Card alterations are more expensive than paintings on the backs of proof cards because they take longer for me to do, and I'm going to show you why. I currently have a commission for two card alterations. They are Nightmare and the of the Lord of Atlantis from the unlimited edition.

Right now, for this commission, we are at step two. 

The process:

I only sell proof cards, so first, you'll have to get the card you want the alteration on.

This is a small area, and I am not a miniaturist painter, that is a specialized skill set for sure. So your image can't be a full figure, but rather, a detail from the original. 

I work in pencil, colored pencils, and oils, not in marker or acrylic paint. In order to paint alterations, I have to prime the card because the surface is too slick for pencil or colored pencil. 

1.  Once I have the cards, I settle on the design, then make a mask. The cards are taped down to a flat surface with low tack tape and the mask is taped over the card. The area to be painted is exposed, and the area that doesn't get painted is covered.

2.   The exposed area is primed with a watercolor ground so it will accept oil paint. This will take 2-3 thin coats to cover the image underneath. This is the most time-consuming part because it is best to let it dry overnight between coats.

3.  After the primer is dry, The sketch is transferred onto the card.

4. The painting is blocked in, built up, and colored pencils are used for the details where needed.

5.  When the piece is finished, the oil paint needs time to dry and that can take a couple of days or more. So here they are finished. And that's how it is done.