Commission a bespoke traditional painting


A number of my traditional tulip, bird and still life paintings are commissioned by private clients.  I love this as I can take the client on the journey of making his/her painting, and the painting often contains something personal. In addition to progress updates and information about my technique and pigments as I paint the picture, which is the next best thing to watching me paint,  I make a brochure for the client to keep, showing how the painting was made.

If you have a space within your home where you would like to have a bespoke traditional painting, or if you wish to make a gift to a loved one, please contact me to discuss how I can help.

“I remember seeing Tanja’s work for the first time, it was the Three figs. A beautiful fruit as it is, I remember how she captured the smooth dusty skin contrasting the rich succulent interior, you could almost taste it.  Recently seeing her Passiflora inspired me to commission a painting as a surprise gift for my wife. We discussed the size and composition. I received a sketch within days and following my input she completely encapsulated the idea and sentiment of portraying our family in our own Passiflora painting. She kept me updated with the painting’s progress and then hand-delivered it.  My wife had no idea, so it came as a huge and very warm emotional surprise.” Alex, London

The process of commissioning a painting

Subject matter, size, surface (support) and ‘feel’ of the painting are discussed after which I prepare sketches for the client’s review and feedback. Once the design and sketch have been approved I start painting.

I send regular photo updates by email, so the client will have full transparency during the process and there will be no surprises. The client can be as involved as they wish and is offered input at any stage. In addition, I explain my process and technique to provide insight in the centuries’-old classical painting method and paints I use. At some point during the process I’ll contact the client to discuss framing, providing examples from the framers I work with. When completed, the painting is sent by courier or hand-delivered.

Payments: a 30% non-refundable deposit is paid when the sketches and process are approved by the client and the painting can be started. The balance is then due when the painting is completed; sometimes there is a short wait for the frame to arrive.