Why I Don’t Paint Commissions

One of the questions I’m asked most often is whether I take commissions. It’s always flattering when someone wants a bespoke piece, but the short answer is: no, I don’t. And there’s a very personal reason for that.

I paint because it brings me joy, clarity, and a sense of peace. It’s a way of connecting with the world around me, of capturing the landscapes I love in a way that feels meaningful. Painting is good for my mental health and spiritual wellbeing, and I want to protect that.

Commissioned work, by its nature, comes with expectations—whether it’s capturing a specific place in a certain way, matching a colour scheme, or working to a deadline. Those things aren’t unreasonable, but they shift my focus away from what makes painting so fulfilling for me. Instead of immersing myself in the process, I’d be thinking about whether the client will be happy with the result. That’s a level of pressure I don’t want to introduce into something that, for me, is deeply personal.

By painting freely, I create work that feels authentic—pieces that reflect what inspires me in the moment. And when those paintings resonate with others, that’s the best feeling of all.

So while I don’t take commissions, I hope you’ll find something in my existing work that speaks to you. Every piece is created with passion and purpose, and I’d love for my art to bring you as much joy as it brings me.