Oil Paintings on Commission

Each painting,
made together.

Original Oil Paintings on Commission

Every work is created in close collaboration — from the first conversation through final approval, each stage confirmed with the client.

Cherry blossom still life

Commissioned painting is an act of genuine collaboration — the client's vision shapes the work at every turn, while the artist brings it into being through craft and judgment.

Subject matter · Composition · Colour palette · Dimensions
All confirmed with the client at each stage

How a commission works

01
Consultation
Discuss subject, style, dimensions & timeline. Consultation fee applies.
02
Composition
Sketches & planning. Up to 2 revision rounds. Composition is finalised.
03
Painting
First version presented. Up to 2 revision rounds. Palette is finalised.
04
Delivery
Final refinements, balance payment & shipment to client.
Series 01

Cherry Blossom

Early spring blossoms in a glass mug, petals scattered across a windowsill — still life and interior space in quiet conversation, held in a restrained and contemplative palette.

Cherry blossom — completed painting
Completed Work · Cherry Blossom Still Life · Oil on Canvas
Work in Progress
SubjectCherry Blossom Still Life
PaletteSage · Blush · Deep Umber
StatusCompleted & Delivered
Series 02

Winter Landscape

A large-format horizontal composition capturing the breadth and silence of a snow-covered mountain valley — frozen creek, distant farmhouses, held in a quiet expanse of blue and white.

Winter landscape — completed painting
Completed Work · Winter Landscape · Oil on Canvas
Work in Progress
FormatLandscape · Large Scale
PaletteTitanium White · Prussian Blue
StatusCompleted & Delivered
Series 03

Summer Garden

Dense summer greens, sunlight filtering through a heavy canopy — the commissioner wanted to capture a moment of vibrant, living stillness.

Summer garden — main painting
Completed Work · Summer Garden · Oil on Canvas
SubjectGarden Landscape
PaletteViridian · Cadmium Yellow · Cerulean
StatusCompleted & Delivered
Commission Rates

A two-phase approach

Rather than publishing fixed prices, commissions are priced in two stages — ensuring the quote reflects the actual scope, complexity, and materials of your specific project.

Phase 01 · First Step
Consultation
Understanding your project before any painting begins
$70
One-time, non-refundable consultation fee
  • Discussion of subject matter & references
  • Style preferences & artistic direction
  • Canvas size recommendation
  • Full walkthrough of the commission process
  • Written project brief
Phase 02 · Custom Quote
Final Pricing
A tailored quote based on your project's actual requirements
Custom
30% deposit required to begin. Balance due on completion.
ComplexityArtistic difficulty & level of detail
Design TimeComposition & planning effort
Painting TimeEstimated hours on canvas
MaterialsCanvas, paint & supply costs
The consultation fee is credited toward your understanding of the project scope. Final pricing is determined after the consultation and reflects the actual creative and material investment required. Clients who supply their own canvas are not charged for canvas materials.

Payment & Policies

Consultation $70 consultation fee is required before a custom quote is issued. This covers a full discussion of your project requirements and is non-refundable.
Deposit A 30% non-refundable deposit is required before painting begins. Work starts only after the deposit is received.
Balance The remaining balance is due upon completion and prior to shipment.
Reproductions Direct reproductions that require no original composition or design may qualify for reduced pricing — discussed during consultation.
Canvas Clients may supply their own canvas. Canvas material costs are not charged in this case.
Shipping Shipping is available worldwide. Costs are paid by the client and calculated separately based on destination and package size.
Commission

What we paint

North Window Studio accepts a limited number of commissions each year. Each work is developed collaboratively from first conversation through final delivery.

🌿
Landscapes
Gardens, seascapes, mountains, seasonal scenes
🌸
Still Life
Florals, objects, interiors, window light
🐾
Animal Portraits
Pets, wildlife, painterly interpretation
🖼
Human Portraits
Individuals, figures, expressive likeness

The studio does not accept commissions requiring highly photorealistic rendering. All works maintain the artist's painterly visual language and interpretive approach.

Detailed Process

Step 01
Consultation

Initial Discussion

Subject matter, references, canvas dimensions, timeline, and artistic direction are discussed. A $70 consultation fee applies. A written project brief is provided.

Step 02
Composition

Sketching & Planning

Initial composition sketches are developed and shared for review. Up to two revision rounds included.

Composition and subject matter are finalised at this stage.

Step 03
Painting

Painting Development

The first painted version is presented to the client. Up to two revision rounds included.

Overall colour palette and atmosphere are finalised at this stage.

Step 04
Refinement

Final Adjustments

Final details and finishing touches. Up to two revision rounds included.

Major compositional or colour changes are not available at this stage.

Step 05
Delivery

Approval & Shipment

Final approval, remaining balance payment, and shipment to the client.

FAQ

Common Questions

Why is there a consultation fee?
A consultation involves real time and expertise — discussing your project, understanding your vision, recommending the right approach, and preparing a written brief. The $70 fee ensures this conversation is focused and productive for both sides.
How is the final price determined?
After the consultation, a custom quote is prepared based on the complexity of the subject, the design and planning time required, the estimated painting hours, and material costs. This approach ensures the quote reflects your actual project rather than a generic size-based rate.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Shipping costs are calculated separately and paid by the client based on destination and package size.
Can I request revisions?
Yes. Up to two rounds of revisions are included at each major stage — composition, painting development, and final refinement.
Can I cancel after work begins?
The consultation fee and the 30% deposit are non-refundable once work has begun.
Can I provide my own canvas?
Yes. Client-supplied canvases are accepted and canvas material costs will not be charged.
Do you paint from photographs?
Yes. Reference photographs are welcome, but all commissioned works are interpreted through the artist's painterly visual language rather than reproduced photorealistically.

Start with a
Consultation

The first step is a $70 consultation — a focused conversation about your project, vision, and timeline. Reach out to get started.

Send an Enquiry

Please include

  • Desired subject matter
  • Approximate dimensions
  • Reference images (if any)
  • Desired completion timeline

North Window Studio

North Window Studio is the commission practice of Nianhan Guo, an artist currently studying at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

The studio focuses on original oil paintings developed through close collaboration with collectors and private clients. Each work is created through extended dialogue regarding subject matter, composition, colour, scale, and atmosphere.

Rather than replicating photographs exactly, the work emphasises interpretation, painterly observation, and the unique qualities of oil paint as a medium.

About the Works

All works in this portfolio were created on commission. Subject matter, composition, canvas dimensions, colour direction, and final adjustments were reviewed and approved by the commissioner throughout the process — representing a close collaboration between artist and patron.