Commissioned works

Commissioned work always starts with contact. Most requests are for a portrait of a loved one—occasionally someone asks for a portrait of themselves—but a commission can just as well mark a professional relationship: a retirement, a promotion, or a gesture of appreciation within a work context.

A non-negotiable part of my process is meeting the person who will be portrayed. Preferably in their own environment, or in a place that carries meaning for them or for the commissioner. If possible, the commissioner is present as well. These meetings are informal and unforced: a shared moment of curiosity, conversation, and observation rather than a formal sitting.

During this encounter, I take photographs with my phone. These images are purely source material. They are not shared, archived, or reused, and they are deleted once the work is completed. I do not draw or paint on location. All work is done later, in my studio, without an audience.

Format and price range can be discussed in advance, but the outcome cannot be fully predicted. The commissioner never knows exactly what the final image will look like—and that uncertainty is part of the agreement. A commission requires trust and engagement from all parties involved.

While likeness is important, it is not my sole concern. I am not interested in producing a snapshot or a purely decorative resemblance. What I aim to capture is presence: atmosphere, character, and something of the person that goes beyond surface appearance.

The finished work is shared before framing. If the result does not resonate, there is no obligation to proceed with the purchase.