Let’s start with the weddings. They happened years ago (in 2016 and 2017 respectively) and in each case I promised the lucky couple a piece of bespoke artwork. It only took three years, a global pandemic, and the pool shutting down again for me to get around to actually doing them. Hooray!
I’ve known Mary Capaldi (known professionally as Moth Monarch) for the better part of this decade—literally, they made the decade better—and so this was truly a labor of love for them and their spouse, Ryan. They are represented by their characters (a Spanish Moon Moth and gray tabby cat respectively) meditating over a beautiful alpine lake. Specifically it is Joe Crane Lake in the Ansel Adams National Wilderness, south of Yosemite in California. I got to go backpacking through there in 2015, and this is based off a photo I took while hiking around Post Peak.
More details and progress pictures can be had on my Patreon.
Orion and Bob are two folks I met through AnthroCon and despite living on opposite coasts Orion and I have forged a special bond. It was a delight to paint their characters together, doing what they love best (baking and cooking) with the people they love best. This piece also challenged me by being an interior scene—something I don’t have a lot of practice at. Nevertheless, it was a joy to exist in their kitchen, adding in all the details of the fridge magnets, tea towel, and the artwork on the walls and shelves.
As always, patrons get a behind-the-scenes view of the progress of this piece, complete with running commentary.
And now, the announcement!
I am now open for commissions!
Yes! Really—properly—not just behind my table at cons or overnight with pizza and diet Sprite in a chilled hotel conference room. These can be anything— colors, landscapes, paintings—you name it!
I have set up a handy dandy commission page with all the details you could wish, but the short version is: if you’ve ever wanted a custom piece of art by me, now is the time! There are order and quote request forms linked on the commission page, or you can just email me with a description of your project.
Since I’m not going back to lifeguarding until I’m vaccinated—and who knows when that’s gonna be—art and writing will be my sole source of income, so any job—no matter how big or small—is welcome. I’ve primarily done private jobs, but I’m open to commercial work as well. Want me to do a portrait of your pet? I have a special flat rate for that. Want to commission a unique piece of art for the cover of your book? Send in a quote request and I’ll be in touch. Got a strict budget but want to get something cool? Send me an email and I’ll let you know what I can do.
If you’ve never commissioned an artist before I recommend reading my TOS—and again, emailing me if you have any questions. Actually I recommend anyone who commissions me read the TOS, but especially if you’ve never worked with an artist before.
Finally, even if you’re not in the market for custom artwork, we artists thrive on word-of-mouth recommendations. If you know of anyone who you think might be interested, please do spread the word! As a reminder I am on Twitter and Instagram, so feel free to follow along there, if you like.
Wishing everyone easy days and restful nights—as hard as that is right now. Thank you for being in this world with me.
-G
