Thinking about commissioning a painting?
Whether you’re envisioning a timeless family portrait, a cherished pet, or a meaningful landscape, Hamilton artist Timothy deVries can help bring your vision to life. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to commission a painting—from the initial idea to the finished work of art.
1. Deciding on the Size and Space
Before we begin, think about where your painting will hang. The size of the artwork should suit its environment—whether it’s a living room focal point, a hallway feature, or a gift for someone special.
I create paintings in a range of sizes—from 6×8 inches to 48×72 inches or larger. Here are some typical options:
- Headshot portraits: 16×20 (good), 18×24 (better), or 30×40 (best)
- Three-quarter portraits: around 24×48 inches
- Group portraits or family pieces: 30×40, 36×36, 36×48, 42×54, 48×48 inches
If you have the wall space, don’t be afraid to go big—large-scale paintings make a bold visual impact and work beautifully with my expressive style.
2. Gathering Reference Material
Most commissioned paintings begin with a reference image. This could be:
- A photo from your album or smartphone
- A still from a video
- Or a new photograph that we take together
If you don’t have the perfect photo yet, I can help you select or even capture one that reflects the feeling you want. Sometimes the best reference images are spontaneous—the ones that capture real emotion and character. (Note: I do not paint nudes.)
3. Planning the Composition
The composition of your painting determines how the subject, background, and other elements come together. I may combine multiple photos into one composition or simplify a busy background to better highlight what’s most meaningful to you.
Every detail—from posture and lighting to expression—contributes to the final work. My goal is always to create a piece that feels authentic, balanced, and timeless.
4. Choosing the Right Frame
Framing can dramatically enhance your finished artwork. Floating frames are popular for contemporary paintings, but I also enjoy working with repurposed vintage frames for a more classic look.
You can provide a frame, or I can help source one that complements the style and size of your painting. If framing is important to you, let me know before we finalize the support material (canvas, panel, etc.), so everything fits perfectly.
5. Understanding the Timeline
Creating a custom painting takes time, care, and attention to detail. Lead times vary based on complexity, but typically:
- 6 months is ideal for planning and execution
- 3 months is common for most commissions
- Less than 6 weeks is generally not possible
If your painting is a gift for a special occasion—like a wedding, anniversary, or birthday—please reach out early so I can schedule your commission in time.
6. What Happens After You Reach Out
When you contact me, my first question will be:
“What do you have in mind?”
If you already know, wonderful! If not, we’ll set up a quick meeting—either in person or via Zoom—to explore your ideas together.
Here’s how the commission process typically works:
- Consultation: We discuss your concept, budget, and timeline.
- Proposal & Quote: I provide an outline, including size, materials, and pricing.
- Concept Preview: You’ll see a sketch or underpainting before I begin the final piece.
- Creation: I complete your painting, keeping you updated along the way.
- Delivery: Once finished, your artwork will be ready for display or gifting.
Why Commission a Painting?
A commissioned artwork is more than decoration—it’s a lasting heirloom that captures a story, memory, or moment that matters to you. Each piece I create is a collaboration built on trust, creativity, and shared vision.
Ready to Begin Your Commission?
If you’re ready to commission a painting in Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Burlington, Toronto, or Southern Ontario, I’d love to hear from you.
Each commissioned piece I create is a collaboration—rooted in your story and brought to life through colour, texture, and composition. Whether it’s a portrait, pet, or landscape, your custom painting will become a lasting heirloom to be treasured for generations.
You can browse my Commission a Painting page for more details or contact me directly to start the conversation. Let’s create something timeless together.