Introduction

Commissioning an original painting is one of the most personal things you can do with art. It means working with an artist to create something made specifically for you — your space, your colours, your story, your meaning. It’s not a purchase from a shelf. It’s a collaboration.

I welcome commissions. Over the years I’ve created commissioned works for collectors who wanted a painting of their garden, their favourite bird, a vase that belonged to their grandmother. Each one has been among the most satisfying work I’ve made. Here’s exactly how it works.

A commissioned painting is the one piece in your home that no one else has. Not because you own it — because it was made for you.

Step 1: Start the Conversation

Everything begins with a conversation, not a contract. Get in touch and tell me what you have in mind. You don’t need to have it all figured out — in fact, some of the best commissions start with nothing more than ‘I love your birds and I have a specific wall in mind.’

I’ll ask you some questions: What size space are you working with? Do you have existing colours in the room? Is there a subject that holds particular meaning — a specific bird, a flower from your garden, an object that matters to you? Are you buying this for yourself or as a gift?

From there, I’ll share whether the commission feels like a good fit and give you an initial sense of timeline and pricing.

Step 2: We Agree on the Details

Once we’ve had an initial conversation, I’ll send through a simple brief outlining the scope: subject, size, medium, timeline, and price. A realistic timeline for most commissions is 4–8 weeks from deposit to completion.

What we’ll agree on:

• Subject
• Size — from small works (20×20cm) to larger statement pieces
• Colour Palette — you can describe the colours in your room and I’ll work with them
• Timeline — realistic for my current schedule
• Pricing — based on size and complexity
• Deposit — 50% upfront to secure your place

Step 3: I Paint, You Stay in the Loop

Once the deposit is received and the brief is agreed, I begin. I’ll share progress images along the way so you can see the work developing and flag anything you’d like adjusted before the painting is finalised. This is collaborative, not transactional.

I paint in oils, which means the work builds in layers over time. The first stages look quite different from the finished piece — if you’re not familiar with oil painting process, the progress shots can look alarming. They shouldn’t. The painting resolves in the final stages.

The most common thing collectors say when they see a commission finished: ‘It’s even better than I imagined.’ That’s the goal.

Step 4: Delivery

Once the painting is finished and photographed, I’ll send you final images. Payment of the remaining balance is made before shipping. All commissions are shipped with care — wrapped, protected, and tracked. I include a certificate of authenticity with every original work.

For collectors in the Brisbane area, studio pickup is available by arrangement.

Commission Pricing

Commission pricing is based on size and complexity.

All prices include certificate of authenticity, artist signature, and shipping within Australia. International shipping available on request.

Commissions for Children’s Rooms and Nurseries

I also accept commissions for children’s rooms and nurseries through my illustration practice. If you’d like a specific bird, animal, or botanical illustration made for a nursery or child’s bedroom — whether for your own home or as a gift — please get in touch. These are among my most joyful commissions to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a commission take?

A: Most commissions are completed within 4–8 weeks from deposit, depending on size and my current schedule. I’ll give you a specific timeline when we discuss your brief.

Q: Can I request a specific bird or flower?

A: Absolutely. Many of my commissions begin with a specific subject — a bird the collector loves, a flower from their garden, an object with personal meaning. This specificity is what makes commissioned work special.

Q: Do you ship commissions?

A: Yes, Australia-wide. All commissions are packed carefully and shipped tracked. International shipping is available on request. Studio pickup is also available in Brisbane.

Q: What deposit do you require?

A: I typically ask for a 50% deposit to secure your place and begin work. The remaining balance is paid before shipping.

Q: Can I commission a painting as a gift?

A: Yes — and it makes a remarkable one. I can arrange gift wrapping, handwritten notes, and can keep the commission confidential until delivery if you’re surprising someone.

Q: Do you do commissions for children’s rooms?

A: Yes. I have a dedicated collection of illustrations for nurseries and children’s rooms and welcome commissions for this market. Birds, botanicals, and animals are particularly popular.