A custom bird painting commission is more than acquiring art — it's an immersive journey into your own personal nature story.
From our very first conversation, I'll get to know you. Your vision, your space, the moments in nature that moved you. What birds or wildlife captivate you? Together, we'll craft a vision that resonates deeply.
I work in watercolor, oil, and pastel — each medium bringing its own character to the subject. Whether it's the quiet dignity of a great blue heron or the joyful spark of a hummingbird in flight, your commission begins with the bird that speaks to you.
How a Commission Works
Every commissioned piece follows a collaborative path from first conversation to finished painting.
We Talk
This is my favorite part. I want to hear your story. What bird draws you in? Is it one you've watched from your porch for years, or one you encountered once and never forgot? What does it mean to you?
I'll also want to know about your space — the wall, the light, the feeling of the room. When possible, I'll visit in person to see your space firsthand — the measurements, the lighting, the atmosphere that will shape the composition. This conversation shapes everything.
I Develop a Concept
Based on our conversation, I’ll create three preliminary compositional sketches showing different perspectives and approaches to your piece. This is where your vision meets my artistic instincts — each sketch exploring a different way to capture your bird and your story.
We Choose the Direction
I’ll share all three sketches with you, and we’ll talk through each one — what resonates, what surprises you, what feels right. You select the direction, and we refine together until the vision is exactly where it needs to be.
This is the moment the painting truly becomes yours.
The Painting Comes to Life
This is where I disappear into my studio in Pawtucket, RI. Using the same techniques I bring to all my work — handmade Gansai pigments, sumi-e brushwork blended with Western mastery, on archival cotton rag paper — I bring your bird to life freehand, letting it emerge organically through layers of color and movement. All materials are museum-quality: archival, acid-free, and conservator-grade, ensuring your artwork's longevity for generations.
Along the way, I'll share two progress check-ins so you can see your painting evolving. It's the same approach behind my work for the Langham Hotel Boston and the Google Quantum AI collaboration, applied to your personal vision.
Your Artwork Arrives
When the painting is complete, I'll share photographs before shipping. Museum-quality framing is available, including archival matting with Optium Museum Plexi — the highest grade glazing, offering virtually no reflection. Your commissioned piece arrives carefully packaged, with shipping and full insurance included.
And a promise: your commission will never be reproduced as prints or commercial products. It is yours alone — a one-of-a-kind original. My wish is that it remains an enduring centerpiece that enriches lives for generations.
What I'll Need from You
To get started, I'd love to hear about:
The bird that captivates you. A species, a specific encounter, a memory — whatever draws you to this subject. If you have reference photos, wonderful. If not, we'll find the right references together.
Your space. Where will this piece live? Share a photo of the wall if you can. The dimensions, the light, and the surrounding decor all inform the composition and palette.
Your story. What connection do you have to this bird? A custom bird painting commission is most meaningful when it carries a personal story — the cardinal that visits every morning, the osprey from your favorite beach, the owl your daughter is fascinated by.
Medium and size. I work in watercolor, oil, and pastel. Each medium has its own character, and I can guide you on which best suits your vision and space. Commissions typically range from 20×30 to 40×60 inches.
Timeline. Is there an occasion or date you're working toward? Please reach out early — commissions take dedicated studio time. Most commissions require 8–12 weeks from concept approval to delivery.
A Note on Availability
I accept eight to ten commissions per year. Each piece demands at least the same deep creative attention I bring to my original bird artwork, and I won't rush that process.
If you're considering a commission, I encourage you to reach out early — I'll let you know my current availability and we can begin the conversation whenever you're ready.
Begin Your Commission
If this calling speaks to you, I'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below to start the conversation, or visit my studio in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to talk in person.
To see examples of the work I create, browse my original collections. Each piece reflects the same care, technique, and passion that I bring to every commissioned painting.
— Holly
