Commissioned paintings during the summer of 2023
I don’t often take on commissions, but during the summer of 2023, I decided to say yes to two projects that truly spoke to me.
When these two opportunities came my way, they immediately resonated with me on a personal level. These weren’t just commissions, they were meaningful projects that felt needed to be brought to life.
In this blog post, I will not only share the stories of these projects but also give you an inside look at how I approach and handle commissioned work.
A painting in memory of my friend's father
The first painting I worked on during the summer of 2023 was deeply personal. This special piece was created in memory of my good friend’s father. In essence, the artwork captures and intricately weaves together some of the most cherished memories he left behind.
A painting commissioned by a lovely family
The second canvas I painted this summer was commissioned by a lovely family to capture the essence of their unique family. From favorite hobbies to beloved belongings, every detail in this painting was carefully chosen to tell their story and give a glimpse into their world.
Each of these paintings has its own unique story, but both required me to approach the work with care, creativity, and a deep respect for the client’s vision. Custom commissions are always a collaboration, and in the next part of this post, I’ll walk you through how I navigate that collaborative process, from the first meeting with the client to a finished painting on their wall.
The process behind custom work
Meeting with clients
Every commissioned piece begins with a conversation. I want to hear from my clients about what matters most to them, what they love, and what they want their painting to express and look like.
Gathering all these ideas is obviously a crucial step, but as important as the ideas themselves is where the painting will live. So let me elaborate a bit more on this part as it is plays a massive part in the way I construct the composition.
Designing for the space
I always make it a point to visit the space where my artwork will eventually hang. Understanding the room’s layout and ambiance helps me make the painting not only meaningful but also functional within its surroundings.
For example, the painting I had to craft about the family was destined for a large living room wall. Since this room is spacious, the painting would be viewed both from up close and from a distance.
This is critical information for me, as I must consider how the artwork will look from various vantage points. From afar, the essence of painting must be immediately recognizable, while up close, the details should invite the viewer to explore further.
Take for instance the composition of the family’s painting:
From a distance, the large elements of the painting - a camper, trees, a distant building - are immediately recognizable and establish the overall scene quickly. However, as you move closer, countless small details emerge that deepen the story: there is a dog in the scene, a sticker on the camper’s door, a sewing machine on the table, a soccer ball on the ground, a surf board leaning against the camper ... and much more. So while the central theme of the camper is clear from afar, the small additional elements invite a deeper exploration from up close.
On the other hand, the dynamics of designing for a large space like this are very different than creating for, say, a small hallway where the artwork might only be seen up close.
Take now the other painting I made this summer, the one I created in memory of my friend's father. Here the painting was going to be part of a small dining room. There was no point to go for bold and big elements. Instead everything is shaped rather small in order to be viewed from up close only.
Delivering The Commission
Turning the client’s ideas into a piece that also reflects my artistic touch often requires a lot of thought, time and sketches. This stage of the process is always challenging. I take great care in making sure the painting remains true to their wishes while ensuring it’s a piece of art that I’m also proud of.
Once I’m satisfied with a sketch, I presented it to the client. That’s always an exhilarating moment for me as an artist - waiting for that thumbs up (or down) from the client.
These were for example the approved sketches that lead to the paintings I made this summer:
With the clients approval in hand, I’m ready to move forward to the painting process.
When it comes to the actual painting process, I’ll keep it brief. I only consider the painting finished once I’m confident it meets my highest standards.
I’ve been fortunate in that, so far, I’ve never had someone unhappy or wanting to make adjustments after I showed them the painting they commissioned.
That said, I never apply varnish before the clients ultimate approval and everything is according to wishes.
Once I have their go-ahead, I apply the varnish, and the artwork is done!
However, I don’t consider my job finished just yet! I always make it a point to visit the client one last time to assist with hanging the painting on their wall. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that ensures the process ends on a high note, leaving behind a satisfied and happy customer :)
What This Summer Taught Me
This summer I learned a very important lesson. I’ve learned that saying yes to commissions every now and then opens up rewarding opportunities for creative growth.
Normally, I don’t often feel inclined to take on commissions. The reason? It’s because my mind is always overflowing with concepts for new paintings, and I love working big. Big ideas, big canvases, and often big time commitments. The downside is that this leaves me with only a few finished pieces a year, while countless ideas remain unrealized. This bittersweet reality is what ultimately drives me to prioritize my own creative pursuits over commissioned work.
This summer however, what I’ve come to realize is that commissioned work comes with a huge upside. It pushes me in directions I might never explore on my own. There’s something uniquely exciting about taking a client’s vision, weaving it together with my artistic instincts, and transforming it into a cohesive painting.
I now understand the value in occasionally setting aside my personal projects to take on commissions to expand my artistic horizons.
Who knew creative growth hides in client emails hehe ;)
