How I Paint Commissions (painting process, composition, layers)
One of the most joyful parts of being an artist is capturing special memories for people, and my latest commission was exactly that. This bridal bouquet was breathtaking…neutral tones, soft greens, elegant orchids, roses, and peonies. From the moment I saw the client’s reference photos, I was hit with a wave of inspiration (and relief—it’s so much easier when the flowers are naturally stunning!).
But working on a floral bouquet painting comes with its challenges—especially when translating a round bouquet onto a long rectangular canvas. It pushed me to think carefully about composition, flow, and brushstroke harmony, ensuring the final piece looked natural, balanced, and beautiful.
My process included:
Creating a rough mock-up (which changed dramatically!)
Using a composition grid to place focal points
Blocking in all flowers loosely before layering details
Building the piece as a whole, rather than flower-by-flower, to maintain unity and natural color transitions
Honestly, it took a few weeks—but I loved immersing myself fully in the process. No distractions. Just me, the bouquet, and the canvas.
Watch the full video below:
Now onto the exciting news! I’ve got a new free class.
It’s based on my recent live session (for those who missed it due to time zones!), but now it’s fully recorded and available to watch anytime, anywhere. The class includes a free downloadable workbook and guides you step-by-step toward finding creative freedom in your own style.