Inside look at commissioned painting process

I just delivered a commission and thought I’d share my process when I’m asked to do a custom piece.

“Keeper” original 36” x 36” oil painting of colorful buoys

This painting was created for friends who wanted a piece of my art in their home, but didn’t feel that a floral painting would work because their home has a nautical feel.

If I am working on a piece that’s not created from a piece I’ve already done, my process is to paint a few smaller paintings so the collector can choose a direction which gives both of us peace of mind that I’m heading in the right direction before I dive into a big canvas.

In this case I painted three 8”x8” pieces for them to choose from. A single seashell, a grouping of shells and, on a whim, I painted buoys from a photo I took last summer at the beach.

And they chose the bouys without hesitation. But they also chose the two alternate smaller paintings which are currently getting framed. How fun is that?

It really is a great process because it helps me feel more comfortable that I’m painting what they are envisioning. Without that extra step it can be super scary. This way that pesky inner critic isn’t along on the journey and that’’s a really, really good thing.

When we get together with them in a week or two to give them the framed pieces I will take a photo of them in front of the painting to share.

Although commissions can feel scary and overwhelming, when they workout they are nothing short of magical!

If you are thinking of a one-of-a-kind custom commission for your home, just sent me an email at art@kimmyerssmith.com and I will be happy to discuss options with you!