Lately, my studio has been filled with projects I can’t fully share — and that’s actually one of my favorite parts of painting.
On my desk right now:
a beautiful bird in watercolor,
an engagement portrait of a sweet couple,
and a deeply personal pet portrait.
I can’t show any details yet because these paintings are being gifted to loved ones. And honestly, I love that.
There’s something incredibly special about being trusted with a surprise.
Art Meant for Someone’s Heart
When someone commissions a painting as a gift, it carries a different kind of weight. It’s not just about color or composition. It’s about meaning.
It’s about:
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honoring a relationship
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celebrating a milestone
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remembering a beloved pet
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capturing a fleeting season
These paintings become handmade tokens — thoughtful, personal expressions of love that can’t be picked up off a shelf.
The Responsibility (and Joy) of Trust
Every commission begins with trust.
Trust that I will handle a memory with care.
Trust that I will pay attention to the small details.
Trust that the final piece will reflect something deeply personal.
That’s not something I take lightly.
When I’m painting a pet portrait, I think about the personality behind those eyes. When I’m working from an engagement photo, I consider the feeling between two people. When I paint a bird for someone who loves nature, I think about the quiet mornings and familiar songs that inspired the request.
These pieces are meant to live in someone’s home — to be unwrapped, hung, and cherished.
Handmade Means Intentional
In a world where so many gifts are quick-click purchases, there’s something powerful about choosing something handmade.
A watercolor commission takes time:
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planning
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sketching
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layering
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adjusting
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refining
Each brushstroke is intentional. Each detail considered.
That time and care become part of the gift itself.
Why I Love This Season
Even though I can’t share these current works just yet, I’m grateful for this season of commissions.
There is quiet joy in knowing that somewhere soon, a package will be opened… and someone will smile, or tear up, or feel deeply seen.
And I get to be a small part of that moment.
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