I enjoy creating custom paintings for my clients and their families. These paintings make excellent gifts or serve as memorabilia of a fond location. If you like my painting style but want something more customized, I am happy to help you create the painting of your dreams. I have a streamlined process that will make the painting commission experience smooth and enjoyable.
Below are some of the most popular types of oil painting commissions:
Give the gift of an original oil painting for Anniversaries, Weddings, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, etc…
Original oil paintings make wonderful and unique gifts for all sorts of occasions. I can create paintings of any size for that special someone. When you think about the interests of your loved one or friend, you can suggest places and things they love to create a beautiful memory of a special place.
Commission Paintings for Vacation Landscapes
One of my most frequent requests from clients is for a painting of their favorite vacation destination. My studio is located in Texas, so I receive many requests for paintings of Big Bend National Park, the Galveston coast, and other great spots around Texas. I've also received requests for paintings of vacation destinations from around the world, such as the Grand Canyon in the US, Germany, and the Swiss Alps.
These vacation location paintings are perfect for your vacation home to match the local decor and inspire relaxation. Alternatively, you may want to preserve the memory of your favorite vacation spot year-round in your primary residence.
Childhood & Current Hometown Commission Paintings
If you send me photos of your favorite vacation spot or from a past vacation, I can paint a beautiful, realistic memory to adorn the walls of your home or environment. Using the photos you provide and the sketches I create, I can create a wonderful memento of your vacation.
Your current home may already be your dream come true! I work with clients to create paintings that depict the local landscape and culture of where they live. This is a great way to incorporate the community into your home's interior design.
Portrait Commissions
Each portrait begins with understanding the person behind the image—their personality, presence, and the story the painting is meant to tell. My goal is to create a piece that feels alive: a portrait that captures likeness, yes, but also the character and spirit of the subject.
Most portraits are created from photographic reference, allowing me to work with clients anywhere and on a schedule that suits their needs. If you already have photos you love, I can review them to see if they’ll work as a reference. If not, I’m happy to guide you on how to take new images that will lead to a stronger final painting.
A portrait commission is a collaborative process. We’ll discuss your vision, look through reference images together, and decide on the composition—whether it’s head and shoulders, three-quarter length, or a full-figure painting. I’ll keep you updated along the way so you can follow the painting’s progress as it develops.
The cost of a portrait varies depending on the size of the canvas, the number of subjects, and the overall complexity of the scene. Once we talk through your ideas, I’ll provide a clear, tailored estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
Every finished portrait is painted in oil on linen and delivered ready to display. You can choose to receive the painting unframed or have it completed with one of my custom floater frames. Each piece is created with longevity in mind—something meant to be cherished for generations.
Benefits of Commissioning a Painting from Jon Krider:
- Your custom request means there are no other paintings like it – anywhere!
- Original oil painting will last for generations on archival linen with the highest quality paint.
- Your painting will be in Jon’s original painting style, not produced in a factory.
- You will have a voice in the process, to help craft and design the final work.
- The joy of owning or gifting a painting of one of your most cherished places.
How the Commission Process Works:
- I will review your commission request and follow up with a few questions and/or discuss preferences and ideas via email and/or phone.
- You can provide any digital photos that I can use as a reference by email (please do not mail original or one-of-a-kind photos, just email digital photos are accepted), or whatever necessary reference is needed for the painting.
- I like to do some initial small sketches and/or color studies for you to review prior to starting the actual painting. Once you approve of the initial sketch/plan for the painting(s), I will begin the painting process.
- As the painting goes through the painting process, I will send or post in a private page so that you may see the progress of your painting. This is also the time to make any adjustments you might have. Due to my style of painting and depending on the change, there is no guarantee the change can be done, but I will make every effort to ensure you love your new painting.
- The timing varies for each painting, as well as my current schedule. Commissions typically take 3-5 weeks to complete (depending on size and detail). If you have a specific event and date that you’d like a painting for, I’ll do my best to accommodate your requirements.
- Once the painting is finished, agreed upon, and the final payment has cleared, the painting(s) as well as any and all sketches, if you desire them, will be securely shipped and insured by UPS or FedEx. I will email you the tracking number.
Payment Acceptance:
Commissions are invoiced and payments are accepted through the website. You will be invoiced for 30% of the total cost before commencing the painting. The remaining 70% will be invoiced once the final painting has been approved, and before shipping.
FAQ: Painting Commission
Do you include the frame?
Framing is a personal choice based on individual taste, colors, and preferences. Therefore, I do not provide framing options. Please support your local framers. All paintings are ready to be framed. Please note that glass should not be put over an oil painting when framing. With that said, if you would like your painting to have one of my custom floater frames there would be $100 charge added to the overall cost.
How are paintings shipped?
Paintings are packaged with great care to protect the painted surface, and shipped without frames via tracked and insured UPS or FedEx shipment.
What is the cost of a commissioned painting?
A commissioned painting is bespoke and customized specifically for you, making it a one-of-a-kind piece. You will also be personally involved in the creative process. Due to the bespoke nature of a commission, the price is slightly higher than buying a completed painting.
FAQ: Varnishing Your Painting
Why is my painting finished with a retouch varnish instead of a final varnish?
Oil paintings need time to fully cure before a permanent varnish can be applied. A retouch varnish protects the surface during this curing period and evens out the appearance of the paint, but it remains breathable so the painting can continue to dry naturally.
When can the final varnish be applied?
A permanent varnish should be applied after the painting has cured for about a year. This timing allows the oil paint layers to dry thoroughly, ensuring the final varnish won’t trap moisture or interfere with the painting’s longevity.
Do I need to handle the final varnish myself?
You’re welcome to return the painting to me when it’s ready for its final varnish, or you may take it to a trusted local framer or conservator who offers varnishing services. I’m happy to advise you on the best option for your situation.
What does the final varnish do?
The final varnish provides long-term protection against dust, UV light, and environmental changes. It also brings the colors to full richness and unifies the surface sheen, giving the painting its finished look.
Let's Chat About Your Painting!
If you're interested in getting a painting commission, just fill out the form below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!