The Commission Process

A picture can spring out of an ideal one wishes to promote, or it can simply be a means of storytelling, making a Biblical record tangible. Usually, it will be both. We can discuss the reason why you believe a picture will advance your objectives. Knowing why the picture is needed is the first step towards its realization.

The second step is the production of simple sketches, known as thumbnails. A thumbnail has little detail, but it makes clear what the final picture will be about, and how it will look. Usually, I provide several of these. In choosing the one most fitting to your needs, you determine what sort of picture you want.

Casting models and choosing the setting is the third step. What sort of people were involved in the incident to be illustrated? Our models are almost always from the Mediterranean area; we seek to make both the people and the setting conform to the Biblical narrative.

The prominent characters are posed and painted in a series of detailed studies. Sometimes these are done using charcoal, other times with oil paint. The client reviews these studies and signs off on them. From that point, the models, costumes, and setting are frozen.

Commission Process

The whole composition is then drawn or painted at a small size. This is the final “dress rehearsal” before the actual painting is begun. This picture is highly finished, often more detailed than the final painting. In the execution of this final study, the look of the entire finished picture is determined, and the composition is frozen in place. There will be no further changes.

Finally, the picture is painted, full size. When given the choice, I like to work fairly large. The Return of the Seventy measured 54x120”. The Miracle at Melita is 40x50”.

I will help you choose a frame or, if you prefer, I will provide it myself.

About a year after the delivery of the final picture, I will provide a coat of varnish that will protect its surface.