully cure and then varnish is what takes the most time. Thank you for your patience!
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For me, the most important thing is that we reach a place where you are super happy with the result. I usually correct until we hit that point!
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It’s possible for me to adjust. Super large paintings can be a little harder because of shipping costs, which add up quickly, but send me a message and we will work this out!
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Not really, but it will make a big difference. Most of the time, the most important thing is the lighting. I still maintain that usually, the better the photo, the better the final result will be!
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For the style, I can only change my paint application, so I can paint more thinly or more thickly. For the background, I usually choose it, but if you want something specific, let me know!
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The painting is shipped as securely as possible. I usually ship via DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
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Yes, international customers may be responsible for customs, duties, or import taxes. These costs are set by your country and are not included in the shipping price. Hopefully you won’t have any! 🤞🏻
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Yes! Generally these work best in extra-large sizes, but they can also work in other sizes depending on the reference.
If your question is not listed above, feel free to email me here and I will get back to you as soon as I can!🫡