Commissions

A painting created from a photograph, a memory, or a moment worth holding onto.

Commissions

From time to time someone reaches out with a photograph or a story and asks if it might become a painting.

Many of the works in this gallery begin that way.

A photograph provides the starting point, but the finished painting is not a literal copy. Like the other work on this site, it becomes an interpretation built from color, shape, and the geometric planes that hold the composition together. Because of that, some images translate to this style more naturally than others.

Each commission is developed in the same way as the other paintings in the studio—with attention to composition, light, and the balance of color that shapes the finished piece.

My studio schedule is often tied to exhibitions and ongoing work, so I accept only a small number of commissions when the timing allows. When the moment is right, however, I’m always glad to talk with someone about an idea and see whether it might become a painting.

Sometimes the conversation is all that is needed. Sometimes it becomes something that hangs on a wall for many years.

Example Paintings

Holding Time

24 × 36 — Acrylic on canvas

A portrait of a grandmother holding her great-grandson. The painting focuses less on photographic accuracy and more on the emotional space between the two figures.

Stillness with Color

12 × 16 — Self-portrait, Acrylic on canvas

This painting reflects the geometric structure and color relationships that define the work. Portrait commissions are approached in a similar way—interpreting a subject through shape, light, and composition rather than reproducing a photograph exactly.

Most projects begin with a simple conversation.

It helps to start with:

• one or two photographs
• a short description of the moment or people involved
• a general idea of size or where the painting might live

From there we can talk about whether the image translates well into the geometric style used in my work.

Because the paintings interpret a subject rather than copy a photograph exactly, not every image is suitable for a commission.

Beginning a Commision

Commissions are generally priced in line with the paintings shown in the gallery and are based primarily on canvas size.

Common sizes include:

12 × 12
16 × 20
24 × 36
30 × 40

Final pricing depends on size and complexity and is discussed once a project is defined.

Size and Pricing

My painting schedule is often focused on exhibitions and ongoing studio work, so commissions are usually scheduled several months out.

If you have something in mind, feel free to reach out and start the conversation.

Timing

Commission Inquiries

If you’d like to discuss a possible commission, you can reach me at: charles@charlespresti.com or through the contact form on this site.

Commission Agreement

For commissioned paintings, a simple agreement helps ensure that expectations are clear for both the client and the artist.

The agreement outlines the deposit, timeline, approval process, and copyright terms for commissioned work.

You can review the standard commission agreement here:

Download the Commission Agreement (PDF)