Commission a Painting
Over the many years of painting, I have painted countless special commissions. Sometimes a piece someone loved had already sold, or they wanted a vertical version of a horizontal painting. Other times, the color palette simply needed to better suit their space.Whatever the reason —
I love working with collectors to create something truly personal.
The process is smooth and enjoyable with clear communication and client-input on:
Size
Orientation
Composition
Subject
Color palette
For example, you might say, “I like the composition of piece A and the colors in piece B,” or share any preferences or dislikes.
A quick phone call and a few emails with images usually help me get a clear vision. It’s also helpful to see where the artwork will hang and its surroundings. As the piece progresses, I’ll send updates with photos and videos, giving you plenty of opportunities to share feedback.
With years of experience working with galleries, designers, and individual clients, I’ve developed helpful techniques that I’m happy to share via phone, email, or in person.
The following are a few examples of special commissions I've done in the past. It's important to me to hit the target of what a client wants, but also rest assured that what they have is its own unique piece.
In 2019, I was having a show at Hagan Fine Art in Charleston that featured "Saltines," a fun little plate of oysters, cocktail sauce, and -of course- packets of Saltine crackers. The day of the show someone came in before the opening reception and bought it.
Allison Hull, the gallery director, asked if it could remain for the opening, to which the collector graciously agreed to. I'm so glad she did!
Minutes (yes minutes!) after the sale a Kiawah resident wandered in and immediately wanted it. Alas... it was sold. When I got back to my studio, her commission came to life in a softer, beach-y color palette.
(Left: Saltines, Right: Saltines & Sauce)
Show me a beautiful room, and I will paint for it!
Flanking the hidden television two abstracts offer quiet contemplation of the neutral undertones of the beach, with a subtle punch of color. It's a WIN WIN combination. He gets his television for watching sports and SHE has her art for peaceful relaxation on the coast. Bravo to the designer who inspired this scenario.
(Beach Visions I & II)
This special commission I called Walking on Sunshine derived from a husband and wife team that had a particular spot in mind (and size) and needed something with some pop, but also wanted a calming effect. They loved Lipstick Sunset as the target.
I gave some mood to it with by working with the undertones to soften the brightness of its predecessor.
(Left: Lipstick Sunset, Right: Walking on Sunshine)
What a joy to create this collaboration.
The collectors wanted a piece that reflected the quiet waters of their new residence on Kiawah Island and their treasured retreat in Western North Carolina near Grandfather Mountain. It is a privilege to hang in a stunning and graceful plantation, rich with history. Kiawah Island, circa 1770.
At the collector's request, i wrote the below artist statement about the commission, which was titled
PLACES OF RENEWAL
"The low country of South Carolina inspires a vibrancy of hot colors that meander through the canvas as moving water in the marsh. History mingles in these lands and waters. Unspoken, mysterious and quietly nudging one to pause to appreciate and preserve the richness of the quiet beauty and the circa of structures. Renewal is found in this moment and in moments miles away that restore our souls."