Commissioned Art: The Creative Process Behind Every Piece
Architecture is about strong foundations, and I apply that same logic to every painting. See the evolution of my work, from the initial grid sketch to the final brushstroke.
This video documents the creation of 'Fear'. It starts with the foundational grid sketch and moves through the layers of acrylic paint, showing how the complex image is built up over time.
Here I am adding the final detailed water droplets to the 'Fear' painting. This meticulous, final stage is where the photorealistic illusion truly comes together.
A work-in-progress shot of 'Fear'. At this stage, I am focusing on the texture and transparency of the plastic wrap, a key symbolic element in the piece.
Another process shot for 'Fear', showing the development of the snake and the distorted eye behind the plastic. Building these realistic textures in layers is crucial.
An early stage in the painting of 'Fear'. Even at the beginning, the focus is on establishing the intense, direct gaze of the eye, which is the anchor of the entire composition.
This video shows the reveal of the 'Dewdrops' painting. It demonstrates how the grayscale underpainting provides the structure for the final, detailed portrait.
The 'Dewdrops' commission on my easel. You can see the background is partially blocked in, showing how I work from the background forward to create a sense of depth.
The initial grid sketch for the 'Drip' portrait. This architectural approach helps me ensure all proportions and features are accurate before I commit to oil paint.
A time-lapse of the 'Awaiting' painting process. It moves from the first pencil marks to the monochrome underpainting and finally to the application of color, showing the complete evolution.
This video shows the journey of the 'Sapling' painting. You can see how the initial monochrome forms are gradually brought to life with layers of color and fine detail.
About The Creative Process: From Sketch to Canvas
I approach every painting like a building project, beginning with a strict grid method and a monochrome underpainting to establish values before adding any color. This creates a solid foundation, and because I share two to three work-in-progress digital images as I build the layers, you are never left guessing about how your piece is evolving.
Building an Artwork
When you commission a piece, you aren't just buying a finished product; you are engaging with the process. My architectural background demands structure. I do not guess where features go or how light should hit a subject. I map it out.
The Foundation
Every portrait or conceptual work starts with a grid. This ensures anatomical accuracy, whether I am painting a hyper-realistic eye or a complex surrealist metaphor. Once the proportions are locked, I create a monochrome underpainting. This stage is crucial—it defines the light, the shadow, and the depth of the work. By isolating these elements before introducing oil or acrylic, I ensure the final painting will have the structural integrity of a well-designed home.
Transparent Progress
There is often a mystery surrounding custom art. You give a brief, you pay a deposit, and you wait. I prefer a different approach. I treat you as a collaborator. Throughout the execution, I send updates at key milestones—the sketch, the underpainting, and the final glazing. This transparency means that if we need to adjust a detail or shift a focal point, we do it when it is still easy to fix.
Whether you are commissioning a 3x4 ft statement piece for your living room or a detailed study on canvas, the goal is to create something that feels like an extension of your own values. You bring the idea or the feeling, and I provide the technical framework to translate it into a tangible, lasting work of art.
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