“Of course we’d seen David’s work before commissioning him to paint our beloved chocolate labs, Mabel & Molly, so we fully expected to be satisfied with the results. Hard to describe how much he exceeded our expectations. Probably because David’s work is about more than results. He shares his process. We saw the paintings come to life in layers: sketches…colors…shades…heart & soul. So now we have this stunningly beautiful art we commissioned, holding a connection we never imagined. ”
COMMISSIONS
Time providing, I accept commissions ranging from representational portraiture to stylized illustrations. If you’re interested in something like this or anywhere in between, send me an email and we’ll figure something out.
Charlie
Louie | Three Months
Sabre & Morgan
Milagro
PROCESS - REPRESENTATIONAL DRAWING AND PAINTING
It’s a luxury to have your subject sit for a portrait that can take many hours to complete. That’s why I typically work from photographs for representational commissions. I arrange a photo session at my studio where we can collaborate on wardrobe, poses, and background. Then I’ll send you a couple options from the shoot that will act as a guide for the painting.
If a photo shoot is not an option, I can sometimes work from photos if they are of a decent quality.
Once the photos are sorted, I start on sketches and color poster studies (if color is involved). These are just for me, and are intentially quick and unrefined. If you’d like to see how I navigate the design challenges for the commission, let me know and I can share any rough explorations and keep you involved along the way.
Soulful Warrior Collective
Goshen Family
Sam, Joelene, Sonny, and Benny
Jimmy & Kay Anniversary
PROCESS - STYLIZED ILLUSTRATION
For more stylized illustrations, a collection of reference photos of the subject(s) and relevant objects for the piece are sufficient. Working from this library of images, I’ll rough out an overall composite sketch for the layout of characters, environment, typography, etc. Once I have something that’s working for me, I’ll share it with you and we can go back-and-forth on details until the concept is “approved.” Then I take the “approved” sketch and work it up to the final piece.
Turnaround time for all commissions varies depending on the artwork and availability in my schedule.
COST
Commission costs are negotiated on an individual basis. Each artwork is unique with it's own set of requirements such as size, number of subjects, background detail, materials, etc. The combination of these elements determines the overall price.
A deposit of half the agreed price is to be paid at the beginning of the commission. The remainder to be paid when the painting is delivered.
“My 80 year old father has two beautiful german shepherds who are pretty much his 2nd round of children. They are his nearest and dearest companions in life. Last year, as Christmas was approaching, I was searching for the perfect gift for my father who is not the easiest to buy for. Then a friend told me about David’s paintings and I jumped at the opportunity. After emailing and submitting some photos of the dogs - so began an incredible journey towards one of the most extraordinary gifts I have ever given.. anyone. David sent photos of work-in-progress and it was truly magical watching the transformation from a sketch to the final masterpiece. Come Christmas morning it was a spectacular moment, my father was so surprise, so moved and absolutely delighted. But what is most meaningful about this gift is that it portrays the dogs in action walking the property, which he just recently sold. Now he has a piece that will forever remind him of the fond memories of walking the dogs on the property that he called home for over 25 years. Thank you David, this gift is priceless. ”
“Several years ago, after seeing some fantastic paintings David did for a friend, I knew I had to have one. He painted a remarkable still life of my favorite room in the house, complete with my dog Murphy. I couldn’t know then how important this painting would be to me. I’ve since moved from that home, leaving behind many memories, but now this painting is the piece of art in my current home that everyone is drawn to. I believe it is already a family heirloom, and it won’t be the last painting I commission from David!”