Beyond the Surface: Commissioned Fine Art Portraits
When creating custom fine art commissions, fine artist Brian Ford focuses on more than just capturing physical appearance. He views the canvas as a narrative vehicle to tell the story of a person’s deep inner life. Through a personal conversation with each client, Brian takes the time to truly understand your perspective, values, and most meaningful life moments, seamlessly weaving these spiritual elements directly into the composition.
The Artistry: Blending Impressionism and Expressionism
Each original piece is handcrafted using a blend of watercolor and gouache. The natural transparency of watercolor allows Brian to layer subtle moods and ethereal light, while the rich opacity of gouache introduces striking depth and raw emotion.
Process, Quality & Pricing
The Custom Commission Process
- The Interview: Every commissioned piece begins with a private, 30-to-40-minute Zoom conversation between the subject and the artist, Brian Ford, to capture their unique story and inner essence.
- The Studio Time: Brian invests 15 to 25 hours of dedicated, meticulous studio time handcrafting your custom portrait.
- The Finishing Touches: Studio co-owner Theresa Fluty takes over for archival preparation. She hand-sands and stains the cradle board edges, applies a professional rear dust cover, and installs heavy-duty hanging wire.
- Timeline: Due to the detailed nature of this fine art process, please allow up to 3 months for your completed masterpiece to arrive safely at your doorstep.
- Contemporary Display: Brian paints on a specialized, prepared surface on a finished wooden cradle board, offering a sleek, frame-free presentation.
- Museum-Grade Protection: The reverse side is fully sealed with an acid-free mat board to protect the artwork from environmental elements over time.
- Ready to Hang: Your painting arrives with pre-installed hanging wire for immediate display straight out of the gallery box.
- Provenance: Each piece is hand-signed by the artist and accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity.
- 18” x 24” Portrait | $1,500 (Includes complimentary US shipping)
- 11” x 14” Portrait | $800 (Includes complimentary US shipping)
Meet the Artist: The Wisdom Behind the Canvas
A Lifetime of Deep Seeing and Unconditional Acceptance
Before dedicating himself fully to the studio, Brian Ford spent his career as a licensed psychotherapist. Today, as a retired clinician, he brings a lifetime of professional empathy, deep listening, and unconditional acceptance to the canvas. Fine art painting has always been a parallel passion. With the gift of newly available time in retirement, Brian is merging his deep understanding of the human journey with artistic skill.
Translating Your Life Story Into Visual Patterns
Brian’s unique background allows him to connect with portrait subjects on a rare, profound level. He looks far beyond the physical profile to see the whole person—their defining life moments, transformative experiences, sacred gateways, and pivotal choices. Brian listens intently to your story and translates your essential personal tone into an elegant, expressive portrait of watercolor and gouache.
A Singular Gift of Self-Reflection
To be truly seen for who you are, and to have that deep seeing reflected back to you as a work of fine art, is a moving experience. A commissioned portrait from the Portraits of the Spirit collection is more than a painting; it is a profound celebration of a life well-lived. It is a singular, timeless gift worth giving to yourself or a cherished loved one.
For a complimentary consultation call or email Heart Tree Studios.
541-264-8113 | brian.theresa @ hearttreestudios.com