The Commission Process
A Collaborative Journey from Vision to Masterpiece
Creating a museum-quality portrait is a meticulous and rewarding collaboration. While Joshua maintains an active schedule as the Artist in Residence at the Michigan State Capitol, he preserves a limited number of openings in his private studio for executive, family, and institutional commissions.
Joshua is currently accepting inquiries for 2026/2027 sittings across Michigan and the United States.
The Six Stages of Creation
I. The Initial Consultation [Click to View]
Every masterpiece begins with a conversation. We discuss the vision, the intended architectural setting, and the unique spirit of the subject. During this phase, we align on scale, complexity, and the projected timeline for the studio calendar.
II. Establishing the Reference [Click to View]
Life Sittings: This traditional approach allows for a direct, "from-life" observation of the subject's character and subtle color shifts that only the human eye can perceive. Sittings can take place at Rabbit Hill Art Studio or the client's preferred location.
Archival Reference: For subjects with limited availability or for posthumous honors, Joshua utilizes meticulous archival photography and reference sessions. This modern standard ensures a "living presence" is captured with precision, allowing for a flexible studio schedule without compromising the final quality.
III. Compositional Studies [Click to View]
Before the final canvas is prepared, Joshua develops preliminary charcoal drawings or oil studies. This allows the patron to visualize the composition and the "architecture" of the image before the formal painting begins.
IV. Execution & Archival Layering [Click to View]
Utilizing classical 19th-century layering, the portrait is built for structural stability. As a professional conservator, Joshua uses museum-grade pigments and hand-prepared archival supports to ensure the work remains stable and luminous for centuries.
V. Review & Legacy Approval [Click to View]
Upon completion of the painting, a formal presentation is made. This ensures the portrait meets the high standards of both the artist and the patron before the final archival varnishing process.
VI. Custom Framing & Finishing [Click to View]
Joshua provides consultation and construction for custom archival framing. The final work is protected with a removable museum varnish, preserving its depth and clarity for future generations.
Investment & Scale
Commissioning a legacy portrait is a significant investment in history. Fees are determined by the scale of the work, the number of subjects, and the complexity of the setting. Whether you are seeking a life-sized official portrait or an intimate family study, Joshua works closely with patrons to ensure the final piece exceeds expectations.
Note: Due to the intensive nature of the Artist in Residence duties, a limited number of private commissions are accepted each year.