If you love my painting style, you ought to consider a commissioned work.
A commissioned portrait is more than a likeness—it’s a collaboration between artist and subject, resulting in a work that captures both presence and personality. My approach to portrait commissions is rooted in careful observation and expressive technique, using acrylics to bring out the subtle gestures, natural light, and emotional resonance that make each person unique.
Working from your photographs, I create paintings that honor the individuality of my subjects. Whether it’s the quiet connection between loved ones, the warmth of a candid smile, or the contemplative stillness of a solitary moment, each piece is designed to evoke a sense of intimacy and authenticity. My brushwork is loose yet intentional, layering color and light to reveal character and mood, while backgrounds are often softly abstracted to keep the focus on the figure.
Clients often remark on the way their portraits feel both true-to-life and quietly transformative—capturing not just how they look, but how they feel. The result is a statement piece that invites reflection and connection, designed to become a cherished part of your home. This is the strength of commissioned work.
If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait, I invite you to reach out. Together, we’ll discuss your vision, select the right reference images, and create a painting that celebrates the extraordinary within the everyday.
The Commissioned Work Process
- Inquiry
Reach out using the form below to share your ideas and reference photographs. - Consultation
We’ll discuss your vision, select the best images, and clarify details such as size, mood, and setting. - Concept & Approval
I’ll provide a preliminary concept or digital mock-up for your feedback before painting begins. - Creation
I’ll create your portrait in acrylic, keeping you updated on progress and inviting input at key stages. - Completion & Delivery
Once finished, you’ll receive images for final approval. The completed painting will be carefully packaged and shipped to your address.
Costs vary by painting size. For example, in 2026, a 16×20 canvas is $800.00 USD, plus shipping and insurance.
Ready to begin your commissioned work?
Below are a few examples, featuring the original image and the resulting painting.
Us
I decided to start here, simply because it took me decades to do a self-portrait. I’ve been painting Darbella since… well,,, the beginning.
Wayne and Darbella
Darbella and me in a moment of quiet togetherness. The composition is balanced and inviting; we’re positioned in a way that suggests a deep, unspoken bond.
The background is softly abstracted, allowing the focus to remain on the subtle interplay of glances and gestures.
The use of warm, natural tones and gentle highlights brings a sense of warmth and authenticity to the scene, capturing not just likeness but the emotional landscape between us.
Lisa in Patterns
From a photograph taken at a party, this painting is of my favourite niece (also my only niece 😉 )
The light falls across her face and shoulders, illuminating the delicate textures of skin and fabric. The brushwork is both confident and sensitive, layering color to evoke the sitter’s inner life. There’s a sense of openness and vulnerability, as if the viewer has been invited into a private moment of reflection.
And a Flower
Image is from a photo shoot
Emi & Melinia
I took a series of photographs and this painting was the result.
Daddy’s Boy
From a photo posted by a friend on Instagram
Susie Sunshine
From a photo of an artist friend – The subject’s expression is bright and engaging, her posture open and welcoming. The palette here is especially vibrant, with sunlit yellows and soft blues creating an atmosphere of joy and possibility. The background, though loosely rendered, hints at a familiar domestic space, grounding the portrait in everyday reality while celebrating the unique spirit of the individual.
Before Her Morning Coffee
From a morning / afternoon photo shoot
Charity and Blaine
We met these two in Costa Rica. This painting is from a photo posted to their Facebook page.
A Gathering of the Hats
This painting was interesting, as it’s a composite of several photos. The buyer wanted everyone in a group, so I picked the best of each photo and put them together.
Familia
Darbella and her mother and sister. This was a gift for my mother-in-law.
