Custom Oil Paintings: From Still Life to Cityscapes
I translate cherished memories into textured oil paintings. Whether it is a quiet corner of your home or a vivid cityscape, let’s capture your story on canvas.
A memory from my painting trip to Italy last year, this is an oil on linen painting of Verona. I love to paint my memories, bringing the vibrant colors and light of the city to life on canvas.
The painting of Verona in progress on my easel. This shows the initial layers and color blocking as I build the composition.
Another shot of the Verona painting in progress. Working on linen provides a beautiful texture for the oil paints.
The first block-in stage of the Verona cityscape. Here, I'm establishing the main color shapes and relationships before adding details.
The Verona painting developing further, with more defined shapes and colors. This piece is an 8x10 oil on linen.
The painting is getting closer to completion. I'm refining the details in the architecture and adding figures to bring the scene to life.
The final version of my Verona oil painting. I'm happy with how the colors and composition came together to capture the feeling of this beautiful Italian city.
Another oil painting of Verona, this time focusing on a narrow street with colorful buildings. It's a complicated scene, but I enjoyed the challenge of capturing the depth and vibrancy.
A beautiful town in Pisa, captured in oil on paper. These paintings are memories from my trip, and I love reliving them through my art. This piece is 9x12 inches.
'Window to Sienna,' an 8x10 oil on canvas painting. The architecture in Sienna is so intriguing, and I was inspired to capture the character of this single window from my trip.
About Oil Paintings: From Still Life to Cityscapes
Working with oils is a slow process, not just in the painting, but in the patience required for drying. When you commission a large piece, I usually need about 3 to 4 weeks for the painting itself, followed by a mandatory 3-week curing period to ensure the oils settle and the varnish can be applied safely. It is a waiting game, but it ensures your piece will last.
Why I Love Oils
For me, the beauty of an oil painting lies in its depth. Unlike watercolors, oils allow me to build layers—what we call impasto—which gives the artwork a tactile quality. I use professional-grade Gamblin colors on linen or heavy-duty canvas, as these materials hold texture better and stand the test of time.
The Commission Process
When we decide on a piece, we start with a conversation about the 'vibe' you want.
- Still Life: If you have a specific object or a corner of your home that holds sentimental value, I love capturing that in a focused study.
- Cityscapes: If you have travel photos from places like Italy or old Delhi, I work from those references to recreate the light and atmosphere.
I often work in the 'Alla Prima' (direct painting) style for smaller pieces, which keeps the brushwork fresh and energetic. For larger, complex compositions, I use a layered approach to build rich color saturation.
A Note on Materials & Care
I never compromise on my surfaces. I exclusively use archival-quality linen or cotton canvas stretched on wooden frames. Once the painting is complete, I apply a layer of Gamvar varnish. This isn't just for looks; it unifies the sheen and protects the surface from UV light and dust, ensuring your painting stays vibrant for years.
If you are planning to gift a painting or want to decorate a specific wall in your home, reach out early so we can account for the curing timeline.
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