Some commissions hold a deeper meaning, and this one was particularly special. A client reached out to me to paint a portrait of Duncan, a beloved Rottweiler who had recently passed. She wanted a dedication piece that would feature Duncan alongside a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. We worked through multiple sketches—15 to 20 iterations—until we found the right composition that honored both Duncan’s spirit and the client’s vision.
One of the biggest challenges? The canvas size. Originally, the client requested a 5x7-inch piece, but achieving the level of realism I strive for in such a small format was nearly impossible. Fine details require space, and no matter how steady my hand, I simply couldn’t find a brush small enough to capture the depth I wanted. So, we adjusted. We went with a larger format to allow for the rich, detailed brushwork that Duncan deserved.
I don’t usually offer more than four sketches for clients, but this particular client is a repeat customer—she’s already ordered five pieces from my shop! Because of that, I was more than willing to go the extra mile. This piece was deeply emotional for her, and part of my job was to guide her through the artistic process, educating her on the limitations and strengths of oil painting. There was a lot of back and forth, but ultimately, we created something truly meaningful.
If you’re looking to commission an art piece or even starting your own artistic journey, here are a few things to consider: canvas size matters more than you think, and reference photos make a huge difference. If you have a specific image in mind, make sure it has good lighting and is of high quality—it makes the final painting that much better. As much as I wish I could magically enhance every detail, artists aren’t magicians.
Oil painting is an art of patience. Unlike acrylics, which dry quickly, oils require time to settle and develop depth. This painting took me about 12 hours of active work, spread out over a month. Every layer needed to dry before the next could be applied, which was especially tricky given New England’s humid climate. (Note to self: Maybe I shouldn’t have so many plants in my studio!)
That’s one reason I’m so excited about my upcoming move to Reno, Nevada! My fiancé and I just sold our three-unit apartment in Somerville, and we’re making the leap across the country. The dry desert air will be perfect for oil painting—goodbye, endless drying times!
Reflecting on this piece, I’m reminded of how much I’ve grown as an artist. When I first started with oils, I made the classic mistake of trying to do too much too fast, leading to muddy results. Now, I take my time, let each layer breathe, and focus on the foundation—something I’ve been honing thanks to Alla Prima by Richard Schmid, a book that has been a game-changer in my technique.
What do you think? Have you ever worked on a creative project where patience made all the difference? Or maybe you’ve had to adapt to unexpected challenges—how did you navigate them? Let’s chat in the comments!