How Commissions Work?

There are three ways to commission a piece from me. If you're interested in commissioning a piece, don't hesitate to get in touch with me, and we can begin the creative process!

Option 1: The client would like a larger piece like one of my pastels, but in oil.

This request has been a frequent and favored choice among clients seeking larger artworks, especially those who wish to avoid the complexities of glass and mats required with pastel pieces.

Oil Commission

A client was drawn to one of my birch pastel drawings and expressed a desire for a substantially larger rendition created in oil, with a preference for reduced yellow tones. The pastel they liked is the image below.

Option 2: Create a piece from images provided by the client.

For this commission, the client sent me several photos with these instructions, and trusted me to make something from several sources. This heartfelt gesture was a 30th wedding anniversary gift for his wife. This piece was a wonderful challenge, as he wanted a totally different sky than any of the photos of the actual place. And he wanted snow. How many snow pieces have you seen me make? I love the outcome though, and his wife was over the moon!

Client Instructions: The first 2 photos is what I am thinking in a long version 20”-37” framed. The third and fourth photos are just for perspective on the house.

For the sky, looking for dark sky with some colors. See photos five and six. These are from a different spot, but that dark rick color mixed in with dark grey is kind of what I am thinking.
In the foreground (snow field) I am ok with leaving out the grass coming through the snow. Unless you think that give it perspective.
In the background behind the barn there is a yellow house. You can leave that out.

Although this client sent detailed instructions, I often work with a lot less direction.

Option 3: The client draws inspiration from my existing body of work, using it as a starting point to conceive a brand-new piece.

I've demonstrated my versatility by altering sizes, adapting color palettes, and even seamlessly merging multiple images to craft entirely fresh creations.

To illustrate, the image showcased below is a prime illustration of this approach. Here, I transformed an original poppy drawing by adjusting its size and composition, while preserving the same color palette, all in response to a specific client's request.

Commission from client’s photo

This was a piece that I made for a family that wanted a special piece of Lake George for their Mom. The client sent me several photos to work from and this is what I came up with.
Testimonial
I never thought that I would commission a piece of art, but once the idea popped into my head (and I got my father, brother and sister on board) I knew I had to do it. Thank you Marlene Rye for capturing my mother’s favorite view in a way that is true to your style but was still immediately recognizable to her. This piece is something my family will always treasure.

This is a large oil, 36” x 60” inspired by one of my pastel drawings.

This piece was inspired by a photo from the client, although I had to totally invent the lighting ad the sky.