Portrait Commissions

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Artist Statement

January 2020 I had hit a wall for my stationery creativity and wanted to have a slightly different outlet. I started sketching portraits of the kids from our beach photos I had taken. Immediately, my mind rushed back to 2011 when I took my second Life Studies class.

I had taken one Life Studies class at University of Memphis and this was one of my “it wasn’t enough for us *SCAD* so you need to take it again” courses. My first go-round with life studies was my freshman year and having attended a private high school with a limited art program, there wasn’t a single figure study piece in my portfolio when applying to college. Needless to say, I was quite taken aback when the nude model showed up and dropped the robe. Fast forward to 2011 - I’m Scanadian now, in classes with some of the most creatively intimidating people I’ve ever met - cue the Lion King hype song, “IT IS TIME.”

The SCAD figure study class didn’t just focus on figure studies, we dove into skeletal studies, muscular structure and, finally, portraiture. It was so much more than I ever expected the quarter course to cover - current Scanadians, this is why you don’t sleep. Previously, I had only ever really done a portraiture study on myself. Fun(ish) fact: I’m an incredibly difficult face to capture - maybe it’s drawing yourself or maybe I have a really boring face. Imagine my surprise when my instructor came to my work easel and asked if I enjoyed portraiture and if I would consider changing my major. “HA,” I believe I said, “do people even have careers in portraiture?” So dumb. Of course they do. Do animation majors have careers in Memphis? Alas, that was the more relevant question.

I digress.

I don’t recall the professors name, but I can still see her face - her glasses, crazy curly hair and her compliment has never been forgotten. I really loved that class and I remember walking out of that studio feeling like I could really swim with the Scanadian Sharks (err, Bees).

Fast way, way, way forward to the beach last winter and sketching portraits for the first time in.. a long time. I loved it like I had never stopped. All my wedding stationery work keeps watercolor in reach so I took to my brushes and added some monotone watercolor washes - it all clicked so wonderfully. I love the stationery work that I do, but variety is the spice of life (maybe it’s spontaneity..). I try not to get too deep in a single medium, subject, project - in that light, I’m only doing six commissions for Mother’s Day.

I don’t know exactly what it is, but there’s something so satisfying in having a finite collection of work that says “I did this” and Mother’s Day just felt fitting. I hope anyone who commissions a custom watercolor portrait will enjoy the piece as much as I enjoy creating it.

When?

The commission slots open on March 1st at 8:00AM CST and close on April 10th at 8PM CST

How do I get one?

Once the products go live 3/1, you can visit the product page at the button below to purchase.

Shop

Note: There are a limited amount of commissions available and they are first come, first served.

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FAQ’s

Pricing

Each single-subject portrait is an investment of $250.

Photos

One (1) primary image (labeled as so), two (2) additional images for reference

Timeline

Each commission is first come, first served. It typically takes one (1) to two (2) weeks to complete.

Additional Prints

You have the ability to add additional prints to your order. Once your artwork is complete, all the original work is digitally saved and can be printed on high quality art prints with a deckled edge just like the original. A great way to gift yourself, and all the Memaws, Nonnas and Grammys! 11”x14” Art Print $35/each

Note:

Process videos will be posted. If this order is a surprise gift, you must note it while ordering.

The Mothers Day portrait collection of all purchased commissions will be shared in its’ entirety on Mother’s Day 5/9/21 at 12PM CST.

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and

Framing Options

I’ve teamed up with the amazing 1910 Frameworks. This local framing shop is owned by a creative friend, Sarah and we’ve worked out a sweet add-on to frame up your custom work (and prints, if you desire!). I can send your finished artwork directly to 1910 Frameworks to be framed so you get the perfect, finished, ready-to-hang piece. Framing your art is not only super convenient, you’re supporting small local business!

Your finished art work will have a deckled edge (that means it’s not a straight edge, it’s got a hand-torn finishing) so it can have a very special mat to make your new keepsake pop! Three options for your mat are shown as below: