Commissions

It is a honor when someone wants to live with my art. I love collaborating with clients on custom commissions to fit their style and design needs.

Step One: Understanding my approach, the medium and process

Encaustic is a centuries-old process of painting with melted beeswax, damar resin (fir-tree sap) which I then mix with oil paints. I chose encaustic as the medium for the Shellscapes Collection because its unpredictable outcomes of fusion and the various sheen produced lend itself to capturing the inexplicable glory of Mother Nature’s creations. There is definitely a divine hand directing the final piece that I trust entirely. I am merely a conduit in bringing these creations to life.

Each Shellscape painting is unique, and no two are exactly the same. Beeswax is a natural medium that contracts as it cools, manipulating the paint via unpredictable outcomes. It is an ebb and flow process where I have to be present and willing to allow the medium to guide me—painting to a certain point, stopping to let it set and then responding to how it cools before I paint more. When working together, I emphasize this one-of-a-kind nature and the inherent properties of the medium so you can fully understand that realism is not my end goal. The final painting is never a realistic representation but more the essence of the original inspiration. It is a true collaboration with the natural elements at play. More about encaustic here.

More Client Testimonials

Step Two: Direction
My Shellscapes Collection is inspired by the, sometimes overlooked, atmospheric patterns in shells. Although this inspiration is the focus of my collection, and my color palettes emerge from there, I create atmospheric style paintings in other palettes or based on other inspirations when doing commission work. We discuss your tastes, style goals, and any direction like colors, setting, and inspiration. Most times, clients give me free rein with just a color theme they desire or a mood they want to invoke, while others might have a shell they have collected or favorite painting of mine that they love as inspiration. This is a window of possibility where we brainstorm together to create something unique just for you.

Step Three: Presentation Mock-ups
I create complimentary digital mock-ups for you based on our conversations. You will take a photo of the space you want the commission and send it to me along with a measurement of one thing in the image. This allows me to proportionately create a digital presentation to scale, which enables you to visually see variations, size options, and color palettes in your setting prior to committing to the commission. This process helps solidify details, so we both feel confident moving forward toward a successful outcome. Link to sample client commission proposal here.

Step Four: Entering into a Commission Agreement
You will choose a size and color pallet from the digital mock-up, which may take a few rounds of presentations. The final design size and pricing is accepted, approved, and a commission agreement is signed. A 50% deposit is required to start the painting. Please Note: The packaging and handling is already included in the original price but shipping is too variable to calculate prior. You will receive a final amount once shipped and you will need to send a separate payment via Venmo, Paypal or credit card.
(Example: Larger paintings, shipped in summer will ship 1 day delivery and will cost $300-400+ in just shipping)

Step Five: Create Painting
Once an agreement is signed and a deposit is received, custom wood panels are built to design specifications. Each panel is built with a 1 7/8” depth/return to the panel unless otherwise specified. The painting process can take 3-6 weeks, depending on variables, orders, and the season. Then I get to create which is my favorite part!

Step Six: Completion
Once completed photographs and video of the painting are sent to you for approval. (unless local) The painting is unframed with French cleat hardware installed for an easy and tight mount. Most clients hang the painting unframed as the wood panel creates a clean look, but you may choose to frame it as well in which case I would recommend a ‘Floater’ frame style. The painting comes with a whitewashed sides if you prefer.

For remote commissions, the paintings are wrapped in wax paper, packaged into foam insulation containers, and boxed for shipping. Encaustic is beeswax, so it needs a stable temperature while shipping. Packages are shipped 1-3 day express shipping depending on the time of year and temperatures. Final shipping charges are extra and calculated at time of shipping. Remember shipping is an additional cost so you will be given this amount once it is shipped and you can send additional payment at that time.

I always look forward to speaking with you after delivery to make sure everything arrived in order, and you are pleased with the final outcome. Ideally, I would love it if you would photograph the installed art so I can see it in its final setting! When/if posting to social media please use the hashtag #shellscapesinplace. Need help photographing your art? See fun Photo Tips video here.

Step Seven: Care + More Encaustic Info Read more here