Commissioning
Preserve the people and moments you'll treasure forever. Turn life's most meaningful moments into lasting works of art.
Your memories deserve more than a photograph. I'll guide you through the process of transforming a meaningful moment into an original oil painting.
FROM $3,000 - 1-3 MONTHS PER PAINTING -WORLWIDE SHIPPING
01 - WHAT I PAINT 02 - THE PROCESS 03 - THE PAINTING 04 - THE MATERIALS 05 - PRICING
01 - WHAT I PAINT
Subjects
Families & Generations
Masterpiece Reproductions
Sports & Milestones
Wildlife & Beloved Pets
Weddings & Special Moments
Professional & Corporate
Landscapes & Botanicals
Custom Subjects
Not sure weather your idea will work? Ask. Most subjects translate beautifully into oil - the question is only which photographs to work from
02 - THE PROCESS
A Simple Process. A Lasting Work of Art.
01
GET IN TOUCH
Tell me about your idea, the subject, and what makes it meaningful to you. Every commission begins with a conversation.
02
SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS
Send your reference images and any additional inspiration. Together, we'll select the photograph that will serve as the foundation for your painting.
03
FINALIZE THE DETAILS
We'll discuss the composition, size, framing, pricing, and estimated timeline. Once everything is agreed upon, your commission is officially underway.
04
THE CREATION
I'll bring your photograph to life through carefully layered oil paint and meticulous attention to detail. Each painting is created by hand, one layer at a time.
05
APPROVAL & DELIVERY
Once your painting is complete, I'll share final photographs for your approval. After approval, your artwork is carefully packaged and shipped to your door ready to hang.
03 - THE PAINTING
Transforming photographs into lifelike works of art.
Every painting begins with a carefully drawn composition, followed by an initial layer of oil paint that establishes the foundation of shape, color, and tonal value.
I build each painting through successive layers, gradually refining the composition, depth, and finest details. Depending on the subject, a painting may require five or more layers to achieve the desired level of realism.
Throughout the process, I use professional painting mediums to enhance transparency, richness, and depth. Each finished painting receives a protective gloss varnish to preserve its color and finish.
My work is characterized by an exceptionally smooth surface and meticulous attention to detail. Rather than relying on heavy texture, I use controlled layering and refined brushwork to achieve the lifelike, photographic quality that defines my hyperrealistic style.
04 - THE MATERIALS
What it is made of
CANVAS
Caravaggio Cotton 100% Canvas, 9 oz, extra-fine texture - the best I have ever used and some of the finest in the world.
PAINTS
Professional oil colors from Gamblin and Old Holland, with select colors from Winsor & Newton.
MEDIUMS
Linseed oil, walnut oil, or liquin carefully blended with the paint to improve flow, enhance transparency, and create depth and luminosity.
VARNISH
Gamvar gloss varnish, providing a protective finish that enhances color richness and helps preserve the painting.
STRECHER BARS
Heavy-duty wooden stretcher bars, hand-selected or custom-built. Every canvas is stretched by hand for a strong, stable foundation.
BRUSHES
Carefully selected brushes, primarily fine synthetic bristles, chosen for precision, control, and exceptional detail.
05 - THE PRICING
A Lasting Work of Art
Every commission is unique. Pricing is based on the size, number of subjects, and complexity of the composition. Original oil painting commissions begin at $3,000, with a detailed quote provided before work begins.
DEPOSIT
A deposit secures your place in the commission schedule.
TIMELINE
Most paintings are completed within 1–2 months.
FINAL APPROVAL
You'll receive photographs of your completed painting before it is carefully packaged and shipped.
Explore available original paintings and archival prints in the MDKnopf collection. Find a piece that speaks to you and bring original artwork into your home.
Let’s Create Something Meaningful
Have a photograph, a special memory, or an idea you'd love to see brought to life? Tell me a little about it, and we'll explore what's possible.
A few simple questions will help me understand your vision and prepare a personalized estimate.
A personal response within two business days
Guidance selecting the right photograph and composition
A clear quote and estimated completion date
No deposit. No commitment. Just the beginning of a conversation.
Prefer to speak directly? Email matthewdknopf@gmail.com or call/text 386-679-4940.