Commissions
My artistic practice is guided by an intuitive approach that is based in process. Rather than beginning with a fixed image or predetermined outcome, I allow the work to emerge organically. Through symbolism, layering, and intentional exploration, the artwork evolves in response to what unfolds. This openness invites depth, discovery, and authenticity in the final piece.
To provide structure and clarity within this fluid process, the commission will follow a phased framework:
Exploration Phase – Laying the groundwork through initial layers, symbolism, and fluid energy.
Development Phase – Deepening the work as the symbolic intentions begin to emerge. Progress updates will be shared at this stage.
Completion Phase – Refining and finalizing the artwork, ensuring it feels resolved and aligned with the intentions we set.
While the exact image of the finished work is not predicted, I commit to transparency and regular communication throughout the process. This ensures that you remain engaged and confident, while allowing the artwork to unfold with integrity and authenticity.
Timing: time varies depending on size, medium, details of the work and scheduling. Typically smaller work averages 1-2 months and larger scale work can take up to 4-6 months.
Terms: 50% non-refundable deposit to start, with the balance upon completion.
*It is common practice for me to produce additional paintings at the same time, offering a choice between completed works.
I come with over forty years experience in the arts and love creating one of a kind pieces with deep personal meaning.
It all starts with a conversation.
We can discuss any questions or thoughts you might have about the process of customization.
View some commissions with their stories below. Click image to see entire painting
The Luminous Journey
Trees are a universal symbol for life, growth and wisdom. A depth of meaning and importance that reaches beyond just an image of a tree. Our woody friends have a rich long history in culture, religion, mythology, healing, habitat and nourishment. There’s a majestic power that is rooted while reaching to the sky.
The parameters of this commission was to paint an elderly tree in a contemporary abstract manner. Combining the old and new to create a vibrant synergy. We walked around a mature Houston neighborhood so I could get a sense of the tree spirit that the client had in mind.
He wanted the overall feeling of the painting to resonate happiness. This painting is his way to connect to nature while indoors and retreat to a peaceful yet playful mindset. The counterbalance to stress. The painting is situated on the wall adjacent to the bed so morning eyes open to the base of the tree and the portal. A welcome invitation to wander in thought.
The color palette was to include various shades and tints of orange. This warm color scheme is the refreshing pop of color, and complimentary color for his floor to ceiling blue room. The orange color palette radiates warmth and is in keeping with the intended cheerful vibe.
There are many aspects I treasure about this commission. The admiration of trees, abstracting nature, meaningful content, the mix of old and new, large format and the orange color story combined with the underlying emotions of humor and happy hit my sweet spot. One aspect of this commission that was an added bonus was the request to include a surprise or two. The unexpected surprise that is discovered.
Two Snakes and a Gecko named Flash
I am enamored with snakes. As a former textile designer, the organic and exotic patterns of the scales are most intriguing. The repetition of pattern creates a rhythm and motion. And then there is the method of locomotion, when a snake moves in a serpentine fluid movement. It never gets old watching them move across the ground or up a vertical structure. Mostly viewed from a relative distance in the wild, I consider a snake sighting to be a lucky day.
So when I received a commission that was a surprise gift for a young couple who raise snakes (and many other reptiles) I was stoked. Their new home has neutral tones so color was embraced and welcomed.
The snake represents transformation and change because it must continually shed in order to grow. Symbolically snakes represent fertility or a creative life force.
Flash, the crested gecko, escaped when just a teeny tiny a baby. Little one earned his name because the couple had to wait for dark and search with a flashlight. They found him under the toaster oven in the kitchen.
Remus, the beloved trick performing dog, makes an appearance on the bottom of the painting, which is next to the fish on the snakeskin pattern.
Adventures in the Deep Blue
This commission was for the dining room on a yacht. The cream and blue tones coordinated with the luxurious fabric of the seating area. The size was customized to fit an allotted space.
The imagery represents the journey of blue water sailing. The open path that leads to new horizons while on a pleasure cruise.
Cockatiel
Mia and her owner have a beautiful bond. They are at the center of each other’s universe. That is why the bird is front and center of the composition.
Mia is a talker, a singer and a whistler. She has an online presence with 26 videos currently. Since the pandemic, her mom has been working remotely. Mia takes full advantage of the situation since she is known to be very social and an out of the cage kind of girl with high maintenance tendencies.
Mia’s mama is a young, intelligent loving soul. She grew up with two birds; Kiwi & Pidgey which helped foster a fondness for birds. Her passion besides Mia is knitting. Her grandmother taught her how to crotchet when she was six or seven. From there she picked up knitting and learned through videos and how to’s. In the painting there is a ball of yarn giving a nod to her strength and accomplishments.