Commission a Painting

 A Painting Created Especially for You

Some places stay with us forever.

A favourite beach. A dramatic coastline. The view from a much-loved home. A landscape connected to childhood memories, family holidays or someone special.

A commissioned painting gives you the opportunity to turn a meaningful place or memory into a unique piece of original art, created especially for you.

I love working closely with clients to create expressive seascapes, coastal scenes and landscapes inspired by the places that matter most to them.

My work sits between representation and semi-abstraction, focusing on colour, texture, atmosphere and light to capture not simply what a place looks like—but how it feels.

Whether you have a favourite view from the Causeway Coast, a special connection to the Mourne Mountains, or a landscape further afield, I would love to hear your ideas.

How It Works

Commissioning a painting should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. I'll work with you throughout the process to make sure we have a clear shared vision for your artwork.

1. Tell Me About Your Idea

Get in touch and tell me a little about the painting you have in mind.

You can share:

• Your favourite photographs or reference images
• The location or landscape you'd like me to paint
• The size you are considering
• Where the painting will be displayed
• Any particular colours or atmosphere you would like to capture

Don't worry if you're not entirely sure what you want yet. We can discuss your ideas together.

2. We'll Discuss Your Painting

I'll talk through your requirements and help you decide on the best size, format and composition for your space.

We'll agree on the overall direction of the painting before I begin.

3. Your Painting Takes Shape

Once I begin work, your painting will gradually develop through layers of colour, texture and detail.

When the main composition and structure of the painting are complete, I'll share an update with you.

At this stage, we can discuss the overall direction and make sure the painting is developing as we intended.

4. Final Details

Once we are happy with the composition and direction, I'll complete the final layers and finishing details.

Your painting will then be carefully prepared for collection or delivery.

5. A Unique Piece of Art for Your Home

The finished painting will be completely original and created especially for you.

No two commissioned paintings are ever the same. 

Your artwork will be a personal interpretation of a place or memory that matters to you—created to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Commission Prices

The cost of a commissioned painting depends primarily on th

e size of the artwork, complexity of the composition and framing requirements.

As a guide, commissions currently start from:

Small Paintings

From £275

Ideal for smaller spaces, gifts or intimate landscapes.

Medium Paintings

From £400

A popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms and feature walls.

Large Statement Paintings

From £800

Designed to create a strong focal point and make a real impact in your home.

Larger or Bespoke Sizes

If you have a particular wall or space in mind, I can discuss a bespoke size with you.

Please get in touch for a personalised quotation.

Available Sizes

I can create commissions in a range of sizes and formats.

Popular options include:

Size	Ideal For
30 × 30 cm	Smaller spaces and gifts
40 × 40 cm	Bedrooms and smaller feature walls
40 × 50 cm	A versatile medium-sized painting
50 × 70 cm	Living rooms and larger spaces
60 × 80 cm	A statement piece
70 × 100 cm	Large feature walls
Bespoke sizes	Created specifically for your space

Both landscape and square formats may be available depending on the subject.

If you're unsure what size would work best, simply send me a photograph of your wall or space and I'll be happy to discuss suitable options.

Timescales

Each painting is created individually and requires time to develop through multiple layers.

Commission timescales will depend on the size and complexity of the artwork, as well as my current commission schedule.

As a general guide, please allow approximately 8 weeks from agreement.

If you have a particular deadline—for example, a birthday, anniversary, wedding or special occasion—please let me know when you get in touch.

I'll always let you know whether your requested date is achievable before confirming the commission.

Deposit and Payment

To secure your place in my commission schedule, a 40% deposit is required once we have agreed on the size, composition and overall direction of the artwork.

The deposit allows me to reserve time specifically for your painting and begin the creative process.

The remaining balance is payable once the painting has been completed and approved, before collection or delivery.

Please Note

Because each commissioned painting is created specifically for you, deposits are normally non-refundable once work has begun.

However, I'll always work closely with you throughout the process to ensure we have a clear understanding of the artwork before I begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you paint from my photograph?

Yes. You're very welcome to provide your own photographs and reference images.

The quality of the final painting will depend partly on the available reference material, so where possible, several photographs can be helpful.

I can also work from a combination of images to create a composition inspired by a particular location.

Does the painting have to look exactly like the photograph?

Not necessarily.

My work is an artistic interpretation rather than a photographic reproduction.

I focus on capturing the atmosphere, colours, light and emotional connection to a place, while working in my own expressive, semi-abstract style.

Can I request particular colours?

Absolutely.

If you have a particular room, interior colour scheme or atmosphere in mind, we can discuss this before I begin.

I'll always aim to ensure the painting feels at home in the space where it will be displayed while remaining true to my artistic style.

Can I see the painting before it is completed?

Yes.

Once the main composition has developed, I'll share an update with you so we can discuss the overall direction of the painting.

This gives us an opportunity to make sure we are aligned before I complete the final stages.

Can changes be made?

Reasonable changes can be discussed during the commission process, particularly at the stage when the main composition is shared.

Because paintings develop through multiple layers, major changes after the final stages have begun may not always be possible.

This is why the initial discussion and planning stage is so important.

Can you create a painting as a gift?

Yes.

A commissioned painting can make a very personal and meaningful gift for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, retirement or special occasion.

If you're planning a commission as a gift, please get in touch as early as possible so we can discuss timescales.

Do you offer framing?

I can discuss framing options with you when planning your commission.

Do you deliver outside Northern Ireland?

Please contact me if you are interested in having a painting delivered outside Northern Ireland and I can provide details of the available options.

Let's Create Something Meaningful

If you have a place, memory or landscape that you would love to see transformed into an original painting, I'd love to hear from you.

Tell me a little about your idea, send over any photographs or inspiration you have, and we can begin discussing what might be possible.

Start your commission by filling out the contact form below. 

I look forward to creating something truly personal for you.

Gaye Lightbody