COMMISSIONS

​I will work with you to create an original piece of art that you love. For portraits, I can use photos you provide as a starting point, or you can request a photoshoot and I'll take photos for you.

​I use soft pastels and a mixture of drawing and painting techniques to create works that offer a feeling of tenderness and sentimentality.

​Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to start the commission process!​​

See more commission examples

CLIENT REVIEWS

"I commissioned portraits of my children from Mary and am thrilled with her work. We met at her studio and reviewed possible images from which to base the paintings. It was helpful insight into her creative process. She asked about how I would be using the pieces which helped us choose which images to use. Mary was interested in knowing about the subjects and it shows in the portraits. They each reflect my child's personality at the time which makes them much more meaningful to me. Mary sent progress images along the way so I had a chance to give her feedback before they were finished. Small changes here and there led to 2 portraits that I will treasure forever. I highly recommend!"     ​-Anonymous

"Mary was a pleasure to work with from the very first email we exchanged to the stunning final product hanging on my wall. She was professional, responsive, attentive and she genuinely cared about my happiness. All of this and I haven't even mentioned what a talented artist she is. The portrait of my daughter is the centerpiece of my living room and every guest comments on it. Then when I tell them it was done in pastels, they are floored! I will treasure the work always, and am so grateful to Mary."     ​-Erin Sanchez

"The pastel was AMAZING!!!!! It looked so life-like and captured the energy and emotions of the moment. We are so grateful and impressed with her talent!"     ​-Jill C.

 "I could not love this portrait any more than I do! Henry was perfectly captured and the colors match him and his personality well."     ​-Ruth Murray

"I can't say enough how much we loved the work Mary did on our commissioned piece. We asked her to capture the love between my mother-in-law & her late husband on what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. She captured the smallest details with such accuracy that it took our breath away. I was amazed even at the first draft/rough sketch she did for us and couldn't believe the final outcome. It is something that our entire family with cherish forever."     ​​-Vanessa H.

"Mary is a truly gifted artist ... I am, I suppose, happily obsessed with her use of color and the graphic nature of her finished pieces. I quite literally could NOT be happier with my portrait. Mary is a joy to work with and I consider her one of the finest artists working today -- I have loved this entire process, from start to finish, and I am BEYOND elated with my finished portrait!!"     ​-Jen

PORTRAIT PRICING*

Single-subject Portrait
8" x 8" $180
8" x 10" $225
9" x 12"  $300
11" x 14"  $435
12" x 16" $540
16" x 20" $895

Dual-subject Portrait
8" x 10" $240
9" x 12"  $325
11" x 14"  $460
12" x 16" $575
16" x 20" $960
18" x 24" $1295

PAYMENTS

Prices are generally split into two payments. The first half is a down-payment, the second half is paid once the work is complete - and only when you are happy with the result! ​If you are unhappy with the artwork, I'll work with you until it's right. If we can't make that happen, you will not be required to pay the 2nd payment and I'll keep the artwork. 

Prior to pick-up or shipment, the full payment is required. Payments can be made with a credit card, Venmo, cash, or check.

​*Prices are subject to change.

HAVE A BUDGET?

I'm more than happy to work with you within your budget.
Please fill out the form below to get in touch. Let's talk!

FRAMING NEEDS

Pastel paintings have an extreme longevity when handled carefully and framed properly. Pastel paintings need to be framed behind glass and handled with care to prevent damages. Professional framing is best, ideally with high-quality, anti-reflective glass and a spacer between the glass and the painting.

FRAMING IN HOUSE

I'm happy to offer custom framing options in house. Generally, I'm able to frame my artworks for 20-50% less than it would cost to bring it to a professional framer. If you are interested in having your commission framed in house, I will work with you on finding a frame that that is appropriate for your piece. Framing services are billed separate from the commission process.

I use high-quality Plein Air frames (no mats are needed) and UltraVue® UV70 Glass. A spacer is placed between the glass and the art. Hanging hardware is included. The artwork will be completely ready to hang when you pick it up!

​Framed artworks cannot be shipped.

What is UltraVue® UV70 Glass?
​This water white glass offers crystal clear color transmission and a virtually invisible, anti-reflective surface for truly amazing clarity.

Features of UltraVue® Glass:
● Virtually eliminates reflections
● Filters up to 70% of UV rays
● Water White substrate provides crystal clear color transmission
● Enhanced surface for better durability and easy cleaning
● ​Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence.​

PHOTOSHOOT OPTIONS FOR PORTRAITS

Let's start with a great photograph!
​
Using my own camera, I can help achieve the ideal lighting, pose, and expression for the portrait of you or your loved one(s). I'm willing to meet with you and/or your subject(s) at a mutually agreed upon location within 10 miles of my Minneapolis studio.

The first 30 minutes of a photoshoot session are complimentary.
​
*$30/hour will be charged for any additional time needed during the photoshoot. Photoshoot sessions generally take about 30-90 minutes.

COMMISSION REQUEST FORM

Once I receive your form, I'll be in touch with you via email within 48 hours. Please look for an email from [email protected].