COMMISSIONS

Commissioning an oil painting is a collaborative process, and I work closely with my Clients to create a portrait that feels personal, timeless, and something you’ll love for years to come.

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

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 can discuss your vision and allow the painting to unfold naturally.

1. Initial Inquiry

You can begin by reaching out through the contact form or email 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 is okay)

• 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)

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 overall cohesion so the final painting feels intentional rather than pieced together.

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. In some cases, I may combine select elements from multiple photographs to arrive at a cohesive composition, always with the goal of maintaining a unified, painterly result.

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. This stage unfolds slowly and intentionally, with the work developing through multiple layers.

Early in the process, you’ll receive one progress image during the underpainting stage. This stage functions as the structural blueprint for the final painting and allows us to confirm:

• Overall likeness and proportions

• Pose, gesture, and composition

At this point, the painting will appear quite raw and unfinished. Color, surface quality, and subtle expression will evolve significantly as the painting develops. This review is meant to catch any major structural adjustments before I move into detailed work.

Once this stage is approved, I continue building color, depth, and refinement. Because oil painting relies on layered development, the work often passes through "ugly duckling" phases that are a normal and necessary part of the process. For this reason, additional progress images are not typically shared unless something specific requires discussion.

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

6. Review & Completion

Near completion, you’ll receive images of the finished painting for a final review. Minor refinements can be made at this stage if needed.

Once approved:

• The remaining balance is due

• The painting is allowed proper drying time

• Delivery or pickup is arranged

7. Delivery

Paintings may be:

• Picked up in person (when local)

• Professionally packaged and shipped

Shipping costs are not included unless otherwise noted. Detailed care instructions are provided to ensure the longevity of your artwork.

Commission Availability

I accept a limited number of commissions each year. Availability varies depending on size, complexity, and time of year.

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait, I encourage you to inquire early—especially for gifts or time-sensitive projects.

Ready to Begin?

If this process feels aligned with what you’re looking for, I’d love to hear more about your idea.

Contact me here to start the conversation.