Specialty painting, like murals and trompe l’oeil, costs $40 to $50 per hour. Paint might range between $75 to $90. The professional’s skill and experience are also determining factors. While a freelance artist might charge $25 to $30 an hour, a very skilled professional might charge $80 or more. Some might also charge $60 or more for a consultation. Trompe l'oeil creates a realistic image or optical illusion in three dimensions. Murals are composed on a wall of any size. These two projects vary in price, with a trompe l'oeil typically costing more because of its complexity. Both are considered specialty projects.