COMMISSION STORY

SARAH'S

SARAH'S COMMISSION STORY

The Needles Isle of Wight

Acrylic and mix media on Canvas

I am overwhelmed by this commission. Creating this piece truly touched me, and I was deeply moved by the client’s story and ideas, which set a unique mood and feeling in this painting—unlike any other I have created before.

Sarah and I first met in September 2024 when she received one of my leaflets from the art gallery explaining our commissions and services. She contacted me and requested a home visit to discuss potential painting options for a space where she had wanted a piece of art for a very long time. From the moment I met Sarah, we shared a strong connection, which ultimately inspired the creation of this piece.

I was incredibly grateful that Sarah shared her story with me. She told me about her father's passing and how much the Needles on the Isle of Wight meant to her, as this was where his ashes were placed. She also spoke about her own family—a group of five—and thought it would be meaningful to represent them within the painting, perhaps as sailing boats.

Having been to Needles and Avon Beach before, I felt the pull to visit again to fully absorb the ambience, mood, and feel of the landscape. I sketched and took photos during the visit, capturing the emotions of the landscape.

Back in the studio, I immersed myself in sketching, mixing, and planning. Initially, I intended to share the journey with Sarah at each stage. However, I was soon swept up in the artistic process, and one day, I found myself in front of the blank canvas, ready to begin without interruption.

Normally, I record a time-lapse as I paint, but for this piece, I felt it needed to be created in harmony and in private, allowing a deeper connection with the colours and sentiment of the work. I wanted to honour Sarah’s father’s memory and celebrate her family and life through the painting, capturing the love and emotion that went into creating it.

I was overwhelmed when delivering the painting to Sarah’s home, as always, with a commission like this. I arranged a grand reveal, and Sarah’s reaction was exactly what I had hoped for. As many of you know, I’m a big softy, so there were a few tears seeing the joy this painting will now bring to this home. Every time they come through the front door of their home, my painting will be there, bringing warmth and happiness for years to come.

Sarah sent me a video of the smallest human reaction. The comment was, “Look at that rainbow sea; I want to do some painting, too”. Sarah then left me this beautiful review below.

So if you would like a commission painting, please call me direct on 07949690609

SARAH'S REVIEW

I had a large empty wall space in our hallway that I wanted to fill, but I have never been able to find what I wanted. The space had even been fitted with a picture light ready for a picture - for around 3 years 🤣 Searching hours online & elsewhere - I just couldn’t find anything to fill that space.

Then I received a flyer in the post - normally flyers you just glance over & recycle but this one caught my eye so powerfully. It showed lots of Kimberley’s beautiful works & I knew her style was exactly what I had been looking for.

After I made contact, Kimberley made a free home visit where she listened to my ideas and what I liked and didn’t like. She brought lots of examples & we discussed sizes, colours, and frames. I could have easily bought any one of the beautiful paintings she brought - but I decided to go for a commission.

It is a one-off, unique, personal piece with a meaning that wouldn’t just be ‘any’ painting/picture/print on a wall.

I told her my story and how I would like her to incorporate water, sea, and perhaps a sunset. We talked about skylines & I told her I had a special connection with the needles & she said she could incorporate that into the painting, too, which I wasn’t expecting.

My late father - a keen fisherman, had requested his ashes scattered there as it was always one of his favourite places. He sadly passed away before he got to see our new home, so I wanted something that represented him being a part of our home, too.

I sent Kimberley pictures & ideas and the things and styles I liked. Somehow, it’s like she got right into my brain (and heart) and was so eager & excited to start the project. Nothing was too much.

When the painting was finished & she was ready to deliver .. I was so nervous - what if I don’t like it? What if it’s not what I wanted? But it was anything but. I was so overwhelmed but so happy with it. It was everything I wanted and more & it definitely had the ‘wow’ factor. There may have been a few tears (from us both!)

I can’t recommend de Garis's designs enough. A professional but personal artist with an incredible talent. Thank you so much xx

Sarah