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Simonne is so passionate about providing you the perfect piece. She worked with me on a custom design for my husband. Simonne was patient and took her time making sure every detail was perfection. The landscape oil painting she produced was magnificent and portrays our memories of Maryland perfectly. A gift my husband is sure to treasure for many years to come. The entire process was a lot of fun and I look forward to working together again soon. A true masterpiece.  - The buyer of Oyster House

Making a painting for another person is very satisfying work for me and should be fun for you, too.  The secret is in our working closely together and taking it step by step.

Here are the six steps I use to make commissions people love.

STEP 1.  MEETING or PHONE CALL

We start with a meeting - in person or virtual - so you can describe your goals for the project.  I'll ask questions to find out exactly what you have in mind. Is it a gift? How large would you like it to be? Do you prefer oil or watercolor? What is the best time of year for the subject? What is your budget? What is the time frame?

If it will be a house or garden painting, we might meet at the location together, and I will probably take photos of different angles. If a visit isn't practical, I'd ask you to send me photos.

Sometimes due to distance, meeting isn't possible, and in that case we will do our best with email.

Spangler Farm, Gettysburg Battlefield, oil, 6 x 12"

For this commissioned painting the customer and I met at Gettysburg battlefield and we chose the perspective together. He later wrote: "Simonne, It was a pleasure working with you on a most beautiful day in October.  A Great Day.  A Great Scene.  A Great Painting.  Thanks so much." 

STEP 2.  THUMBNAIL SKETCHES

I'll do several thumbnail sketches on site or from photos. These are small drawings in black and white that allow us to see different ways to paint the subject. I'll ask you to select the one you like best. I don't charge for any work up to this point.

STEP 3.  THE CONTRACT

After we decide the composition (from the thumbnail sketches), the medium (oil or watercolor & ink), size, price and due date for the painting, I'll prepare a contract for your review. 

The price will depend on the size, and we can find a size to suit your budget.

STEP 4.  THE COLOR STUDY FOR LARGE OIL PAINTINGS

For large oil paintings, I will prepare a small color version, about ¼ to ½ the size of the final painting, for your review.

The color study will give you a better idea of the appearance of the final larger painting.

I'll ask your reaction to the color study, and we might make adjustments for the final painting (add or take away certain elements, for example). We can even move mountains to achieve a better result!

Color study of “Oyster Shack,” for commissioned oil painting, 2.5” x 6”

STEP 5.  THE FINAL PAINTING

I will complete your painting on time and email you a photo of it along with the final invoice.

“Oyster House," Commissioned oil painting, 6” x 15.5” 

STEP 6.  THE BEST PART

I will ship your painting to you, or, if you live nearby, I will deliver and hang it for you. We might take some photos together as a souvenir of our project.

If you live far away, perhaps you'll send me a photo of the painting hanging in its new home, or being held by the person who received it as a gift. That would make my day!

 “Old Madison House,” Watercolor, a birthday surprise gift, in its new home

Please use this link to see some of the commissions I've done.  

Here's a link to email me about a commission.

Here's an article from the New York Times called Why take a Picture of your House when you can Paint it Instead?