Commission process
"The creation of a portrait is a special, intimate and interactive process. After all, it is very important that the person portrayed recognises herself in the painting, and that the partner or parents find the beloved character traits and the personality - the 'essence' - of the person portrayed on the canvas as they see it".
With a free and abstracted representation of reality, in which recognisability of the face plays a major role, in combination with many layers of transparent and opaque paint, these portraits become unique paintings.
Relaxed and open conversation
For commissions in the Netherlands and Belgium:
Before we begin, we have a relaxed and open conversation in my studio or at your home. This helps us get to know each other better, discuss expectations, explore possibilities, and agree on the format and price. If you need advice on dimensions, colors, or proportions, a home visit is ideal. This way, I get a better sense of the atmosphere and the intended location for the painting.
During our meeting, I may take a few photos to study facial features. Of course, we will discuss this in advance. All agreements are confirmed via email to ensure clarity for both parties. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures a smooth process with a stunning end result.
For my foreign commissioners:
If an in-person meeting is not possible, we can also communicate via phone or email. I have extensive experience working with international clients and will guide you with clear examples and questions to obtain the right photos and information for the best possible result.
Photo's or a studio session?
For painting, I work from photos. This is convenient for both adults and children, as long studio sessions are not necessary. You can provide the photos yourself, or I can take them for you. Alternatively, you can opt for a professional photo session with photographer Hanneke Lathouwers, with whom I have collaborated for years. During such a session, multiple photos are taken with different poses and lighting setups. It is important for the subject to feel at ease—I take all the time necessary to capture a natural and relaxed expression.
Together, we select the final photo that will serve as the basis for the painting. You make the choice; I provide guidance.
Getting to work...
Some clients like to follow the creative process, while others prefer to leave it entirely up to me. Either way, there are key moments where we check in along the way.
I will keep you updated via email and send photos during the sketching phase and throughout the painting process. This ensures transparency and gives you the opportunity to provide feedback if needed.
Midway consultation
Key milestones include:
- Sketch Phase: Is the composition approved?
- Color Phase: Does the atmosphere and expression feel right?
At these stages, please provide feedback as early as possible if something doesn’t meet your expectations. During the sketch phase, adjustments can still be made, such as repositioning the face on the canvas or adjusting the crop. Once painting begins, the composition is set. Therefore, we schedule a check-in as soon as the custom-sized canvas arrives.
Revisions?
Adjustments are a natural part of the process. While I have a strong sense of what my clients want, I am not a mind reader. Please describe your wishes as clearly as possible before and during painting. Fortunately, major revisions have rarely been necessary.
The final stage
Creating a portrait takes time. Multiple layers of paint are applied to build depth, transparency, and texture. Each layer requires drying time, which means the painting process takes several weeks. That’s why I work on multiple portraits simultaneously to maintain a fresh perspective.
Before applying the final protective varnish, I send you the latest photos. You are also welcome to visit my studio to see the artwork in person. Only after your final approval do I apply the varnish, which enhances color depth and protects the painting.
After two days of drying, the painting is ready for delivery.
As to costs
- Commissions over €500 are shipped free of charge.
- If you live in the Netherlands or certain parts of Belgium and Germany, I personally deliver the painting, or you can pick it up from my studio.
A 50% deposit is required upon commission confirmation. The remaining balance is paid upon approval, before shipping or delivery. Payments can be made via iDeal, PayPal, or bank transfer. You will receive an invoice via email, and for shipments, a copy will be included for customs clearance.
For international deliveries, import duties and taxes may apply. I have no control over these fees and cannot predict their costs. The recipient is solely responsible for paying any applicable import duties and taxes. Please check with your local customs office for details before placing an order. A certificate of authenticity will be included with the shipping documents, which may qualify for duty-free import under tariff code 9701.
For more information on secure payments, visit my frequently asked questions page.
