What It’s Like to Commission a Painting
When you commission a painting, you're inviting art into your life—not just your walls.
Introduction
A painting can begin with something as simple as a feeling.
You might not know the exact image you’re looking for. Maybe it’s a memory of the water on a certain morning, or the color of a room at dusk. When someone commissions a painting from me, that’s often where we begin—not with a subject, but with a mood.
Why Commission Original Art?
Commissioning a painting might sound formal—but in truth, it’s a conversation.
If you’ve never done it before, it can feel like something reserved for galleries or collectors. But I see it as a chance to make something deeply personal—art that reflects not just your space, but your story.
“Commissioning art is a relationship. You bring the vision, I bring the brush.”
Explore available artwork
Learn how the process works
Where We Begin
You don’t need to arrive with a full idea. Some clients start with just a few words—“soft and grounded,” “coastal,” or “I want it to feel like early morning.” From that language, we begin shaping the palette, composition, and scale together.
Considerations I’ll Ask About:
- Where will the painting live? (e.g. above a mantel, in a hallway, across from a window)
- What kind of presence should it have—calm, vibrant, expansive?
- Do you have a color story you want to build around?
Step 1: Consultation & Proposal
Once I understand your vision and the space, I’ll send you a proposal that includes:
- Canvas size and format
- Estimated timeline (usually 4–8 weeks depending on complexity)
- Pricing and deposit information
- Reference pieces from my portfolio that align with your preferences
Step 2: Painting in Motion
I paint in layers—softly building light, contrast, and movement over time. I don’t work from rigid sketches. Instead, I allow the painting to unfold, guided by the mood we’ve discussed and the materials in front of me.
Throughout the process, I’ll share a few updates: images or short video clips so you can see the work evolving. These are not for micromanaging—they’re an invitation to stay close to the work without needing to direct it.
Step 3: Your Feedback
You’re welcome to share thoughts as the piece progresses.
That said, major adjustments late in the process are rare. I try to get things right through early listening, but if something feels off—say a certain tone feels too dominant or the balance feels slightly off—we’ll address it with care.
What Clients Often Say
“I’ve been searching forever and haven’t found the right piece.”
“I want something that feels like me—not just something that fills the space.”
“I have a spot that deserves more than a print.”
Commissioning a painting gives you exactly that: something made with your life, your room, and your rhythm in mind.
Step 4: Finishing the Work
I know a painting is finished when it no longer asks anything of me. When the light is right, the color is grounded, and the energy is whole.
At that point, I’ll send final images for your approval. Once the balance is paid, the painting is sealed, signed, and prepared for delivery.
Learn about delivery & framing
What About Framing?
Framing is not included, but I’m happy to make recommendations. I can suggest finishes, frame depths, and styles based on your space and the painting’s palette. I strongly recommend using a local professional framer so you can choose what feels right in your hands and home.
Commissioned Works That Began with Feeling
- “Twilight at Greenhaven Beach” – Based on a memory and a request for pinks and quiet
- “Seas The Day” – Created for the Shenorock Shore Club marina
- “Clairvoyance” – A horizon diptych built from abstract feeling rather than a literal place
- “Swimmers Lane at Sunrise” – Inspired by early morning rhythm and reflection
Each began with an idea that was emotional, not visual—and each became a piece of someone’s daily landscape.
FAQs About Commissions
Can I commission a piece in a specific size?
Yes. I work in sizes ranging from 18x24" to over 60" depending on your space.
Do I get to choose colors?
We’ll collaborate on the palette, but I guide the actual mixing and composition.
What’s the typical turnaround time?
Most commissions take 4–8 weeks. Rush requests may be possible depending on scheduling.
Can you ship nationally?
Yes. I ship throughout the U.S. with insured carriers. Local delivery available in Westchester, NY.
More details on shipping & framing
Final Thoughts
When you commission a painting, you're inviting art into your life—not just your walls.
It becomes a part of your home’s rhythm. Something quiet. Something lasting. Something that—hopefully—feels more like you every time you see it.
If you’re curious, I invite you to reach out. You don’t need a plan—just a space, a memory, or a feeling you want to hold onto.
Why Original Art Creates a More Personal Home
There’s something different about living with original art.
How to Choose the Right Size Painting for Your Space
When it comes to choosing a painting, we often focus on subject and color—but size plays a quiet, powerful role in how art lives in your space.
What It’s Like to Commission a Painting
When you commission a painting, you're inviting art into your life—not just your walls.
What Makes A Painting Finished?
Sometimes, I’m still adjusting a piece even after it’s framed and hanging in my studio. I’ll walk past it and think: that corner could be softer or that blue could be a little warmer. It’s not about indecision. It’s about relationship.
How I Paint Light
Light doesn’t sit still. It moves. It softens. It shifts a whole scene without changing the subject. That’s what draws me to it—and what makes painting it a challenge I never quite want to solve.
