The Painting
Process
How a commission moves from reference photo to finished painting — every stage, what happens at each step, and when you're involved.
Reference Review & Consultation
Every commission starts with conversation. April reviews the client's reference photos, asks about the intended space, preferred mood, and any compositional notes. This stage often reveals details — a particular quality of light, a telling gesture — that shape every decision that follows.
What clients receive: a composition proposal and confirmation of size, medium, and estimated timeline before a brushstroke is made.
Compositional Sketch
The image is mapped in pencil or charcoal on the prepared surface. Proportions, values, and the major light/shadow relationships are established here. For complex multi-subject pieces, a tonal study may be completed on paper first.
This is the structural foundation of the painting. Changes requested at this stage cost nothing — changes requested after paint is applied cost time.
Color Block-In
Thin, diluted color is applied across the entire canvas to establish the major temperature relationships and tonal structure. The goal is not detail but harmony — making sure the overall color logic of the piece is correct before committing to heavier paint.
A progress photo is sent to the client at this stage. This is the easiest moment to course-correct on color direction.
Detail Pass
With the foundation established, April builds specificity — the texture of fur, the planes of a face, the edge quality of leaves against sky. This stage typically takes the longest and is where the piece transforms from a study into a painting.
A second progress photo is sent before the final layer. This is the last opportunity for targeted revisions.
Finishing & Quality Review
Final glazes, corrections, and (for oil paintings) a varnish coat are applied. The finished piece is photographed under controlled lighting and reviewed against the reference materials. April signs the piece on the front and documents dimensions and medium on the back.
A final photo is sent for client approval before packaging. The balance invoice is issued at this stage.
Progress photos from active commissions are shared privately with each client. If you'd like to see examples of process photos from past commissions, email April — she's happy to share samples before you commit to a commission.
Ready to begin yours?
Now that you know what to expect — start with a $150 deposit to reserve your slot and April will reach out to begin the consultation.