Commission process: ‘Where the light follows us’
There’s something uniquely magical about golden hour, that fleeting time when the sun sits low in the sky and everything is bathed in soft amber, peach, and rose tones. It casts a glow that transforms the landscape into something almost dreamlike. For me, capturing that atmosphere in a painting is a way of preserving the quiet stillness and sense of wonder the moment evokes. This recent commission has a dreamy, atmospheric quality, reflecting the quiet, contemplative feeling you get when you’re standing in the countryside watching the day fade.
Brief and consultation
I had a fairly open brief for this project, which is always exciting and creatively freeing. The client envisioned a countryside scene to hang above the fireplace in their newly decorated living room. Having followed my work for some time, they were familiar with my style and had seen some previous paintings that had resonated with them, providing a reference point to the project. I visited their home to better understand the space, taking in the light, the room’s proportions, and the tones of their furnishings. In-person visits like this, when possible, are invaluable as they offer details and insights that can’t always be captured through photos. Together, we agreed on a suitable size and proportion for the wall space to make the piece feel at home in its setting.
The room
The cozy living room exudes a warm, cottage-like charm with its mint green walls and white ceiling beams creating a fresh yet traditional atmosphere. The space feels lived-in and welcoming, with a relaxed, homey quality that invites you to settle in and stay awhile. The mix of soft textures and muted colours creates a soothing environment that's calm, comfortable and unpretentious.
Back in the studio
I began gathering visual references and creating colour swatches based on our discussions. I knew I wanted the painting to evoke those golden hour moments where time seems to slow and the landscape takes on an almost surreal quality. I had a clear emotional tone in mind, but I wanted to let the composition remain fluid, allowing it to evolve organically throughout the process. I believe this intuitive approach often leads to a more authentic, expressive final piece.
Creative process
As with many of my pieces, I started by laying down bold, saturated colours. These early layers are not about precision, they are building a foundation and visual undercurrent. Even though much of this paint will eventually be obscured, it plays a vital role in the finished piece, adding a sense of depth, richness, and history beneath the more refined surface. At this stage, the composition for the land began to take shape relatively quickly, though the sky remained unresolved. I wasn’t yet sure how I wanted to convey its light, movement, or focal point.
After the playfulness of the initial layers I shifted into a more considered process. I began refining the marks, gently quieting some areas while allowing others to emerge more clearly. I decided to introduce a hazy, setting sun as a soft focal point, something to gently draw the eye and anchor the composition without dominating it.
The sky, which had started to feel a little heavy and overworked, needed attention. It lacked the lightness and atmosphere I was after so focussed on bringing in some fresh movement to develop the composition and help define the tonal differences. As I refined the sky, I also made more deliberate choices in the landscape below, ensuring that both elements harmonised and felt part of the same scene. I played with transparent layers and tonal contrasts to suggest the soft diffusion of evening light, gradually building depth and space to the piece.
The completed painting
Finishing touches and framing
After a visit to the room with the painting and some frame samples, we decided to frame the painting in a dark wood. This provided a strong contrast against the wall and also helped to tie the painting in with the exposed brick in the fireplace beneath.
“We just love it! The colours are calming and the atmosphere it creates in our room is just perfect. Thank you so much. ”
Hearing a response like this from a client is always the most rewarding part of the process. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do, creating work that resonates emotionally, complements a space, and becomes part of someone’s everyday life. These collaborative projects are a real privilege, and I’m always grateful for the trust placed in me to bring a vision to life.
If you’ve been thinking about commissioning a painting I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch via my contact page to start a conversation about your ideas and how we might bring them into being together.