Custom Paintings
There’s only one vision in the world like yours.
Let’s capture it on canvas together, forever.
Rich hues, romantic blends, sculpted textures…
what story will your walls speak?
Ordering a custom painting is simple and easy.
I’ll walk you through every step of the way from helping you choose a size, color palette, and subject matter all the way through to delivering your finished painting with the utmost care. You’re invited to participate as much or as little as you like in the creation and feedback process. Whether you’d like to lend your voice to the painting or sit back, relax and watch it unfold as I bring your new work of art to life right before your eyes.
Step 1 : Determine the size of your painting.
Do you have a particular space where you’d like to hang your new painting? Does that space call for a horizontal or a vertical painting?
The most important thing I’ll need to know going into the creative process is how much space I’ll have to work with, as that dictates how much colour, layer, and detail I can put on canvas, as well as the pricing and shipping details for your custom painting.
If you have any questions about how to measure or make room for your piece, please ask!
Email a photo of your space along with the approximate wall dimensions and I’ll happily offer my professional opinion to determine the ideal size for your custom painting. hello@melissamckinnonart.com
Artist tip:
- Use a measuring tape to determine the size of your available wall space.
- Leave a minimum of 6” – 1’ around all sides to give your art some breathing room. Be careful not to leave too much space around the painting, otherwise it’ll look as if it’s floating aimlessly in your space. The most common mistake I see is art that’s too small for the wall.
- I recommend using painter’s tape or low tack masking tape to outline the shape of your painting on the wall to help visualize how the finished work of art will look in the room.
Step 2 : Gather inspiration
Most customers who approach me for a custom painting typically have an idea of the mood, colour palette, or subject matter they’d like to see translated onto canvas, and trust me to use my talent and expertise to fine-tune the artistic vision they hold in their mind’s eye into a beautiful, finished work of art.
Customers who commission paintings often come to me with all kinds of inspiration, here are some ideas to get you started:
…a favourite vacation spot or travel destination
…a childhood home or memory
…a swatch of beautiful fabric or wallpaper
…or an existing painting from my collection
Feel free to browse my gallery of paintings for inspiration, pick and choose elements and colors that you like and we’ll work together to create a unique original just for you.
If you have ideas that you’d like to discuss, send me an email or fill out the form below. I’m happy to combine different elements into one custom painting.
Step 3 : Approve your masterpiece.
Once the size, subject, and colour palette have been discussed, I’ll begin the painting process. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to create your custom piece.
One of the things I absolutely love doing for my customers is sending progress photos. I typically start by getting my initial thoughts down on paper as a pencil sketch before moving onto the painting process, adding layer upon layer of vibrant colour before your eyes. You’ll feel what it’s like to watch paint build over bare canvas as intricate details and layers emerge in phases, until the painting reaches its final form.
Keeping in close contact with you during the creative process is important to me. Through our work together, I hope you’ll feel like you’re part of the creative process, that you’re free to give feedback or suggestions, and you’re always encouraged to express your joy at watching your canvas come to life.
Once complete, I’ll send a final photograph of your finished painting for approval. Once it’s completely dry, I’ll have your painting professionally packaged and shipped directly to your home or office with the utmost care. It’ll arrive wired and ready to hang straight out of the box, so you can start enjoying your new painting right away.
Pricing
Custom paintings are a unique investment in time and energy. Therefore, pricing reflects the additional attention that’s required to create your commissioned work of art. Once I know the size and subject matter of your painting, I’ll send you a quote with more detailed information about pricing and projected timelines.
Buying a custom piece is simple: you’ll pay a 50% non-refundable deposit that acts as a booking fee to schedule your custom painting. The remaining 50% is due upon approval and prior to shipping.
Due to increasing demand and the dedicated time investment required for custom paintings, I only accept a limited number of commissions per year.
When you’re ready to bring your painting to life, please fill out this form and we’ll begin the creative process. I look forward to painting for you!
Share your vision with me – include things like the inspiration for your painting, titles of your favourite paintings from my collection, colours you’re drawn to, the approximate size and location for your new painting, and anything else you feel I should know.
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vibrant moments from my studio, and lively conversation about the craft of color.
