How to Ship a Large Painting in a Tube

As an artist, I love the details of painting a portrait. But the details of shipping a portrait, not so much.

Logistics just isn’t my thing.

Nevertheless, when I finished this 48″ x 72″ portrait, for a client from Brunei (about as far as you can get from Wisconsin!) I knew the shipping could cost a pretty penny.

Acrylic portrait artist Matt Philleo posing in front of a 48″ x 72″ commission painting for a client in Brunei

After calling several shipping companies, the cost was going to be in the thousands! Finally, after a lot of back-and-forth, my client suggested that I remove the painting off the stretcher frame and ship it. I have to admit, I never did this before. I have stretched a rolled canvas for someone, so I figured it was basically the same thing, but in reverse!

In this video, I’ll show you how I shipped this large painting, and how you can too, if the need should arise.

One thing I didn’t mention in the video was that I purchased plenty of insurance. I definitely recommend it.

Great news: I heard back from my client and the painting arrived safely! I guess that means all five pounds of packaging was worth it!

Let me know how these tips help, and have a blessed day!