was juried into an exhibit at San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church. See a larger image of it here.
March 3-31, 11th Beacon Art Show: Hands of Creation
1515 Fredericks, Fellowship Hall, San Luis Obispo 93405
805.543.7580

How to Commission a Custom Painting
for your Home or Office
Sometimes, you just can't find what you want. You go from gallery to gallery, from artist to artist, looking for that perfect painting, and no one has it! It might be the coastal trail where your husband proposed, your favorite winery or a favorite view from your home. Honestly, about 95% of my commissioned paintings are the views from clients' homes - and homeowners are very specific. They want to capture a specific time of day at their exact favorite time of year, whether that be spring flowers, golden summer fields, or Autumn's pre-sunset glow. By commissioning the work, they can get exactly what they want.

The Central Coast changes so fast, I can see why my clients want to capture one perfect moment in time. Today, there are rolling hills and grassy pastures. Tomorrow, there may be vineyards. Both are beautiful. We live in a breathtaking part of the world! But they're different. With a painting that expresses what you love most about a view, you have something to share with your children and grandchildren.

And of course, some folks request a painting because they need a landscape done in X colors in Y size to complete their beautifully decorated living space! Whatever the reason, I love commissions, because each one is a true collaboration between artist and collector. Here's how to commission a painting - at least, the way I do it.
Once a client requests a commission, my first step is to create a sketch: just a line drawing to show the composition. Once the client approves it, I do a small color study: e.g., a 9"x12" simple painting with the colors in place, which the client also approves.

With the composition and colors chosen, I can finally start on the large painting.  The couple who commissioned "Heart of the Village" cherish the historic village of Arroyo Grande, as many people do, and chose a painting of the historic bridge with the Historical Society building in the background. They also requested a very Arroyo Grande touch: wild roosters! The Village is situated at the edge of a wooded creek, and there are many resident roosters!. The roosters wander the village and bridge. The bridge wouldn't be complete without them. If you look closely, there's also a hawk keeping watch in the top left of the painting - another touch requested by the clients.

Sometimes, people feel hesitant to commission a painting. They worry about interfering with the creative process or that the final painting won't come out the way they've imagined. Nothing could be further from the truth, at least from my perspective. Collaborating with clients on commissions, involving them in every step of the process, not only is a fun experience, but guarantees they end up with a painting they'll cherish for many, many years to come.

Contact me if you'd like to inquire about a custom a painting of your favorite place. I would love to work with you.

February 2 - March 2
“Celebrating Water for People & Wildlife”
Blakeslee & Blakeslee, 1101 Marsh St
San Luis Obispo 93401 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

May 5 & 6
Spring Open Studios Art Tour - My Studio
310 Corralitos Road, Arroyo Grande 93420
805-473-4640

May 3 - July 5
Featured Artist, Los Olivos Cafe
2879 Grand Ave, Los Olivos 93441
805-688-7265

You're invited to my studio to see paintings in person, in progress or just to browse my extensive supply of ceramic art tiles and fine art prints. I would love to see you. I'm just East of the Village of Arroyo Grande, CA 93420