[Newbie1]

Can anyone suggest a place where I can go to get a photo painted in black and white & framed (in HOng kong)? Am looking for something not too expensive - ie like a street where you can see painters/artists who do portraits....thks!

[eirrab]

Although it is not close, it is worth going to Dafen in Buiji just north of Shenzhen. Catch a taxi from Lowu - costs about Y28 - and there are 600 places all in one spot to choose from
Several, especially up the back are specialist portrait places. Best way is to either check their works in progress or look at their Mona Lisa copies. Everyone does Mona Lisas, so you can often judge them by how good Lisa looks!!
You may want to take some phrases like "can you do it in black and white" etc as very little english is spoken. I just successfully negotiated 8 copies of painting from various European masters, in various sizes - all through sign language and a couple of chinese words.

A great place, and worth the extra effort.

[Newbie1]

for the suggestions.

[Alby]

Originally Posted by eirrab

Dafen in Buiji just north of Shenzhen.

THIS PLACE IS FABULOUS - a few years ago I had several portraits done from photographs!!

[funnie]

Originally Posted by Alby

THIS PLACE IS FABULOUS - a few years ago I had several portraits done from photographs!!

how much it costs and whats the general size of portraits.

[eirrab]

The cost depends on the size and the quality - obviously if you want really good photo-like quality it costs more. Some of the samples they have are just stunning.
To give examples most portraits are in the Y400-800 range (framed) for sizes about 24"x16" to 24"x36" (they seem to have fairly standard non-metric sizing) of course they can do any size you ask for. If you are not a chinese speaker, get a friend or workmate to write out sizes or particular instructions for you.

Believe me you will love this place. I have run out of walls!!

[eirrab]

Oh, forgot.
Non portraits are much cheaper. To commission a copy of, say, a European master 24"x36" will range from Y80 to Y400. (unframed) - depends on the complexity - detailed people in a picture puts the price up.

A ready made canvas will be a lot cheaper.

If you are really budget minded the 106 bus from Low Wu costs Y3-4 but takes about 45 mins.

[creamy338]

hello, Dafen sounds very interesting. How long is a taxi ride there from Lowu?

Are the portraits they draw from a photograph real and lively? I want to have one done for an animal. Will they be able to finish in one day?

What are the prices like? And do they offer shipping for really big paintings? Is it just painting or other artwork too?


Is it a safe area and are the European ones real? As I heard there are lots of imitations in China and Lowu.


Hope someone can offer some answers, Thanks!!

[eirrab]

Taxi ride takes about 30-40 mins depending on the traffic jams. remember that it goes outside the SEZ of SZ so a SZ only visa does not technically cover your trip to dafen - although i have never been stopped or checked or seen others on buses or taxis being checked.

Portrait prices depend on the quality you want - I have had several paintings done from photos, that is how they usually work. Most take at least a week - they are very detailed.

Depending on where you go, they can arrange shipping. Framing is very cheap - about 1/3 of HK prices and they can do it in less than an hour.

They have sculpture as well, and about 30% of the stuff there is artists original work - some really nice works and some studios have all original. There was an interesting article in The Standard last week (Tuesday or Thursday, i think) talked about the fact they they do 65% of all the world's painting there!

The place is quite safe and there are usually a few gweilos there each day.

Hope that helps

[creamy338]

hi eirrab, thanks for sharing!!

the taxi rides takes 30-40 minute but only cost Y28? wow, that's good
price! So when I get on a taxi, just ask for Dafen?

why would buses or taxis be checked on the way?

would a PRC Card work?

so would you have to go back to the street to pick up a portrait done from photos in a week?
have you tried shipping?

Wow 65% of the world's paintings, I don't have a copy of the Standard last week though.

I've heard some good comments about this place, but the prices don't sound cheap.

Do they have different styles of paintings, like landscape, life, vague styles?

Lastly, can we ask whether it's an original or an imitation copy?

THank you again!!