Why Commissioned Paintings Are the Most Personal Gift You Can Give
by Stacey B Street
There are certain gifts that don’t just sit on a shelf — they live with you. They grow with you. They become part of a family story.
That’s what a commissioned painting is to me. It isn’t just artwork. It’s memory, emotion, and presence captured in paint.
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of turning people’s most cherished photographs into original oil paintings. A child’s smile. A grandparent’s portrait. A beloved pet. A place that feels like home. A moment that changed everything. No two commissions are ever the same, because no two stories are the same.
I believe this is why commissioned work makes such an extraordinary gift for anyone. Your children can take it with them into their future homes. Your grandmother will treasure it on her wall. You and your spouse will look at it every day and feel connected to something that matters. It’s personal. It’s intimate. It has aura.
And most importantly — it’s one of a kind.
The Process: How Your Story Becomes a Painting
Every commission begins with a photograph you love. It can be crisp and professional or something simple taken on your phone — as long as it holds meaning, I can work with it.
From there, I guide you through the process:
1. We talk about the image.
Together, we look at composition, cropping options, and what elements you truly want highlighted.
2. You choose your surface.
I offer universal sizes in both canvas and wood panel, carefully selected so framing is easy and seamless.
3. I paint in oil — always.
Oil has depth, richness, and longevity that I adore. It’s the medium that allows me to capture warmth, expression, and energy in a way nothing else can.
4. You receive a painting meant to last a lifetime.
Each piece is sealed, signed, and prepared for hanging or framing. Many people tell me their commissioned paintings become the centerpiece of their home.
Investment & Value
My commissioned paintings start at $900, with final pricing depending on size and level of detail (more info here)
I’ve structured this offering so the work remains accessible while still honoring the time, attention, and heart I pour into each piece.
People often say that original art becomes more meaningful over time — and I see this with commissions especially. These paintings become part of family history. They’re the kind of gift that gets passed down, not tucked away.
Why I Love Creating Commissioned Work
I truly care about this process. I love stepping into your memories, your relationships, your stories — and translating them into color and texture. There’s something magical about knowing that a painting I create becomes part of someone’s life journey.
Art has energy. It has presence. It has aura.
A commissioned painting carries all of that, plus something even more powerful: your personal meaning woven into the brushstrokes.
If you’re ready to turn a beautiful moment into a lasting work of art, I would be honored to paint it for you.
[Start your commission →]
