Commissioned work is always being done at the Chad Crouch studio. The majority of it would could be described as 'life portraits' including but not limited to couples (embracing, walking, looking at each other, playing with their pets...) and families (reading, strolling, playing, roasting marshmallows, making a sand castle...you name it). The steps are quite simple and give clients as much or as little input as they would like to assert.

1. Make a request
Many clients have been inspired by something they have seen on this website, or perhaps at a friend's home. Usually they have an idea of who will be portrayed in the picture if it is to be figurative, so the client is in charge of casting. The directing (the motivation, the scene, the framing) could be left up to the artist or assumed by the client. A basic profile description (age, height, coloration, hair length/style, etc) is necessary to begin, while photos are entirely optional. Naturally I withhold the right to not accept a commision for whatever reason.

2. Sketch proposals
Depending on the complexity or relative open-endedness of a request I will propose a drawing (or two or three, or several quick thumbnail sketches) via email, and ask if you would like me to move ahead, refine, or go back to the drawing board. I'm happy to do one revision or one alternate free of charge.

Proposal Drawing Gallery

3. Fine tuning, colors and framing
At this point, the last suggestions are taken for colors and framing options (standard choices are black, mahogany, cherry, walnut and natural in a simple 1.75" deep L profile.) I prefer to "float" (mount paper in a shadowbox space under the glass) paintings and mat drawings. The time it takes to finish varies widely. If there is a deadline to make, the whole process could take as little as a few days. I often have black frames in stock. Various woodfinishes tend to be special order.

Questions? Feel free to drop a line. I'll try to get back to you promptly. If you don't hear from me in 3-4 working days, don't hesitate to follow up, Okay? Sometimes I'm just in a different headspace. Thanks!

chad@chadcrouch.com