I’m Theresia McInnis,

living the creative life by

“Stirring Emotions With Paint”

Is a commissioned piece right for you?

Having original art in your home is a powerful way of stating who you are to the world. I believe that art both grounds us and exalts us. It expresses another world under the surface of the ordinary. The world that makes you appreciate and make deep connections. It’s a powerful way of spreading positive messages.

If you may fall in love with my style, but I don’t have quite what you need… whether the size or the colors are just not quite right, then You should consider a custom commission.

I love working on commissioned paintings because they present me with a creative challenge in helping to develop “your story” and I know beforehand that the painting is going to be cherished.

View the past commission pieces on my website as inspirations and email me to discuss your own commissioned art piece just for you!

We can also set up a phone call to discuss your special memory. Imagine the feeling of walking into your home and being greeted by art that expresses your personality you and your family will value for years.

If you have chosen me as your artist, I assume that you are comfortable with my style which tends to be more impressionistic rather than photo realist.

I prefer painting watercolors from candid shots that are collected from every day that show the subject’s personality.

Commissioning a Special Vacation or Home Portrait

I can work from a high-resolution digital photograph. Tips for capturing your image: consider the point of view, (eye level, above or below) to get an interesting angle. Landscape and home portraits are best shot in the early morning or late afternoon to get dramatic shadows and warm coloring. Read more tips below that will apply to this category.

What should I expect to spend on my portrait?

It is important to understand that when a price is quoted, it is for the artwork only. Travel costs will be incurred when the consultations are conducted outside of Destin or are held at your home. Prices on the website are for watercolor portraits based on your providing a high-resolution digital photo. I have photographers in mind that will release the rights to me for painting from their images if you need a reference. If doing your own photography be sure to shoot from the subject’s eye level or below:

Size Simple 1 Figure 2 Figures 3 Figures Each Additional
9×12 470 560 NA NA NA
11×14 580 700 NA NA NA
12×16 600 780 NA NA NA
18×24 950 1100 2220 3220 1000
20×24 990 1170 2320 3320 1500
22×30 1200 1370 2750 3750 2000

All quoted prices are unframed. House portraits, simple landscapes, and still-life paintings are considered simple. Portraits are people and pet portraits.

How to choose what you want
Are you having children painted, you need to decide if they will sit alone or in a group. Individual portraits of children are charming and very reasonably priced. Groups can be a more expensive way to go, but they fulfill wonderful documentation of your children’s relationships with one another.

Think of where the painting will be installed – an office, a lobby, a living room, or a formal sitting room. Does it fill a personal, formal, casual, classical, or whimsical need? Answers to these questions will help you determine the composition, the clothing, and the setting. Watercolor paintings are the most versatile medium affecting style and purpose. Watercolor for children is ideal as it imparts a luminosity to the skin tones that are impossible to achieve through oil as well as lightness and spontaneity.

How does the process work?

When I receive your photographs, I study them, adjusting them if necessary. We schedule a meeting to review the photos in my studio and choose the perfect composition that will help me to tell the “story” that you feel about the subject and what memory you hope to capture. Next, we meet for you to approve the initial contour drawing. Your finished portrait is either shipped or picked up from my Santa Rosa Beach studio.

How long does the portrait take?
A non-refundable deposit is required to schedule a start and secure a spot on the waiting list. House, pet, landscape, and baby portraits may be completed within a 2–3-week time frame. The time for more difficult portraits is 1-2 weeks for an initial drawing. Although the process can be expedited, the normal process takes 6-8 weeks.
What about a frame?

For paintings, the frame is the next most significant expense you will have. You should seek out professional advice for framing and purchase the best you can afford. A portrait is not framed like a landscape or modern art. There are specific guidelines for framing portraiture and certain archival considerations only a professional knows. I have developed relationships with a great frame shop and am happy to assist you with this decision.

Will my artwork appear online or in brochures?

I maintain the right to photograph the artwork for publicity or reproduction purposes. However, out of respect for your privacy, I do not use children or family names when titling or describing my artwork unless specific permission has been granted. I also maintain the right to exhibit art commissioned either before the sale is complete or by arrangement with you.

Can I have reproductions of my artwork? Photographing fine art is an art. I photograph all my artwork so that it may be reproduced. You may purchase prints from me. These high-quality matted prints on watercolor paper make wonderful gifts for grandparents and family members. Many families like to show off their portraits on holiday cards. I can publish the cards for you or you may purchase the digital image with reproduction rights for your own use.

Can I have reproductions of my artwork?

Photographing fine art is an art. I photograph all my artwork so that it may be reproduced. You may purchase prints from me. These high-quality matted prints on watercolor paper make wonderful gifts for grandparents and family members. Many families like to show off their portraits on holiday cards. I can print the cards for you or you may purchase the digital image with reproduction rights for your own use.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any of your questions.
I am here to assist you!