The Creative Process
Interested in commissioning sacred art for your parish? I’d love to explore the possibility of creating the painting that God is asking for. Commissioning sacred art is a beautiful act of faith. It reveals a docility to the Holy Spirit, and is an act of trust that God has chosen the artist for the particular work and will provide the means for its accomplishment. The time a commission takes to complete can be anywhere from a few months (ex: Divine Mercy) to over a year (ex: National Eucharistic Congress).
Here I offer a window into my approach for creating original liturgical and devotional paintings. The example is an original idea I created for the purpose of sharing my process, and a scene I’d be interested in painting at some point. It depicts Padre Pio’s account of being rescued by the “lady in white” after battling the devil in his cell one evening.
What’s the story?
To begin, I meet with the pastor or leader of the project to discuss what the church is hoping to commission. The subject matter, location, and ideas for the size of the work are noted. Following this initial meeting, I move on to brainstorming ideas. My work is always in the service of the Holy Spirit, whom I trust to guide me throughout the entire project. For my part, I ask the Lord what He wants me to paint. I remain open to His inspiration while I research the subject. Over the course of 1-2 weeks I make rough sketches and compile ideas. Satisfied with a proposal, I meet with the client to make sure the ideas are headed in the right direction.
The most important part of a painting is identifying the story you want to tell. This can be a scene constructed for the sake of catechizing, an imagined moment from Scripture, or a depiction of an episode from the documented life of a saint. The goal is to create a painting that is rich in substance and engaging for prayer.
Developing the idea.
Once an idea, composition, and size of the painting are approved, it’s time to dive deeper into research and begin developing the final composition. This stage involves collecting and producing references to work from such as photographs, costumes, poses, lighting, landscapes and objects found within the story. Creating realistic paintings requires the study of life.
Build and paint.
With the final concept and painting dimensions approved, I move on to making the “canvas”. I custom build the wooden framework called a “stretcher”. Primed linen is then stretched onto the stretcher and secured with staples. Hung on the wall, it’s finally time to draw and paint using charcoal and oil.
Constructing the scene.
Though I do make sketches and small oil paintings in the development of an idea, with today’s technology, I’m able to save more time and material by “digitally painting”. Using a digital drawing board like one used by an artist for books and movies, I construct the scene and place my references and drawings in the space to reach a final composition . This allows me to do a lot more problem solving prior to oil painting. It also helps avoid the old inconvenience of needing people to “sit” for the painting for days.
Final concept.
This is the point when a concept for the finished painting is finally complete. Getting to this point, communication during the creative process varies, depending on the client. Before the work of putting brush to canvas begins, this concept is approved by the client.
Installation.
When the final oil painting is complete, I coordinate with the pastor or parish staff to deliver the painting and help with its installation. There’s nothing more gratifying than viewing the painting in the sacred space it was made for and watching the faithful use it for prayer and reflection.
Commission a Painting
If you would like to commission a painting, please feel free to contact me. My current commissions will last until late June 2026. At that point I’ll be free to place all of my attention on your project.
While I have no time to complete more projects by June 2026, I am happy to discuss and develop ideas now in order to help your project move forward.