How does one commission a personal piece of artwork from me? I am so glad you asked! Firstly, a personal piece of art is truly very special. I create all my work to be archivally sound so that it will last for hundreds of years; through the use all natural, high quality materials (such as Belgian linen and high quality oils) and plenty of care, the piece will truly be a legacy. The artwork can be passed down within a family, used institutionally to honor someone’s service commitments or as a memorable story-telling piece among friends. Wherever the piece travels, the story will be kept alive for a wonderfully long time.

PORTRAIT AND OTHER CREATIVE COMMISSIONS

Preserving someone’s story is something I am very passionate about. We are all unique beings in this world and our stories are worth sharing. I have painted many people and creative commissions (landscapes, gardens or figures in landscape) throughout the years, and have found the below process to be the best for both parties:

1. STEP ONE – Please contact me via phone (619.917.9369) or email (kellymellos@sbcglobal.net) to express interest in commissioning a single piece or series of pieces. This can be a portrait of you, a loved one who you’d like to honor, multiple people, a landscape, garden, home environment, or any other creative idea you might have! We can discuss all ideas, sizes (along with relative pricing) and timeline for the piece(s). (Once the process has begun, it usually takes 12-16 weeks to complete.)
   
   
2. STEP TWO – We will schedule a photo shoot or a live painting session. Because most of my pieces have been nearly life-size and complicated in nature, I usually spend 3 hours with someone or on location to shoot photographs and gather reference material. Then I create different compositions via oil or drawn sketches. (I prefer to use my own reference, however, if it is a surprise for someone or there is a reason why we cannot schedule a live shoot, I am open to using photographs from others.)
   
   Also, I paint from LIFE as well and this is a skill I am quite proud of! A life portrait commission is usually smaller and a simple head, neck and shoulders composition and would require approx. 6-9 hours of sitting time for the subject (broken up into three-hour sessions.) A landscape or a series from life can be a range of sizes and the timeframe is more open.
   
   
3. STEP THREE – I will present my oil or drawn sketches to you so that we can determine the vision of the final piece(s). At this time, we will lock down size(s) and pricing. (Pricing is based on size(s).)
   
   
4. STEP FOUR – I begin the final piece(s). I will contact you when it/they is approx. 90% finished so that you can view it/them. If you can not visit my studio for this part of the process, I will email photos to you. Hopefully, we can determine that everything is on track and the vision nearly complete. (Edits are possible at this time, if necessary.) I will make a recommendation for framing; I have a wonderful framer in the Los Angeles area who I usually order frames from and you can reimburse me for this.
   
   
5. STEP FIVE – Portrait or artwork is complete! I will add a protective varnish, frame and wire. I have frequently done portrait or artwork un-veilings which are quite a beautiful experience!