COMMISSIONS

I love creating bespoke works that hold meaning, memory, and a sense of warmth. Pieces that feel personal from the start and continue to gather stories over time. Growing with you, evolving into quiet heirlooms that carry both where you’ve been and what’s still unfolding.

Please inquire below to share your vision and receive next steps about the commission process.

I’m a big believer in transparent pricing, so no guesswork here.
You can peek at my full pricing guide here.

Frequently Asked Commission Process Questions

    1. Inquiry. Tell me about your space, size, colors and story.

    2. Consultation. We chat about the vision.

    3. Proposal. You get size, price and timeline in writing.

    4. Deposit. 50% reserves your spot.

    5. Concept. I share a direction before painting (optional).

    6. Painting. The fun, messy middle.

    7. Review. See it before it leaves the studio (optional).

    8. Delivery. Final balance is paid and your piece heads home.

  • Commissions run about 10% more than my available originals of the same size, since they're a more involved, made-for-you process. Your proposal lists every cost up front.

    I keep my pricing transparent, so you can see it all in my pricing guide here.

  • Yes, a 50% non-refundable deposit to begin. The balance is due when the piece is finished.

  • Commission pricing is for the unframed canvas. Custom framing is available if you'd like it, and we'll talk it through together. Otherwise, I'm happy to recommend a framer near you.

  • For the most part, yes. My style is abstract and layered. I paint how a place or memory feels, not an exact likeness.

  • Sure! I share progress photos at key moments. Check in as you’d like, or skip every peek and be completely surprised at the reveal. It’s your call!

  • Yes. If you choose to review, small tweaks are part of the process.

  • Usually 2-4 weeks from deposit. Larger pieces and series may take longer. Have a deadline? I'm happy to work with it when my queue and availability allow, and I always do my best to make your date work.

  • I do! The cost is included in your proposal from the start, and I offer local delivery in the Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs for a small fee.

  • Yes, and I love it! I create work for both residential and commercial spaces.

NOTES FROM COLLECTORS

  • "We couldn’t be happier with our custom 'Once & Always' heirloom piece from Karlie. It’s a beautiful, personal reminder of our son’s early years and the things he loves most during this time. From his favorite foods—blueberries, avocados, pasta, and kiwi—to playful touches like airplanes, wheels, fish, and piano keys, every detail in the artwork holds a special meaning. It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a timeless treasure that we’ll cherish as he grows, and a way to keep these memories alive forever."

    The Barnidge Family

  • "Karlie created a piece for us as a special gift from myself to my wife on her 30th birthday. Throughout the process, Karlie was amazing to work with - she’d often send updates and pictures, was very open to guidance about what we had in mind (though we found her instincts were always the right ones anyways), and in the end created a piece that we instantly fell in love with. It’s truly one of our favorite things in our home, and gives us so much joy whenever we walk past. We can’t thank Karlie enough and feel so lucky to have been able to work with such a talented artist. We hope to work with her for more commissioned pieces in the future!"

    The Kramers

  • “I have worked with many artists throughout my career as an interior designer. Working with Karlie was a dream. She made the commission process easy and she stuck to her timelines. The painting that Karlie created for my home is joyful, colorful, and it infuses life and energy into my dining room. Karlie considered the qualities that were important to me, and then used her artistic magic to create something truly wonderful. The painting will be treasured forever. Thanks, Karlie!”

    Annie Ballantine