As an artist, one of the things I do is serve people by bringing their visions to life. Maybe it's a favourite spot your family vacations to every year. Or maybe a special view of a home you are moving away from. A commission is when you have an idea and we work together to help you bring that idea to life.

Commissioned artwork is suitable for a variety of occasions: Maybe you have a wall in your home that you haven't quite found the perfect piece for. Or your parents' milestone anniversary is coming up and you want to give them a unique gift. Perhaps your company has a client you want to extend special appreciation to. Or maybe your family has all pitched in and given you a birthday gift of a piece of your choosing. These are all reasons people ask for commissioned artwork.

[NOTE: I currently have a couple spots left for 2024.]

If this is your first time commissioning a piece of art, here's an idea of what my process looks like:

1. Initial Conversation

First we will chat about the size and image you want, as well as your budget and I'll work with you to meet those criteria. We will also talk about the type of canvas you want; whether you're planning to frame it or not. Generally, I paint on either slim profile canvases (3/4" deep) or deep canvases (1 1/2" deep). Slim ones look better framed while deep ones can be either framed or unframed. Regardless, I will complete your painting so that it continues onto and wraps around the edges.

2.Sizing

Part of our conversation will be deciding on the size of your piece. This is largely dependent on where you're planning to hang it, as well as your budget. (For an idea of how much various sizes of paintings cost, visit the Pricing page.) Above is a photo of examples of paintings in various sizes. Another choice you can make is how many canvases you want for your piece. See for example, the triptych below (technical name for a painting with three parts). I generally source my canvases from Opus Art Supplies, which is a local BC company. You can browse their size options here or contact me if you have an unlisted size in mind.

3. Subject Matter

My strengths lie in painting skies with some landscape elements. I'm not as competent painting humans and animals, so I don't really do those unless the figures are small and a minor feature in your picture.

I also work best off of photographs, so if you have one or more pictures, I'll have you send them to me. Some collectors want a particular photo reproduced as a painting. Other people have a landscape or mood in mind but not an exact photo. In those cases, we will look for reference photos as inspiration. My preference is to use personal photos and stock photos when necessary. From time to time, I may also contact local photographers on Instagram for permission to use their images as references. Part of the magic of painting is that I can combine elements from multiple photos to create the exact image you want.

4. Deposit

Once we have agreed on the size, style, and price of your piece, I will request a 50% deposit, which can be paid either by e-transfer (preferred) or by cheque. Once I have your deposit, I will purchase the supplies for your artwork and begin on your commission!

5. Painting

Your one-of-a-kind painting always begins with two coats of gesso (primer) on top of the pre-primed canvas that comes from the art store. After that, I will paint an underlayer with one or two colours as a base. This allows me to figure out composition and values (how dark or light various parts are), as well as add depth to your finished painting. Once that is done, I will start painting the actual piece.

If you like, I can send you process photos as I go along so you can see your painting come to life. It's an exciting process and I love sharing it!

6. Finishing

When the painting is complete to my satisfaction, I will send you a photo of it to make sure you're happy with it. With your go-ahead, I will seal it off with two to three layers of varnish. Varnish is a clear coating that protects your painting from UV damage and makes it easier to clean. I'll then sign the back and install hanging hardware for you. If you asked for a frame, I will also ensure that the frame is mounted securely. When it is all finished, the balance of 50% is due and we will arrange shipping, delivery, or pick up.

7. Enjoy!

My hope for each and every piece is that the collector will find enjoyment and encouragement from owning my art. When you have it up in its forever home, send me a photo! One of my biggest joys is to see where my art ends up.