Commission Paintings
“If you want something other than just another aerial photo, this is it!”
“Jenna was so precise, detailed, and easy to work with. She took all of my ‘wants and changes’ in stride. My favorite part is the sky!!”
-Lori P., Commission Painting Customer
What do you say we take it up a notch and create something you haven’t already seen on the walls of everyone else’s house?
Because who wants to *squint* and search a photo to find the details of a scene as you try to explain to your kids and grandkids what made it so darn special?
I want you – and everyone else – to see and feel all the beauty and emotion of this place you love …
… and be completely drawn in and transported there with every passing glance.
You in?
Hi, I’m Jenna. Welcome to my commission painting virtual office!
C’mon in! I wish I could hand you a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage, but that’s kind of tricky to do through this computer.
Still, I am so happy you stopped by, and it’s so lovely to meet you.
Here's everything you need to know about working with me to create your custom Midwest landscape, skyscape, or farmscape painting.
THE PAINTING
A commission painting is a custom painting brought to life from a specific photo or set of photos.
Commission is just a ‘fancy’ word for custom.
Basically, I take a scene that’s meaningful to you and turn that into an entirely unique painting. This painting is only for you, not the public. No limited edition prints of your painting will be sold. That being said, if you want additional prints for family members or friends, this can definitely be done, too. (Just let me know in advance!)
Looking for a statement piece of a … Midwest landscape, skyscape, or farmscape painting with vibrant colors and meaningful details? You’ve got it! I am best known for creating three types of commission paintings:
Landscape Paintings
These are scenes of hills, valleys, and other scenery you see from a distance while driving or cloud-gazing in the Midwest. Landscapes can include some buildings and animals, but they’re not close-ups or highly detailed. The wide-view scenery is the star of the show in this type of painting.
Skyscape Paintings
Expect bright, bold, and beautiful skies in any season. Some skyscapes have buildings, and others are mixed with landscapes. The sky is what draws you into these pieces. Think: that one sunrise that you wish you could see just one more time.
Farmscape Paintings
This is your farm or family farm, up close and personal. Buildings and other details will be as exact as possible. Your painting will have small touches and personal details that mean the world to you and remind you exactly of the farm you cherish and love so much.
THE PROCESS
Here’s how I’ll create your commission landscape, skyscape, or farmscape painting.
If the thought of working with an artist on a custom piece has you feeling overwhelmed, don’t be.
My process takes the guesswork out of everything and leaves plenty of room for your feedback and changes.
You’ll know what your painting will look like before I even start on it, so the final piece turns out just how you envisioned it and every step will be easy and enjoyable for you.
Here’s what to expect:
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I’ll collaborate with you to decide on the approximate (or exact) painting you want, size options, and color ideas.
During this step, I also take a ton of time to look at the photo(s) you have.
I’ll get to know you, hear your stories and memories of the place, and learn what details, elements, and emotions are important to you to include in your painting. Click HERE to get in touch with me and start the conversation!
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I create a computer-generated mockup so you can see what your painting will look like (and approve it!) before work begins.
This ensures your painting matches the scene you envision and that you won’t be ‘blindsided’ by the final product. I ask for a $100 deposit before building your mockup.
Here’s what we can do during this mockup phase:
>>Swap out and change any elements of your painting. For example, if you don’t like something in your mockup (let’s say the sky), I can give you some different options to choose from.
>>Compare different color schemes for your painting and choose the one you like best. For example, I’ll show you how your scene will look in summer versus fall colors, etc.
>>See how 2-3 photos can merge into one painting.
>>View your painting in multiple sizes to get a feel for what your scene would look like on a larger or smaller scale.
>>Send me your questions, feedback, and change requests. Input from you is always welcome throughout this entire process. (It’s your painting; I want you to love it!)
The mockup will give you a very solid idea of what your final painting will look like.
It’s not an exact replica. More like … a really thorough outline. Blues will be blue in the painting, browns will be brown, the layout will be extremely close, etc.
>>>The mockup takes all the guesswork out of the process for both of us. <<<
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Once your mockup is finalized, we’ll sign our official contract and set start and completion dates for your painting.
It’s time to officially get started! I’ll send you a contract with all the details, including the final investment and start/completion dates.
(The payment schedule is 33% - minus the $100 deposit - for your painting to start, 33% when it’s halfway completed, and the remainder due at the shipping/pickup/delivery date.)
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All paintings are done on quality, professional 1.5-inch deep canvas. I use Liquitex professional soft body paints and paint markers, which have lightfastness ratings and will not fade over time.
I want your grandkids’ grandkids (and their grandkids) to enjoy your painting too!
I’ll send you progress photos throughout the painting process so you can see how it’s all coming together and give feedback.
>> You’ll have opportunities along the way to approve parts of the painting, make minor changes, etc.
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The best part for last — your painting is finished!
I’ll send you a photo of your painting for final approval. This is your last chance to make minor changes before adding the clear coat.
If you live nearby, you can come by my studio in Balltown, Iowa, and see your painting and approve it in person. (You’re also welcome to stop by anytime during the creation process!)
After receiving your final approval, I’ll spray your painting with multiple coats of Liquitex professional gloss spray clear coat to protect it for years. No changes can be made after this clear coat is added.
Generally, paintings are finished with black edges and come ready to hang, but if you prefer, I can help you choose framing options or point you in the right direction to get your custom painting professionally framed.
>>> After the final clear coat, I’ll give you the option to have your painting shipped to you safely and quickly, or we can make arrangements to meet for pickup/delivery.<<<
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Celebrate! You have a statement piece that will bring you and your family joy and make you smile for generations.
TIMEFRAME + INVESTMENT
Commission paintings can take anywhere from three months to a year from start to completion, depending on size, scheduling, and the scope of the project.
I only do a handful of commission paintings each year, and they can book out 6- 12 months in advance.
Once I know more about your painting, I’ll give you start and completion dates and my heartfelt promise to work diligently to meet them.
The investment for commission paintings depends on the size and scope of your project
Typically, my customers invest anywhere from $1800 to $8000+ on their commission pieces. Sizes range from two - six feet wide (and beyond!).
The best way to get an estimate is to contact me HERE.
When I know more details about your project, I can give you a more accurate quote on the investment.
(Note: The payment schedule is 33% for your painting to start, 33% when it’s halfway completed, and the remainder due at the shipping/pickup/delivery date.)
HAVE I DONE THIS BEFORE? ABSOLUTELY!
Providing exceptional customer service is one of my core values … … and I am so proud to share that 100% of my commission customers have absolutely loved their paintings.
Below is a collection of some of my past commission pieces.
Iowa Heritage Farm
My customer submitted multiple photos for their farmscape commission. I helped her choose the view from this photo as best for her painting. She wanted the focus to be on her farm, so we collaborated about what portions of neighboring farms we should keep, hide, and make smaller.
Before Photo
After Photo
Throughout the mockup and painting phases, I collaborated with my customer to choose the right color scheme and add some extra personal touches to the final project!
Eagle Ridge Sunset
My customer wanted a painting of the sky over a golf course where she saw “a sun like she had never seen before!”
Through a few photos and her memory, I created a mockup and painting that captured this one moment in time.
Before Photo
Isn’t this painting a gorgeous focal point in my customer’s home?
She knew where she wanted to hang her painting right away, so I found a canvas size that would fit perfectly with where she wanted to display it.
After Photo
The Family Farm
My customer wanted to create a painting of her family farm (that no longer exists) so she could give it to her parents as a gift. Through an old 9x13 black and white aerial photo that she had tucked away in her basement and a few conversations on the details, we brought her family’s memories of how the farm looked in its ‘glory days’ back to life!
Before Photo
This painting brings me so much joy. How beautiful is it that this couple has a statement piece of the family farm in their living room, where it can be cherished forever and talked about every time the kids and grandkids are over? Places hold stories. Paintings like this allow us to pass on our family stories and memories from generation to generation.
After Photo
Detailed After Photos
Early Autumn
My customer asked me to capture his front porch view. He did not want to sway my style, so he told me that he loved the big red trees in the fall, that he likes blue skies, and that he didn’t want to give me much more input than that!
Before Photo
Sunset Harvest
Keeping his feelings in mind, I set to work to create a subtly dynamic sky that would still be mostly blue and let his gorgeous red trees draw you right into the painting. I love how the textures of the trees and plants combined with the flowing lines in the sky lead you through the painting!
After Photo
A gifted sunset! My client was looking for the perfect anniversary gift for her parents. One of the things that her parents love doing (and they love doing as a family when they are all together) is sitting on the deck and watching the sunset over this vineyard.
Through a series of conversations, we decided that her parents’ vineyard would be the perfect painting for them. As we were chatting about details, I asked what sort of sky colors her parents loved best - the answer was a pink & orange color scheme.
This led us to perusing her dad’s Facebook page to find some inspiring sky photos that he took himself (of the sky above the vineyard). Completely unknown to him, we used one of his sky photos along with my client’s vineyard photo to inspire the perfect painting!
Before Photo
After Photo
To begin your commission painting, you have two options
Commission paintings typically book 6 - 12 months in advance. If you know you’d like your painting within the year, don’t wait to start the process. I look forward to working with you!
1 - Reserve your spot on my calendar with a $100 deposit today.
When you book, you’ll receive an email from me within two business days that has the next steps for getting started with your painting.
2 - Get in touch with me for more details.
If you have questions before reserving your spot on my calendar, please reach out and tell me more about the project you have in mind.
Looking for prints and original paintings instead of commissions?
Here’s how you can see my paintings in person
(And meet the artist – hi!)
My personal art studio & gallery is located in the Balltown, Iowa, area and is open by appointment.
Contact me to learn more about studio hours and visits. I would love to see you!
View my art show, open studio, and gallery exhibit calendar.
I love sharing my paintings and having the chance to meet you at various art shows, galleries, and events throughout the Midwest region.
Click HERE for my art show, open studio, and gallery calendar!
Have a few questions?
I’m here to help! Click the button below to send me your thoughts and questions about commissions, prints and original paintings, studio hours, art shows, press features, or anything else that’s on your mind.