About Custom Work
There is a long, storied tradition of patronizing artists and commissioning them to make work. I paint custom pieces routinely.
Commissioned projects are often technically intense, so I consider them a means for advancing my craft. But there has been a surprise in the heart of these projects. Designing these pieces requires establishing a deep and often vulnerable connection with you, the audience. You tell me your story and introduce me to the people in your life, those that the art will capture and impact. It is a profound honor to get to know you and to try and capture what matters most to you.
Below you’ll find a gallery of commissioned paintings from the recent past.
In the Sun with Sydney
oil and collaged photographs on canvas, 2 panels, 64 x 30”
2022
A piece to highlight the life-spark and joy of Sydney and Caius.
Sydney passed away just before her 8th birthday and her parents requested a painting shortly thereafter. As the painter, the piece was an invitation to get to know Sydney and her family. (I recommend you read this to meet her too.) I honestly talked to Sydney quite a bit painting her. Though I don’t think it is feasible to fully capture the brightness of these kids, I did get a taste of it myself while making of the piece. And I hope the painting keeps their vibrant energy, captured at a particular time of life, close at hand for many years to come
Special thanks to the Miricks for entrusting their children and memories to me, and for allowing me to share the project.
Interested in a Custom Piece?
Maeve and Aileen, 36 x 48," oil on canvas
Layers of Inheritance, 40 x 30," oil on canvas
For Tara, 40 x 30," oil, collaged photographs, on canvas
Eastern Market, 24 x 30" oil on canvas
Blue Blessing, 40 x 30" oil and collage on canvas
The Beauty She Brings, 48 x 36", oil and collaged photographs on canvas
Clark Kent, 20 x 20" oil on canvas
Down Hickorywood, 18 x 24" oil on canvas
Warm Breeze, Brine 24 x 40" oil on canvas
For Johanna, 24 x 28" oil on canvas
For Laura 1, 24 x 30" oil on paper
For Laura 2, 24 x 30" oil on paper
For Laura 3, 24 x 30" oil on paper
Grand Adventure, 20 x 24" oil on canvas
For Alex, 30 x 24" oil on canvas
For Emily, 24 x 30," oil on canvas
Daughter, Where the Shoreline Meets the Water, 24 x 40" oil on canvas
Pumpkinseed, 30 x 24" oil on canvas
photo by Audrey Chee-Read
Custom pieces
are often ordered to celebrate a life or a milestone birthday or to make a house feel like home.
But they are made to communicate much more. One of the projects above was designed to instill cheerfulness each time you enter a bedroom, another was made to mark the significance of a new daughter.
They are designed to reflect the most important things back to us.