Examples of some great subjects for a commission include:

• Your pet(s)

• Your house

• Your favorite restaurant (or a restaurant where you celebrated a major life event)

• Your favorite meal (or the meal you ordered on you and your partner’s first date)

• A sentimental stuffed animal or other item

Please note that I do not paint commissioned portraits of people. However, I am happy to paint most other things, even if they’re not on the above list — as long as you can provide me with 2-5 clear, non-copyrighted* photographs of the subject, let’s discuss!

*A non-copyrighted photograph means that either you took the photograph yourself or you have permission to use it. Images pulled from the internet, photographers’ websites, artists’ websites, or companies’ websites do not qualify. Photographs should be well-lit, with little to no blurriness. I reserve the right to decline a commission for any reason, including a lack of appropriate photographs.

Your painting will be completed in watercolor and/or gouache paints on 100% cotton paper. If you prefer only watercolor or only gouache, I can accommodate that preference. All paints used are professional-quality and lightfast, and they will not fade or yellow over time. Your commission will be signed in archival ink.

The finished painting will not be sealed or varnished. It should be kept dry and framed behind glass in order to protect it.

• 5” x 7”

• 8” x 10”

• 11” x 14”

I am also happy to work with custom sizes. Please be aware that, for pieces larger than 11” x 14”, shipping costs may be higher.

These standard commission sizes are intended to fit into ready-made frames, either with or without a mat. Though you will receive your painting unframed, these dimensions make it easy to frame your new piece without the need for expensive custom framing services. All of these sizes can be done in either portrait or landscape orientation.

Most simple, single-subject commissions will be priced according to the following base prices:

• 5” x 7” — $70

• 8” x 10” — $140

• 11” x 14” — $275

Additional subjects or complex backgrounds may increase the price of your commission. The exact cost will be discussed with you before any contract is signed or any down payment is made. Once the contract is agreed to, there is a 50% non-refundable down payment.

During the commission process, you will be provided with a sketch and asked to approve the composition. After you have approved the sketch, any compositional changes (changes to poses or subject placement) will incur additional costs, which must be paid before work will continue on your piece.

When the painting is complete, you will receive a watermarked image of the final piece for your approval. Your painting will be mailed to you or can be picked up as soon as the remaining 50% of the commission cost and any shipping fees have been paid.

The buyer is responsible for shipping costs. Most standard-sized pieces can be shipped within the United States for less than $20, including tracking and insurance. Your estimated shipping cost will be included in your contract, so there are no surprises later.

I am happy to accommodate rush shipping, certified (signature required) mail, or the use of your preferred mail carrier, but I do require that all custom painting shipments include tracking and insurance. Rush shipping, certified mail, or the use of a different mail carrier may increase your shipping costs beyond what was quoted in the initial contract.

If you live in or near Northern Virginia, I would be happy to meet you somewhere to drop off your finished piece in person, as my schedule allows. Alternatively, you are welcome to come pick up your finished piece from me at any time convenient to you.