COMMISSIONS

Commissioning an oil painting is a collaborative process, and I work closely with my Clients to create a portrait that feels both personal and timeless.

Below you’ll find an overview of how the commission process works, what to expect at each stage, and how to get started.

Commissioned portrait from in-person Client photo shoot

Commissioned portrait created from Client-provided photographs

FIRST TIME?

If this is your first time commissioning an original painting, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to start. I’ll guide you through each step so you know what to expect. You don’t need to have every detail figured out at the beginning. Together we will discuss what you’re envisioning and figure out how to bring it to life!

1. Initial Inquiry

You can begin by reaching out through my contact page with a brief description of what you have in mind. Helpful details include:

Subject(s) to be painted (individual, couple, family, pet, etc.)
Desired size and orientation (a guesstimate will do)
Intended use (personal collection, gift, etc.)
Timeline or deadline (if applicable)

At this stage, we’ll confirm availability and determine whether your project is a good fit.

2. Consultation & Concept

Once availability is confirmed, we’ll have a more detailed conversation to shape the vision for your portrait. This may include:

Mood and overall feeling (formal, relaxed, intimate, dramatic, etc.)
Clothing, color palette, and styling
Background options (classic, minimal, or styled environment)
Reference photo planning or a custom photo session (when applicable)

My Client (left) commissioned me to create a portrait of herself to match a photograph of her mother when she was the same age. We had an in-person photo shoot to match the style and lighting from her mother’s photo and then I painted them both in oil.

3. Reference Photography

Strong reference material is essential for a successful portrait. In many cases, I create my own reference photographs rather than relying solely on existing images. This allows me to control lighting, pose, and give the piece a cohesive look.

When appropriate, reference photography may take place in my Marietta, GA studio in a relaxed, guided setting. Clients are never expected to know how to pose or prepare. I will provide direction throughout and focus on capturing natural expression and movement.

For remote clients, I can offer guidance on how to capture usable reference images at home, including light, angles, and simple setup tips.

4. Proposal, Pricing & Agreement

After the concept is finalized, you’ll receive:

A clear description of the painting
Final size and medium details
Total price and estimated completion timeline

A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your place in my commission schedule. The remaining balance is due upon completion, prior to delivery or pickup.

5. Painting Process

Once the deposit is received, I begin the painting process using traditional oil painting methods.

Early in the process, I will send a progress photo during the “underpainting” stage to confirm the overall likeness, proportions, and composition. At this point, the painting will look like a monochromatic rough “sketch”. Color and subtle expression will evolve as the painting develops. This review is meant to catch any major structural adjustments before I move on to more detail.

Once Client approval is received I will continue developing the piece by building color, depth, and refinement. Since oil paintings develop through multiple layers and often pass through an "ugly duckling" phase, I like to wait and send additional photographs once the piece is nearing completion unless the Client specifically asks.

I work on a limited number of commissions at a time to ensure each painting receives the focus it deserves.