I’ve just finished painting a beautiful daffodil commission, and what an absolute joy it was to create. The flower held deep meaning for the client — a symbol of someone she loved and remembered. As I worked through the layers of soft yellow and delicate light, I was reminded again why I love painting these deeply personal pieces.
Since finishing this one, I’ve had a few people ask how my commission process works. So I thought I’d share a little behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a custom painting.
Step 1: The Story Behind the Flower
Every commission starts with a conversation. We chat about the flower you’d like painted and, more importantly, what it means to you. This daffodil, for example, marked a special anniversary for my client — a lovely way to honour someone who is no longer here.
After this initial chat, I’ll provide a quote based on your chosen size and level of detail.
Step 2: Finding the Perfect Reference
From there, we choose a reference photo — either one you provide or one from my own collection. I always like to look at a few options together. Not all beautiful photos work as paintings, so I guide you through what will translate best onto canvas — things like lighting, clarity, and composition.
With this recent daffodil piece, my client was drawn to the style of my botanical artist series, so I sent her a selection of daffodil photographs I had taken myself. As a final personal touch, she chose to include the words Cennin Pedr — the Welsh word for daffodils — at the bottom of the painting, adding even more meaning to the piece.
At this stage, if you’re happy to move forward, I will send through a simple agreement that outlines the details, including pricing, timeline, and what you can expect from me.
Framing can be arranged at any stage. For this daffodil commission, my client asked about framing once we’d chosen the background colour. I gave her a few mock-ups and pricing options, and she selected a beautiful natural frame that really complemented the softness of the painting.
Step 3: Bringing the Painting to Life
Once we’ve settled on the concept, I get to work. I paint slowly and intentionally, building up delicate layers of colour and light. I also keep you updated as I go — sharing progress photos so you can see your piece coming to life.
Each painting takes around 10 - 12 weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity, as well as my current workload. I’ll always give you a clear timeline upfront so you know what to expect.
There’s something special about painting a flower that means so much to someone. If you've been thinking about having a special flower commissioned, you can contact me here for more info, or join my VIP list to be first to hear when bookings open.