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COMMISSION A PAINTING

A commissioned painting is a wonderful way to preserve a place that holds special meaning for you.

 

Whether it’s a favourite lake, a family cottage or a landscape connected to a treasured memory, I can work with you to create an original oil painting that captures what makes that place meaningful.​A commissioned painting can also make a truly one-of-a-kind gift for someone special, creating something personal that can be enjoyed and treasured for years to come.

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Previously commissioned paintings

What I Paint

I create commissioned paintings of landscapes, still life, pet portraits and meaningful objects that hold memories. Each painting is created in my established style, with the same attention to colour, light and character that you see throughout my work.

Creating Something Personal

 

Some places become part of our stories. A family cottage, a favourite lake, a first home or a place where special memories were made can hold meaning long after we leave.

 

Commissioning a painting gives you a way to keep that connection close. Rather than simply reproducing a photograph, I use your photographs and memories as a starting point to create an original painting that captures the feeling and character of the place.

 

It can be something meaningful for yourself, or a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. My hope is that the finished painting becomes something to enjoy now and treasure for years to come.

The Commission Process

 

  1. Tell Me About Your Idea
    We start with a conversation about the place, memory or landscape you would like to have painted. You can share your ideas, photographs and anything that would make this piece meaningful to you.
     

  2. Develop the Concept
    We’ll discuss the size, composition and overall feel of the painting. If helpful, I can create a mock-up so we can agree on the concept before I begin.
     

  3. Approve the Details
    Once the concept is agreed upon, I’ll provide a quote outlining the details and agreed price. A 50% deposit is required before the painting begins. We’ll also discuss the expected timeline based on the size and complexity of the painting and my current studio schedule.
     

  4. I Create the Painting
    I bring your ideas and photographs into the studio and create the original oil painting, using my experience and artistic judgment to bring the agreed concept to life.
     

  5. Finishing & Delivery
    Once the painting is complete, I’ll share the finished work with you. The painting will then dry for several weeks before I apply the final protective varnish. Once it is ready, we can arrange pickup or discuss delivery and shipping options.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does a commissioned painting cost? The cost depends on the size of the painting and the complexity of the subject. Once we have discussed your idea and agreed on the size and concept, I’ll provide a quote with the details and final price.

How long does a commissioned painting take? The painting itself usually takes a couple of weeks to complete, depending on its size and complexity. Because I work in oil, the painting then needs approximately 4 to 6 weeks to dry thoroughly before I apply the final protective varnish. We’ll discuss the expected timeline before the commission begins.

Can I provide my own photographs? Absolutely. Your photographs provide the reference material I use to create the painting. Good-quality photographs give me more information about the details, light and character of the place or subject. If I am not familiar with the location, your photographs are especially important in helping me understand it.

Can you combine elements from different photographs? In many cases, yes. You may have several photographs that each capture something you would like included in the painting. Depending on the subject matter and photographs provided, I can combine these elements to create a cohesive composition.

What if I’m not sure how I want the painting to look? That’s perfectly fine. We can discuss what is meaningful to you, look at your photographs and explore the possibilities together. If needed, I can create a mock-up to help us agree on the composition before I begin.

Can I make changes once you begin the painting? We’ll agree on the concept and composition before I begin the painting. The mock-up stage gives us an opportunity to make changes before I start, so we both have a clear understanding of the finished piece. Once painting begins, I use my artistic judgment to bring the agreed concept to life in my established style.

What sizes are available? I work on canvas sizes ranging from small 8" x 8" paintings up to 40" x 60", with many sizes in between. We can choose a size that works well for the subject and the space where the painting will hang.

Do you ship commissioned paintings? Shipping depends on the size of the painting and its destination. For larger paintings, shipping the canvas unstretched is often the safest and most economical option. The canvas can then be professionally stretched locally when it arrives. We can discuss the best option for your painting and location.

CONTINUE EXPLORING:

Original Landscape Paintings 

Discover finished oil paintings inspired by nature and memorable places.

Whisky & Spirits Collection 

Explore realistic still life paintings celebrating light, texture, and everyday beauty.

Blog

Read behind-the-scenes stories, travel inspiration, and insights into my creative process.

About the Artist

Learn more about my artistic journey and what inspires my work.

Copyright © 2026, Sue Miller Art. All rights reserved.

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