Some artists shy away from custom work because they feel it limits their creativity, but I think it’s sometimes quite the opposite. I like to think of a commission piece as a collaborative effort between the artist and the collector. It’s an exercise in communication, and it’s so satisfying to be able to give people exactly what they want or need. After all, it’s an investment that they will hopefully have for the rest of their lives.

I’m often asked to paint a similar motif in a different size or format, and it’s fun to do so. Each piece is unique because I start out with a blank canvas and a brush and never try to copy a work I’ve already done, but rather to capture the same spirit or feeling. I suppose it’s a bit like the way I cook – never measure things, but that doesn’t mean I can’t recreate my favorite dishes, and the resulting subtle differences keep things interesting.

As someone who often walks into a room and mentally rearranges things, I’m not the least bit offended if a client does the same. I often have customers who see a piece that I’ve done, but want a different sky, a water element, or some other change to the composition. It’s fun to revisit a motif and make changes – just look at Monet’s Water Lilies! Again, it’s a bit like cooking… “this is great, but what if you added some lemon zest, or chipotle?” The collaborative element can feed creativity!

One of my favorite things to do is to create pieces that have personal meaning to my collectors. I love to create art that commemorates a trip to Europe, a honeymoon, or a cherished place. Theses pieces are special to me because they’re so special to the people who commission them. I can easily work from a photograph (even a poor one) and will include some example photos of how I do this. I tweak things, playing with color and composition and staying true to my style, but it’s fun to see the photo and the painting side by side. Please don’t hesitate to contact me about such work.