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Do you love a particular artist's style? Are you looking for a special painting for a certain wall in your home or office? Are you looking to gift a piece of art? This article will help guide you through the process of commissioning a portrait painting with an artist to create the perfect piece for your wall.

Most professional artists are open to creating a custom piece of artwork for you, all you need to do is ask. There are several reasons why you might want to ask for a commission, instead of purchasing a completed painting that is available for purchase. You may want to commemorate a friend of yours that no one has painted before. Or you’ve seen a painting of a hero or visionary depicted in vivid color, but you would like the piece created specifically for you. You might love a certain portrait, but it just won't fit the wall you have for it. From an interior designer's point of view, you may need specific colors within the painting to work within a room you are creating.

There are several styles of portraiture to choose from. From caricature to a photo realism to modern and contemporary impressionism. It depends on your interest and what you would like. Keep in mind that you will get the best results if you want a painting in the style that the artist is currently working in. Professional artists have spent decades honing their style, and this is what they are best at. When you discover the vibrant style of portraiture you’d like for your painting, this is the artist you will want to engage with.

When you approach the artist, via email (often works best these days) or phone or in person, it is best to have a clear idea of what you are looking for so you can describe to the artist what you’d like. You will want to have photographs available for the artist to work from and use as a reference. If you would like the artist to find an image, review the image with the artist to ensure it meets your needs. An artist usually creates better pieces when he has the freedom to do what he thinks is best for the painting but it is important for you to communicate to the artist any specific considerations you have for the piece, ie. thinner face, less wrinkles, brighter smile, fuller hair....

Go through the artist's portfolio or website and point out which paintings you like or don't like, and what you like or don't like about each. This will guide your artist to visually understand your needs.

Here are some additional details to review with the artist:

SCHEDULE
Let the artist know when you need the painting by. The artist will then be able to tell you whether or not they can meet your schedule. The painting may take a month to create and then need to dry prior to shipping. The shipping could take a week or more depending on where the artist is located and where you’d like the painting shipped to.

SIZE
While a painting can be created in any size you like, artist’s may prefer to work in certain sizes for portraiture. Discuss the size of the canvas with your artist.

PRICE
The price of the commission should depend more or less on the square footage of the painting, although artists may charge more or less than what they normally charge for paintings off the wall, depending on the project. I have done commissions for less than what I would normally charge, simply because I was excited about the idea of the collection/painting.

COLOR
Most artists can adapt their painting to the color theme of your choice. If you’d like to see specific colors included, communicate those colors upfront before the painting commences. If you are more flexible with the colors, you can leave this up to the artist’s vision.

LIGHTING
Open, natural light always makes a painting look great. After the sun goes down you might want artificial lighting. A painting will always look better if you can get a spotlight on it from above. Spotlights will bring out the colors and texture in your painting and make it glow like it's in a museum.

FRAMING
Framing is usually left up to the customer and can be completed once you receive your painting.

CONTRACT AND TERMS
Many artists like to sign a contract with their client before starting a commissioned work. I personally like to arrange the agreement so that neither party has anything to loose, rather negating the need for a contract. I ask for a 50% deposit up front, with the remainder due when the client has seen the painting in and it is everything they hoped it would be. A photograph of the painting is emailed when the painting is completed, and the client can usually tell right away if they like it or not. The final test is seeing the painting on the wall. If the client doesn't like the painting for any reason, I will give the commission another attempt, after understanding what they like or dislike about the first painting. However, with enough communication up front about your expectations, the painting should turn out right the first time.

Artwork makes an amazing gift. It shows forethought, effort and a flair for gift giving. Even for the person who seemingly has everything, a piece of artwork is a wonderful gift for any occasion, whether it is for the holidays, a wedding or anniversary gift, a thank you, a sales incentive or conference gift.

The thought of giving artwork as a gift may seem daunting but how many times have you seen a piece of art and thought “Wow! That would be perfect for so-and-so?” Perhaps you’ve seen a print and immediately known who would appreciate it and love to have it in their home.

FEW GIFTS ARE MORE MEMORABLE THAN ART AND TAKING THE TIME TO CHOOSE ART FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO SHOW HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU.
There’s no wrong way to give the gift of art, only amazing possibilities.

Just think about what makes the person special and you’re on the way to choosing a lasting gift they are sure to love.

So whether you wish to add to a loved one’s art collection, or maybe start one for your friend, keep in mind a few helpful tips to make it easy:

1. WHAT IS THE RECIPIENT’S PERSONAL TASTE?
The person you are buying for may have been your friend for years or you may have just met them; either way you need to make some notes on their personal taste. Is their home modern and minimal or traditional and full of character? Do they prefer sleek, neutral, or minimal surroundings or more eclectic, rustic, vibrant finds? Think about their passions and what they like to do best in their free time. Use their personal style or favorite colors as clues to choose art they will love.

2. DO THEY HAVE A FAVORITE ARTIST OR GENRE?
If the person you are buying for is a fan of art, then chances are they have a favorite style or artist. If it isn’t already obvious from the pieces they have in their home, then do some digging. Subtly ask some questions or ask their partner or children if they have ever mentioned styles or artists they are fond of. Use the information as your basis for what to buy.

3. CONSIDER WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO HANG IT
As you tour your friend’s art collection, take note of the colors and themes around his or her home. Also, take a look at their framing preference. This information can help you pick out a piece that not only goes with the collection, but complements their home’s interior as well.

Giving smaller works of art can make a big impact and allow the recipient more flexibility as to where to display the new art.

4. CONSIDER WHERE TO SHOP
Depending on the artist or type of art you are looking for, the location at which you shop may give you a better deal than other locations. For example, buying direct from the artist will likely help you avoid fees a gallery may introduce to the process, while also giving you access to that artist’s latest work. Giving your friend a piece he or she didn’t yet know existed may just make his or her year!

5. SET A BUDGET
Art can cost anywhere from $50-$400,000 & up! So, before you begin shopping, be sure to have a budget in place.

5. ART FOR SOMEONE WHO IS FAR AWAY?
In most cases, paintings and prints can be shipped direct to the recipient.

6. DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF PIECE TO PURCHASE
Many artists offer both originals and prints. If you are on a budget or your friend spoke highly of a certain painting, but the original has already been sold, a wonderful option may be to consider buying a print.

When buying an original painting, remember that many artists will also create commissioned pieces. A commissioned painting is an exceptionally unique gift, capturing a memorable trip or landscape your friend has a personal connection with or a hero they have always looked up too.

Art is an incredible, personal gift that is worth giving. Buying art as a gift is incredibly fulfilling and expresses to the recipient that you have put genuine thought and care into picking something they will like. Art could be your best gift idea yet! Let us know how we can help you discover the perfect piece for a friend or loved one. Contact Derek Russell today.

The primary reason for collecting original artwork is simple: you love owning beautiful things and you want to surround yourself with them.

Art collecting is about passion. Always love the work first and foremost. Find art that captures something inside you and brings you back to gaze at the painting over and over again.

Art collecting is an investment. It is a game - a lifelong journey discovering art that represents the way you view the world. Art can be a reminder of places you've traveled, cultures you've become immersed in, people who inspire you, a style you've fallen in love with, or art can simply be about beauty captured upon a canvas.

Original artwork holds a magic not seen in two-dimensional prints. You are owning something that was created by an artist's hand and mind. The artist transformed a blank canvas and simple pigments and materials into a completely new, one-of-a-kind creation. With an original oil painting, the thick texture adds a three-dimensional depth to the piece, drawing you into the pattern and movement of the individual brush strokes in a way that a photographic print cannot capture. You definitely know you are looking at an original when you see a thickly-textured painting!

Another fun benefit of owning originals is watching them change color throughout the day. If you've ever sat on your couch watching the dawning light change over an oil painting, you'll know what I mean. The painting becomes warmer or cooler depending on the surrounding light, and the semi-translucent nature of the oil paint catches the light and seems to glow from within.

Owning a fine creation that is truly one-of-a-kind, and surrounding yourself with artwork that represents your tastes and sense of beauty, is all the reason you need for collecting originals.

An art collection can become a prized heirloom, giving you a real and emotional legacy to hand down to your friends and family.

In the end, collecting art is something that is meant to be enjoyed. Whether you view it as a scavenger hunt, a great way to expand your horizons, or simply a way to brighten your home, collecting can be an enriching and rewarding experience for everyone.

Bono by Derek Russell 2020.jpg
About Free Impressionism
If you are a fan of impressionism, you will love discovering the works of Derek Russell. His modern impressionist style, a blend of both expressionism and impressionism, has captured the imagination of art collectors around the world. His new technique of painting in oils, created during a lifetime of applying his unique vision to the canvas, has become known as "Free Impressionism."

With thousands of views of his painting images online every month and his work being taught in art schools around the world, Derek has inspired a whole new wave of artists, both young and old, to follow their passion and become painters as well.

Derek Russell began painting in oils when he was a child, and he spent his teenage years experimenting with different media and subject matter. After getting his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, he was guided to the building construction industry. As a superintendent and a project manager, his notable projects include: a Fine Art Studio Addition & Renovation ($7.5MM), an Art Gallery Addition & Renovation ($4.5MM), a Community Center Renovation ($9.5MM) and a Hospital Addition & Renovation ($40MM).

It was when he started to travel that he began sharing the beauty in the world and how he sees it. He draws endless inspiration from amazing people, landscapes and vantage points only experienced by the most adventurous. This exposure to the amazing outdoors inspired Derek to create again. He trained under several accomplished art instructors, all who stressed the importance of painting en-plein air, including an intensive yearlong study under Copley Master, Mark Hayden. He launched himself into the art world and has not looked back since.

Eleven years later, Derek works direct with art collectors and travels around the U.S. exploring beautiful landscapes and capturing light with his palette knife and canvas. His unique style of painting is recognizable on sight. His pure colors and thick brush strokes unlike any other's. He creates his paintings using a limited palette of approximately 5-6 colors, and he lays his brush strokes with precision and energy, attempting to capture the emotion in a spontaneous manner. His style demonstrates a dynamic way of combining abstraction with realism. In his technique, he is able to make the action within the painting as intense and exciting as it actually is in your direct experience. He does not force the process but rather tunes into the energy and vibration of his subjects. He quiets his mind and lets the colors speak to him. This pure, intuitive approach is what captures a true impression of the people and landscapes he loves. He wants his artwork to communicate the joy he feels while outside hiking or backpacking or just exploring the open countryside.

Official Store for Derek Russell Originals
Derek makes it easy to buy paintings online. He can email you high-resolution photos of the paintings, and he can create a digital mock-up of the painting in your room if you’d like. He guarantees all of his works, so if you receive the painting and you don't absolutely love it, he will take care of the return shipping, and he will apply the amount paid towards another painting. Take a look at his testimonials page from collectors who have purchased paintings online and in person.

If you are new to collecting art, it can seem daunting. You don’t need millions in the bank to start an art collection and most collectors begin by buying artworks for under $1,000. Here are 6 tips to start:

1. LOVE
Research online the styles, mediums and subjects you drawn to. Always love the work first.

2. START SMALL
Be on the look out for emerging artists just gaining recognition.

3. PURCHASE DIRECT FROM ARTIST
Often the best and most direct way to purchase art is from the artist himself. Prior to the internet, there was no way to connect with artists directly - but now an artist can create a shop on various websites, a profile on Instagram, or even a website of their very own. In fact, so many artists have independent shops that it can be difficult to find the up-and-comers or your new favorite piece. Online galleries allow you to easily compare artists, styles and prices.

4. COLLECT SIGNED LIMITED EDITIONS
Limited edition prints are a great way to begin your collection. Signed editions have more value. And even more so when the artist grows in fame.

5. PAY IN INSTALLMENTS
If you fall in love with a painting which costs more than you can afford right away, many galleries and online platforms will allow you to spread the payments out over time. An original painting worth several thousand dollars could be paid for over a couple of years.

6. CONNECT WITH THE ARTIST
Once you have found artists with whom you really connect, you can contact them directly to see if they sell their own art (most do) or to commission a painting or other work.

Art is no longer something you must defer to experts. It is anything that connects with you emotionally. It may be a 3D sculpture, a painting, a photograph, or an art installation.

Finding the right piece for your collection will bring you joy for years to come. If you are seeking portraits, sports art, and landscapes painted in a vibrant, impressionistic style, be sure to look at Derek Russell’s of original paintings and prints.

i woke up with a pounding headache. one of those pains that reverberates from your forehead encapsulating your eyes and shoots to the back of your head. back and forth the energy quickens and speeds up - hunger. hunger pains hit me hard.

relax and allow those feelings to pass my soul is with me now.

feed your body, give your body nourishment. your body is a wonder land of opportunity. always there for you whenever you call upon him. support your body with proper nutrition, rest, exercise, and love.

if you want to go somewhere, go there + know that life supports you. life loves you.

calling to my soul this morning, are you there? i'd like to channel you through me. are there other spirits there with you? they are free to come through as well. i'm beginning to recognize the incredible power i have when i ask for guidance.

and the creative juice flows.

love the gifts you share. you are becoming attuned to your higher life's purpose.

this is a very special moment. one that will never come again. feel each ounce of excitement.

smile bigger + brighter than ever before. know that your gifts are within you. discover them, open up to them, and breathe in that deep place of knowing. you are well on your way.

we're proud of you derek. last night, you made a grand leap of faith. you activated the energy from within. instead of empathizing with someone else's worries and fears and bringing them into your life. instead of taking them on as your own, you stood firm. you stood from the castle of awareness. you kept the moat all around you. you were the giant that could not be taken down. you were the giver of love. your passion to help came through loud and clear. did you sense it?

this gentle offering of service to another awakened the desire within you to create major breakthroughs in other peoples life - this is your calling. do you feel it? you are the next tony robbins and wayne dyer. your words flow with ease out of the depths of your soul.

continue to apply your wisdom. continue to read and write and implement. take action. take risks.

as i sit here, i'm at a crossroads.

i'm blank.

and this is a strange for me. confusion.

is there something wrong with me?

am i really doing the right thing?

my soul reminds me, just ask.

immediately, my mind shouts back, NO! it won't work. don't do it. you will fail. you must work harder, fight more, and bear more pain.

no, no i don't, i finally admit to myself. you are an instrument for me to express my soul. i am not an instrument for you to manipulate any longer.

my soul backs me up, your mind will try to fight you when you try something new. you no longer need to let that thought that is created within your mind that was created from your past conditioning shape how you behave today in this moment.

you have an enormous power within you. you are meant for great things. and this is all part of your journey. it is all part of your understanding. when you see what others call problems as opportunities you shift. you shift your life to one of truth and abundance.

the choice is always yours.

you can choose to give up and feel unworthy, or you can stand up and embrace your divinity. your birthright. your passion.

your mind is a powerful tool. and with any powerful tool, you need to train it. you need to learn what works for you.

don't scold yourself. this is common and all part of your healing. you asked for guidance. and i'm here to give it to you.

your mind is programmed to behave a certain way. what you need to do is get at the root of that programming and change the program.

�God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

� serenity prayer, reinhold niebuhr

so i guide you to ask for guidance. ask for direction and be ready for the next breakthrough that is coming directly to you. be an instrument of love. flow with the natural rhythm of life and your world will unfold beautifully before your very eyes.

and then it hits me.

let art out + let love in.

yes! inspiration with meaning, channeled from my soul.

every day i am presented with choices to make. my mind always wanting to please others, i know which direction he tries to steer me. he wants to win at all costs. he wants to be right no matter what the fallout. he needs that approval.

man this is deeply rooted inside me.

i can feel my soul send shivers down my right arm, now my left. a chill encompasses my entire being. immediately i know what is important to me.

love.

how can i express my love today?

love for myself, love for my twin flame, love for others, love for life.

i am a creature of habit but am breaking my ties. i no longer need to live the same way, everyday.

if something is not making me happy, i choose to get at the seed of that thought, remove it from my garden and plant a new seed.

i know i can. i have the tools the strength and the power to do so. i may need to weed my garden of my worries but when i do, my world answers me with bountiful blessings.

a case in point.

just over a year ago, i asked the girl of my dreams to marry me. we hiked to the top of her favorite peak (alone in a blizzard) where i dropped to one knee and expressed my love, my commitment, my excitement to share the rest of my life with her. and the best part, she eventually said yes - yes eventually, that's a side story i'll share at some point.
the joy running through my body right meow fills me with peace. it fills me with pure happiness again. to think about that moment that happened just over a year ago, i am immediately a little boy again full of youthful expression.

but before i was with her, i was alone. i was alone for many years. i was lonely. i wanted her in my life.

i dated many young and beautiful women. many only lasted a couple of dates. a couple were longer but eventually those relationships turned into better friendships. we knew we each had a different life we were meant to live. and so we moved on.

and it was hard. living years without anyone. by myself. i was attractive, funny, athletic, smart. where was she? and why haven't i found he yet, i agonized about it day after day.

i did something new to me. i called upon my angels to help me find her.

my soul reminds me, when you can live and trust that what you desire is coming back to you, you will be surprised at how quickly you see what you desire appearing in your life. and it will come to you when you are ready. no earlier, no later.

i practice visualizing my life with my future wife. i see us smiling. laughing. playing. traveling the world. helping millions. i imagine the adventures we take together, the experiences we share, the love.

i grin from ear to ear this morning seeing the complete verification of this tool in my life.

as i released my inner need to have this girl in my life, the universe guided me into her arms.

when you committed to trusting yourself, when you let go of that incessant attachment, + when you really felt the emotions of being with her, you aligned yourself with your next level of awareness. you freed your mind from worry. your expression of gratitude in this moment brought you more to be grateful for.

be one with your creator.

be one with your spirit.

bringing this awareness into my mind this morning of what i created, i am at peace. i feel AMAZING! i can do whatever i intend. all i need to do i ask my angels for guidance, put the power of intention to work and trust the universe will handle all the details.

I choose abundance for life.

i'm studying ways to grow, to improve my life, to be happy in every moment. i'm reading and applying the wisdom of the masters that came before me. our history is full of brave souls who have not feared the wrath of others. individuals who have dreams of bigger and brighter futures. they did not sit on the sidelines and let life happen to them. they went out there and played their own music - the music their souls were singing.

and i'm with them on this one! but how?

i make my way up the stairs after a full day at my 9-5. where does this energy come from to pursue my dreams? for so long now, i've used the excuse, I'm tired. and this excuse spirals into i've had a long day and all i want to do is just relax, eat some dinner, watch tv and go to bed.

my soul - closer to me now, reminds me, it all begins with awareness. when you can admit that you are using an excuse to guide your life, you unlock the first door to your awakening.

the moment you bring your awareness to this present moment, you see deeper than the outer layer. you discover what is really driving your soul.

�I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

� Invictus by William Ernest Henley

television has been a way for me in my past to hide from my true being. i could surrender to the television every night, with a drink in hand and wash away the miseries of the day. i couldn't stand this life support that lay victim to. it is so engrained in us to veg out in front of the television every night for hours at end - just to go to bed and do it again?!?!

i know i've been victim to this epidemic for a long time.

as i learn who i am and what works for me, i notice it is a place where i can shelter myself. i can protect myself. i can stay the same.

when i stare at the box, i watch other people interact and grow. it saves me from having to do the hard work myself. i put my life on a permanent cycle of defeat and boredom.

but why do it any longer? what is the true meaning of life?

if i were to die tomorrow, the last thing on my bucket list is to sit at home and watch television. i am all about becoming the best i can be. i love who i am.

yes there are times, when i criticize my body, i scold myself, i tell myself hateful things, but I'm going beyond those times. it is time for me to change. it is time for me to be me.

i have an entire bucket list - well in my head right now, maybe today i'll write it down.

because what if tomorrow truly is my last day here on this earth. nobody knows for certain how long they are going to live. nobody knows when that day is. and nobody needs to know. but what i want to know is that i lived my life to the fullest each and every day doing what i love.

i am a genius and i apply my wisdom everyday. i use this affirmation every day the moment i wake up in the early morning hours. the magnificence that i know is me makes me smile.

my paintings are expressions of my soul. they are a time when i connect to my own inner magnificence and share that inspiration with you.

i have collectors from all over the world. i'm honored to be the artist they have chosen to create masterpieces. i put my heart, i put in my soul into every piece of work i produce.

more and more collectors are coming to me from out of the woodwork. they offer me projects that align with my purpose. i love the synchronicity of life. i love asking for guidance.

she answers me every time without fail, such a beautiful being of compassion. your patience has paid off. you no longer need to live in fear. you can let go of your insecurities. you are safe. you have all the money you need to live the life you dream. you are financially free.

wow, again, and so fast!

it's strange for me to say this, but i feel honored to have just experienced back to back reactions that triggered my limiting beliefs. progress in full force. i am making this happen.

almost immediately after my recovery from my last near immobilization, another fear surfaces with the communication of a loved one.

my mind is enthralled, jealously builds, and guilt forms inside my body. how the simple words of someone else's ascension into living their purpose and resigning from their 9-5 job provokes my mind to belittle me. my mind yells to my sensitive ears, you are not worthy, you are not good enough, you are afraid, you will never do it.

he continues to send tormenting phrases at me, they can do it but you can't.

my soul helps me turn down the volume of my mind. she reminds me, only you can let the feelings of others affect you. when you let yourself be controlled by them, you give up your power. know that you are exactly where you need to be. you are in the right place at the right time pursuing your highest purpose for the greater good. be well and affirm, i accept my past as conditioning for my future and i choose to live in harmony with my own magnificence.

my awareness during this bout surfaced much faster. and as it awakened, it erased all doubt from my mind.

i choose to forgive myself. i choose forgiveness in the face of jealousy.

i can't believe i'm sharing this with you. i'm afraid to admit my fears even to myself, but i know deep down this is what i must do in order to heal. i must release all fear.

i cried tonight.

it happened so quickly. it was out of the blue. it caught me off guard.

i noticed my body wanting to revert back to old ways. my body and my mind wanted to shrivel up and hide. my mind screamed inside my head. it hurt and scared me.

my mind wanted me to feel guilty. he wanted me to become immobilized. he wanted to show me he was in control whenever i am faced with a conflict with a loved one.

my mind switched back to old patterns instantly igniting my defensive actions. he started firing alerts out to all parts of my body, all cylinders went into overdrive, my voice loudened and quickened, my heart pounded against my chest cavity, my hands shook rapidly, i was losing control.

my soul whispered in my ear, quick, before you let you mind win, you have the power to change. you can change your thoughts. you can change your beliefs.

i don't want to live in fear anymore. i want to express the love that is me. i want to express my soul. i don't need the approval of others. it is safe for me to be me.

the tears streamed down my face as i recognized the pattern within me starting again.

no. i am willing to change. i must change. and this is my opportunity to begin.

a smile formed from my mouth as my body continued to shake. chills ran throughout me as my mind tried desperately to win by controlling my bodily actions.

my awareness of this sensation swiftly dissolves the "uncontrollable" movements.

crazy how much healing is happening.

this healing of myself really knows how to stir up some deeply rooted emotions inside me. it stirs up what i really need to work on - what i need healing for.

thank you for showing me the resistance that is still within me. thank you for giving me this opportunity to grow.

i breathe deep. i take a series of deep, slow, long breaths. i let my head, forehead and my face go heavy. i drop my shoulders and relax my abdomen. i allow my legs and feet to sink into the chair.

i release all tension. i release all anger. i release all fear. i release all sadness.

i am willing to let go. i am willing to change. i am safe and all is well.