This is when an artist creates a customized art piece for a client, in simple terms it’s art made to order. I offer this art on commission service – but with a difference. It’s not hard to find a talented artist today to paint an enlarged version of a photo of a person or people, i.e. usually they’re smiling into the camera. If this is what you are looking for, then I am NOT the artist for you. As I said in my Gallery section, for me, painting a portrait is like opening a door into the universe of the person being portrayed. That’s what make’s it interesting, both for me and the viewer.
The commission work I do means working closely with clients to create that special and uniquely personal original painting that you or a loved one will treasure for a lifetime. It also makes for a wonderful surprise gift – let’s face it, you can’t get more personal that seeing
yourself or others you love portrayed on an artist’s canvas!
But let me show you by example.
A Unique Surprise Gift for your Partner. . .
Imagine your husband’s birthday is looming up. What on earth are you going to buy that would truly surprise and even thrill him? Let alone a gift that really lets him know how much you love him. Of course there’s always your old fallback, a gift certificate from the local
hardware store. But that’s hardly a stimulating present and the element of surprise is zero. You draw a blank. . . again.
Now imagine arranging for a friend to “spontaneously” take some photos of you and your husband showing your affection for each other. The passion of the embrace is obvious, the lighting is fine, but the background is a junky living room. But you’re not worried about the
background. You secretly email off the photos to the artist and describe to her the romantic moonlit setting you imagined for the painting as you know your partner would love this.
And magically, this is what you present as the surprise birthday gift! A Moonlit Moment that captures your love for each other -- an original painting on commission that you and your husband will always cherish!
Moonlit Moment
Acrylic on Canvas
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While the idea of a portrait can be cool, many worry that a formal type portrait sitting on ones wall is somewhat pretentious.
Let me show you the approach I take . This is Margaret – in snapshot form.
Margaret
Acrylic on Canvas
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The Kiss!
Acrylic on Canvas
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I produced this painting for her as a birthday gift … and as an inspiration for her as she pursues her dreams.
Katie in the Spotlight
Acrylic on Canvas
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Love Seat
Acrylic on Canvas
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and his girlfriend, Elisha.
Elisha & David
Acrylic on Canvas
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This is my niece Danielle. She is a horse lover and lives in New Zealand.
And here she is on canvas surrounded by the beautiful countryside where she lives.
Morning Ride
Acrylic on Canvas
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Surfer at Sunset
Acrylic on Canvas
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Winter, Upstate New York
Acrylic on Canvas
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Heading into the Southern Alps, New Zealand
Acrylic on Canvas
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Gardens can give great pleasure to both the creator and beholder. But unlike brick and mortar, without that continual pampering they can fade very rapidly. Why not capture the beauty of your garden – either past or present -- in an original painting?
On the right is a photo of a typical garden in Italy.
Italian Garden
Watercolor on Paper
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I painted this as a gift for Michelle’s birthday. I did it in watercolor as it best captures the delicate colors. AND, as a extra surprise, I added in her adorable fluffy little dog and puppy!
Michelle's Garden
Watercolor on Paper
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“Your home is your castle….” as the old saying goes. I began doing house portraits in New Zealand 30 years ago and it’s still a favorite. Imbued with so many family memories, ones home takes on its own personality.
Here are some examples showing the original photos and the final art work. The media I have found most suitable for this subject is black pen followed by a watercolor wash. The pen work enables me to include the finer details of the house and the watercolor wash brings it to life.
Old family homestead on a New Zealand farm.
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Los Angeles - USA
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Rotorua - New Zealand
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Wisconsin - USA
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Venice - Italy
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Los Angeles - USA
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Glen Rock, New Jersey - USA
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Mammoth Lakes - USA
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Los Angeles - USA
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Auckland - New Zealand
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Los Angeles - USA
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Monroe, Washington - USA
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Los Angeles - USA
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Lansing, Michigan - USA
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Pen and Watercolor Paintings:
5 x 7 inches $ 99 (USD)
8 x 10 inches $ 130
11 x 14 inches $ 160
12 x 16 inches $ 190
14x 18 inches $ 225
(Larger sizes available on request.)
All house portrait originals will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the artist.
The cost of all art work does not include framing.
Your painting will be packaged safely and mailed to you by a reliable carrier. Mailing cost is additional (maximum charge $20.)