Turn Your Memories Into Masterpieces
Hand-painted architectural portraits by Jim Raver.
Hand-painted architectural portraits by Jim Raver.
A set of examples showing the original reference image next to the finished piece.
I didn’t set out to develop a “style” on purpose, but people often tell me it’s unique. Not everyone will connect with it, but the people who do usually value it highly.
Finished pieces shown on their own.
Clintonville, Ohio. I paint houses. Mostly old ones.
Painting is something I've always loved. I was classically trained in art in high school, but in college, life got busy and I was pulled away from art to pursue a career in financial services. During the pandemic, I finally slowed down enough to pick watercolor painting back up and realized how much I missed it.
I paint older homes because they have character. They've been lived in. They hold history.
I draw and paint everything by hand using watercolor and ink. I take my time with each piece, focusing on the details that make a house feel familiar. I can paint your home from any perspective you'd like.
A painting can also make a meaningful gift, especially for families with a loved one in, or preparing for, a memory care setting. A familiar childhood home can spark stories and bring real comfort. I can work from a current photo and, if you’d like, restore the home to how it looked years ago, including original paint colors, older landscaping, or details from before additions were made.
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Send a clear photo from the perspective you’d like painted. If you’re not sure, you can send a few options and I’ll help you pick the best one.
No problem. In many cases I can use public reference imagery (for example, map and street-level sources) to get the overall structure and details. If you tell me the address and what you want emphasized, I can still create a piece you’ll recognize immediately.
After you describe your vision, I will quote you a price. I will produce the watercolor to the size you prefer. You may want to repurpose a beautiful or meaningful frame, and I will size the painting appropriately. Or you may request a certain size to fit a certain space. I will finish your picture so that a mat will fit appropriately with your frame size.
A smaller mat size is 11"x14", and the cost of an original watercolor would be $190. I do watercolor paintings up to 24"x30", and the price is $540. I will be glad to give you a custom price.
I can also offer to frame your picture with a frame of your choice. I enjoy the framing process, so there would be no additional labor charges. You pick out a frame online at Michaels Arts & Crafts store, I'll pick it up at my local Michaels and pass on my cost, and the shipping cost.
* If your home is 100 years old or older, you qualify for a 20% Century Discount. Mention it when you inquire.
I can usually have your painting completed in 4 to 6 weeks. If it’s a gift with a deadline, tell me and I’ll do my best to prioritize.
100% Guaranteed. If when you see the finished piece you are not completely satisfied, you don’t have to pay.
Tell me about your home and what makes it special to you.