WHAT IS A COMMISSION?  

A commission is an original work of art you pay for that is created according to an agreement between you and an artist. 

WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO COMMISSION A WORK OF ART?  

It’s full of meaning and very special. Made only for you, your loved one, or for whomever you wish.  (I also do paid commissions for organizations. Please call me to discuss as these are more complex projects.)

It’s personalized for you. Typically, you choose the subject matter and provide the reference material for its creation. (Some people prefer to choose a theme or a broad subject and leave the creative content up to me.) You work with me and have input into the creation process. My goal is to deliver a painting that fills your need. I do my best to create a work that reflects your heart, your feelings, your voice. 

It’s the perfect size using the perfect medium. You choose which medium — soft pastels, oil paint, or watercolor — and you decide its size (within the limits of the available surfaces suitable to the medium you’ve chosen and shipping constraints). Et voilà! It fits into the space on the wall you wanted and with your décor — perfectly!

WHAT COMMISSIONS DO I ACCEPT?  

I only do commissions for abstract or impressionist-style seascapes and landscapes, as well as starscapes (these are paintings of nebula and galaxies). I’m happy to recommend other artists who do other subjects if that is what you seek.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?  

On average it’s about two months from start to finish. It can go faster, or slower, depending on the timeline we agree to, the subject matter, the medium (oil takes awhile to dry), if a crate needs to be built (for very large paintings), and the quality of the reference sources.

WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT? CAN YOU MAKE REPRODUCTIONS OF THE PAINTING YOU COMMISSIONED?  

Although you are the owner of the original painting on final payment, I retain all worldwide copyrights. Thus, you may only reproduce it with my express written permission. If you want to buy all worldwide copyrights, we can negotiate that. If you would like to order print reproductions of the painting or merchandise with the painting on it (for example: greeting cards, art prints, coasters, t-shirts mugs, aprons, etc.), you may order those through me. I work with high quality providers who offer a wide range of items. If you don't see what you want on my site, let me know. I have multiple sources.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?  

Once you let me know you’re interested, we discuss what you’d like to be created and what reference resources you have (e.g. photos, etc.). We agree on a number of things such as the size, what medium you want (I work in three - soft pastels, oil, and watercolor). We discuss what will happen and when, what input you have in the creation process and how that works, and a time frame. I detail that information in an email that you will review so you know what to expect and what we're both agreeing to.

WHY IS THE IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW IMPORTANT?  

Our in-depth interview is integral to creating a successful working relationship so the creation process is pleasurable for both of us. It gives me a deeper understanding of the image you want me to create and why it’s so important to you. It also helps us both to understand whether we will be a good fit working with each other. I need to understand your expectations and you need to express them clearly and you need to understand my requirements so we correct any misunderstandings at the start.  

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THE FINISHED PAINTING? 

I want all my clients to be absolutely delighted with their finished painting. If, for any reason you are not despite our mutual attempts to resolve any differences, no further balance is due and I keep the painting. You do forfeit your deposit, but that is payment for my time and materials based on your approvals throughout the process.

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?  

My fee depends on several factors: the size, the subject, the quality of the reference material, the medium and surface, the number of communication touch points and timeline we agree to. The minimum fee for a commission is $1,500. 

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS? 

I require a 50% non-refundable deposit at the start with the remaining balance due when I send you a photo of the finished work and you approve it for shipping or pick-up. Shipping charges are extra and will depend on the size of the finished work and how you want it sent. I accept PayPal, credit cards, Venmo, Zelle, and online bank transfers. I hold your reservation date for 48 hours after I send you the detailed email, which gives you time to review the project terms and remit payment. I confirm your reservation date after your payment clears.