How do I commission a painting?
A commissioned painting isn't like anything else I sell. I never reproduce it — no prints, no giclées, nothing. Original works I sometimes offer as prints later. A commission never gets that treatment. What you end up with exists nowhere else, on any wall, ever. That's a level of exclusivity that's rare these days, and it adds undeniable value to the work.
I take a limited number of these each year — indeed, there will be a limited number in my lifetime.
Most people come to me with a classic car or truck, a home or property they want immortalized, or a photo from a trip or place that means something to them. I don't paint babies. It has to be something I actually want to paint, and I'll need strong reference photos to work from.
Once we've talked through your idea, we trade photos by email until we land on the one — or the combination — that will make a great painting. Then we talk size, shipping, and timeline. This part matters more than people expect: you're not just picking a subject, you're shaping the composition with me. That's a real collaboration, and the painting belongs to that process as much as it belongs to me.
*I live in Portugal. Shipping to the USA is routine — I use UPS, and you get tracking the moment it ships. I'll give you a firm shipping estimate up front, based on canvas size and destination, so you know exactly what you're committing to before you decide.
Once all the details are agreed upon, a 50% deposit starts the work. The balance is due when you approve the finished images, before it ships. We settle every detail before I pick up a brush — no surprises for either of us, and that's a big part of the reason it's such a great experience.
Timeline is usually about 4 weeks from deposit to ready-to-ship, longer for large canvases. I ask a lot of questions before I start. Communication is why so many of my collectors keep coming back.
Commissioning a painting is a fun, creative shared journey between you and the artist. What comes out of it is a new member of the family — one that will outlive you and light up your home in a way nothing off a wall ever could.
Contact me about your special painting.
Email: [email protected]
Cody
6 minute video showing some stages of a 30"x40" commission
I will usually show you 'work in progress' photos, or even a video of the painting progression!
Cody:
OMG! The painting is fantastic!! We watched the video twice we loved it so much!!
It's exactly what we had in mind.
Thank you for the video. We look forward to seeing the painting in person before you put on the final coat.
We are truly thrilled.
All the best -
Deb and Brad A.
Testimonials
Thinking about a commission???
I asked Cody if he’d take a commission and he humbly accepted.
First the outcome far exceeded my expectations. He did four small pieces for me—a tetraptych.
He graciously accomodated my request (size, canvas material) and the subject matter.
We collaborated easily on the style of the subject matter and the color pallette.
It mattered not that he was in Portugal and I in Sedona.
The shipping was fast and the pieces arrived in perfect condition.
They were, of course, excuisitely executed.
They are quite beautiful.
They’ll be with my family for a very long time.
John P
Sedona
"I have long admired Cody's art work, not only his masterful understanding of light and color in desert scenes but his ability to capture buildings and vehicles. Because of these images my husband and I felt he would be the perfect artist to portray an old barn on our property we are very attached to.
We were so right. After discussing all the elements we love about the barn he lead us through a process that was far less complicated than I had imagined. Showing us sketches and collaborating with us each step of the way. We are immensely pleased with the painting. He has proven to be exactly the right artist for a painting that will mean a lot to our entire family for a long time.
Anna D. - Hotchkiss, Colorado
"We've admired Cody's work and loved the landscapes but had a difficult location for the artwork that we wanted. After discussing our particular size and lighting requirements, we commissioned Cody to develop and paint a desert landscape that has proven to be the ideal solution for us.
Cody's professional ability to adapt to our requirements coupled with his raw talent and creative vision has proven to be an ideal artwork solution for our home. The result is a wonderful oil painting that is our reward for relying on Cody DeLong's artistic ability.
The Southwest theme and colors that Cody created just come alive in our home and we will always enjoy this piece of commissioned art".
- Ron M. - Scottsdale, Arizona
Dear Cody, I am writing to share with you how much I enjoy the painting I purchased from you over 2 years ago. I love the way the light reflects off the church and the beautiful sky in the background. The day is ending and the night is emerging. Although it is a Jerome setting it reminds me of my Appalachian roots. Thanking you for such a Beautiful painting and for bringing me such enjoyment.
- Nancy G. of Arizona
"I encourage anyone who is thinking about commissioning Cody to paint a picture based on a personally meaningful thought, idea, place, occasion or possession, to do so immediately.
For me, with limited knowledge about the basics or art, and even less ability to put my ideas on paper, working with Cody was a delightful and rewarding experience.
Having only words to describe my thoughts, and a limited vocabulary to explain what I was hoping to achieve, Cody did an amazing job visualizing what I was describing. I am so happy with his work.
Cody is a true professional. once the parties agree on the subject and how it should be presented, Cody really gets to work. He sets a reasonable schedule. He provides sketches along the way. He listens but does not waiver from the original vision.
When he puts paint to canvas, Cody's artistic training and natural talent take over. His eye for both bright color and nuanced shades of the same color make the painting come to life. But, he also has a way of adding interest to a subject that might be considered dull or boring in the hands of an artist with lessor skill and less interest in expanding personal horizons.
To commission a painting with Cody is really a collaboration with one of the finest landscape artists working today. This is not just a neophyte in the art world talking. The accolades come from the people who know the art from the inside: the artists themselves. They named Cody the recipient of their 'Artists Choice Award' at the 2015 Celebration of Art at the Grand Canyon. This award was for total body of work, and is one of many awards he has won.
Knowing he valued my ideas and was willing to incorporate some of them into and original work of art, only enhances the joy of owning an original Cody DeLong oil painting.
Thanks Cody for a wonderful painting and a wonderful experience."
-- Barbara S. - Boulder City, NV
