Art Commissions

Most of my commissioned portraits are near to life-sized, full color oil paintings on wooden panel or canvas. If you happen to live near Chicago IL, I would be happy to paint your piece from image reference, but a portrait commission request will begin with a visit to your location or through a video call meeting. I accept limited number of portrait, still life, etc. by commission.

Here’s how the process works, step-by-step.

  1. Inquiry

Fill out the commission request form with your idea, and we will discuss possibilities for the size, setting, and composition. Include the reference photos, what kind of portrait you want (sizes will be shown in the link below), and if there’s a deadline. I can also conduct a digital photography session - usually in the subject’s home or at a workplace. Then we review the photographs together on my laptop to ensure that the images are turning out well. After the photo session, I will draw a small sketch of the subject from life, to serve as a memory aid when I am back in my studio. I will conduct 3 different sketch processes to receive more information myself; it will take time, depending on the size or composition of the subject.

2. Consultation

When we have a consultation, once I review your request, I’ll reach out via email to discuss the details - size, medium, background, mood, and pricing. We’ll make sure we’re on the same page before anything happens. After the consultation, I will continue to fine-tune the reference photographs on my computer, usually combining elements from different photographs into one working image. After all is completed, I will send you the final quote and a proposed photographic mockup for the project. Upon your approval of the reference material, a 50% deposit is due, and I begin working on the painting.

Client Photo Requirements - Please Read Before Booking:

To ensure the highest quality of your custom portrait, I kindly ask that you provide a clear, well-lit reference photo.

Ideal Photo Qualities:

  • Natural Lighting (indoor or outdoor)

  • Clearly visible facial expression

  • Sharp focus and high resolution

Submissions of photos with the following criteria might not be eligible for portraits:

  • Selfies

  • Photos with flash

  • Photos with heavy filters or distortion

  • Low-resolution or blurry images

  • iPhone photos (e.g., low light, or tilted framing)

If you’re unsure if your photo is suitable, feel free to send it, and we can discuss it.

3. Creation/Final Payment & Delivery

Once your deposit is received, I’ll begin your commission and keep you updated with progress. You can request small changes during this time. Please note that oil painting is a slow process—unlike fast-drying acrylics, oils harden gradually as they react with air, which means drying can take 4–8 months after completion. Framing is handled separately. As the painting nears completion, I’ll send you a photo for final approval and make reasonable adjustments if needed. The remaining balance is due once you approve the painting and before it’s shipped.

Other Things to Know

  • Timeline: Depending on my schedule and the complexity of your piece, expect 4-8 weeks or longer, depending on the size for completion. I’ll give you an estimated timeline up front.

  • Mediums: I primarily work in oil on either canvas or panel. Graphite drawings are also available by request.

  • Framing: Framing can be available by request.

  • Copyright: I retain all reproduction rights.

For commissions, go to the Inquire page to leave a message.