What does it mean to commission artwork?
"An artwork commission is when a client or approaches an artist to make a custom artwork specially for them, rather than buying an artwork that the artist had already created. When you commission a piece of art, you collaborate with the artist to develop ideas for the artwork – you may have a vision in mind, a purpose for commissioning art, or an intended place for the art commission, and you communicate this to the artist. The artist then creates custom art based on your preferences."
Océane Pouélé, Curator, Researcher & Editor at Artelier
What Is Your Commission Process?
1. Initial Connection and Refining Your Vision
Let's start with a chat. Reach out to me through my contact form to kick off the process. Share a bit about your vision, your subject (pet or otherwise), and any initial ideas you have. We'll discuss your preferences and any specific details you envision like environmental backgrounds or colors.
2. Research and Inspiration
Gathering the good stuff. I'll ask you to provide photos, stories, and any other materials that showcase the subject’s personality or your vision for the final painting. Don't worry about perfection; even poorer quality images can tell a story. You can also include screenshots of other pieces you like as inspiration.
3. Concept Development
Sketching it out. Based on our discussions and the materials you've provided, I'll create preliminary mockups or concept images. This is a collaborative phase where your feedback is invaluable.
4. Agreement, Payment, and Timeline
Setting expectations. Once we're aligned on the concept, we'll formalize the details: project scope, pricing, timelines, and any other specifics. Transparency is key to a smooth process. I’ll provide you with a quote, a contract, and an invoice.
5. Creation Process
Bringing your vision to life. I begin the digital painting process, carefully crafting the portrait to capture the nuances and personality of the subject. Once the digital painting is completed, you will have the opportunity to review it and any minor final adjustments can be made to ensure the artwork matches your vision. The completed digital portrait is then printed on high-quality canvas and hand embellishments are added, enhancing texture and depth.
6. Final Review and Delivery
The big reveal. Upon completion, I’ll send you images of the finished painting and I'll arrange for the safe delivery of your custom piece.
Enjoy Your Painting!
I love receiving photographs of my work once it arrives at its new home. Please feel free to share a photo of the finished piece in your space!
Dream it
CONSULTATION & RESEARCH
design it
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
create it
CREATION
Love it
FINAL REVIEW
Choosing the Right Style for Your Portrait
I offer two distinct styles of custom paintings to suit different artistic visions:
Head-and-Shoulders Portraits – A timeless option featuring one or multiple subjects against a simple, painted background. These portraits keep the focus on expression and detail, making them a classic choice.
Environmental Portraits – A more immersive approach that places the subject in a fully realized setting. Whether it’s a beloved backyard, a favorite trail, or a meaningful landscape, these backgrounds add depth and narrative to the piece. Because of their complexity, environmental portraits involve a more detailed design process, often requiring multiple mock-ups to refine the vision. Pricing reflects the time and intricacy involved.
No matter which style you choose, each portrait is crafted with care to create a lasting, meaningful work of art. Let me know if you need help deciding which option is best for your painting!
FAQ
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The cost of my paintings is determined by the size and complexity of the image and if you want custom framing. The average clients spends about $700 but there is a wide range of options. Prices include painting, printing, and shipping anywhere in the mainland US.
Additional charges include new detailed backgrounds, frame upgrades, international shipping, more than 2 subject upgrade, and Ohio sales tax.
My full price list is here: pouka.com/pricing
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It can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to deliver a finished product. Everything depends on my commission workload, the size and complexity of your commission, and my vendor deadlines. If you need your commission for a specific date, don't wait!
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Digital painting is a method in which the artist uses digital media to create an image which sometimes has the look of traditional painting. This is not a filter. It takes hours to bring out details in the reference photographs, clone out backgrounds, and then meticulously build up layers of digital “paint” with different-sized brushstrokes and textures. Each image is absolutely unique.
IS IT REALLY ART?
Absolutely! There are many different way to create a piece of art, from oils to watercolors, papier-mâché to ceramics... digital painting is just a different technique. It requires years of practice and experimentation and a solid knowledge of how the software reacts to your input. We use different digital brushes and techniques to achieve the results we’re looking for.
While there are many powerful programs out there that promise to convert your photographs into paintings, no computer algorithm can replicate the thoughtful brushstrokes of a digital artist. Proof of that is that each artist has their own unique stye that is identifiable by the people familiar with their work.
Whether you choose a digital painter or watercolor painter or felt artist to create your heirloom artpiece is dependent entirely on how you feel about the artist’s style. That fact that the medium is digital should not discourage you - if you love it, that’s all that matters!
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There are usually three poses that translate into a lovely finished product:
* a headshot with the subject looking directly at the viewer
* a headshot with the subject in profile
* a full body shot
Images that show fur/hair/feather detail are best where the subject is close and not in the far distance. I can add in any background so if you have a good close up shot but prefer the scenic background in another shot, send them both along!
Please send any original files without cropping. Some email programs will lower the file size if the image is pasted into the email body so please ensure that you’re attaching the original file to the email instead. If you have a lot of large images, please ask me for a dropbox link so that you can upload them without worrying about file limitations.
Visit the portfolio page to get a feel for the type of images that would work best for your painting or [read this blog post]
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Yes, absolutely. I can both remove or add backgrounds. I can remove backgrounds and replace them with a neutral painted effect, which is especially effective for head and shoulder studies.
I can also add a new background, compositing in a different scene, for an additional charge. I also have a portfolio of pre-painted backgrounds that can be used for no additional charge! You can see them here: https://pouka.com/backgrounds
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Nope! I paint people, cats, frogs, landscapes, houses... whatever you want! If you've got a decent photograph of it, I can paint it.
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I accept credit or debit cards, PayPal, cash, or checks.
Payment plans are available with a $200 deposit. The finished painting will not ship until the last payment is made.
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I absolutely do. If you don’t love your painting at any point in the process, I will refund your entire purchase. If you have received your finished product and are dissatisfied, I will ask that you ship it back to me, at your cost, before processing your refund. Make sure to keep your packing materials for any potential returns!
LATEST WORK
Open for 2025 commissions!
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Open for 2025 commissions! -
Watch A Commission Unfold
More resources…
IS THIS COMMISSION A GIFT?
Maybe you don’t have the best photo to use as a reference but would like to gift a painting to a friend or family member. Purchase a gift voucher to allow the recipient to choose their own reference images for a painting.
Gift Vouchers are available in any denomination and can be used as a deposit if the recipient would like to upgrade sizing and framing!