CUSTOM ART COMMISSIONS

CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

Ready to immortalize a beloved icon, a personal portrait, or even your furry best friend?

My custom commissions are more than just a painting—they’re a one-of-a-kind journey. If you’ve been thinking about a custom piece, now’s the perfect time to book—my commission calendar fills up quickly.

From start to finish, we’ll collaborate closely to create something truly special. I work from your photos to create a digital mockup, and together we’ll select the perfect composition. Then the magic begins—once my brush meets the canvas.

Throughout the process, I stay in close communication, welcoming your input every step of the way. This creative exchange results in a deeply personal artwork you’ll cherish for years to come.

Once you're ready to move forward, a 50% deposit secures your spot in my calendar. The remaining balance is due upon completion, and I ship worldwide. All invoices are securely payable online.

Want to chat first? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Please fill out the form below, email me, or call 1-416-455-5733 (EST) to share your subject, size preference, and timeline. I’ll be happy to answer questions, set up a consult, and provide a custom quote.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Michelle Vella

How It Works: Commissioning Your Custom Portrait is Easy & Personal

1. Share Your Favourite Photo(s)
For personal or pet portraits, send me a few reference photos. For celebrity icons, I’ll do the research to capture their most iconic look. I’ll also ask a few questions to understand the personality and vibe you’d like reflected.

2. Preview with a Digital Mockup
You’ll receive a custom digital concept in my signature Big Eyes style—so you can see how the final piece will come to life.

3. Approve the Composition
Once you love the layout, I’ll sketch the design onto canvas and share a preview before painting begins.

4. I Paint It by Hand
Each portrait is painted with care and precision, using bold colours and expressive detail to create a joyful, one-of-a-kind piece. Throughout the process, I’ll send you photos and videos of my progress—so you can watch the magic unfold and stay connected every step of the way. Painting typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size, and your timeline will be confirmed before we begin.

5. Receive Your Finished Artwork
Your completed painting will be signed, sealed, and shipped with a Certificate of Authenticity. Framing is available, and we ship worldwide with great care to ensure your piece arrives beautifully and safely.

Ready to Create Something Meaningful?

Share your story, and let’s turn it into a joyful work of art you’ll love for years to come.

DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Love it!!!!!!! We are thrilled with the outcome. It looks fabulous! The photo doesn't do the grandeur of this piece justice (72"x72"). Everyone gasps and smiles when they enter our home, it's incredible.

Melanie & Mark R. ~ Boca Raton, FLA

Michelle’s brand is so unique and so current, that when I reached out I was entirely prepared for an in demand artist with the attitude to match, but to my very pleasant surprise from start to finish she was a complete and utter pleasure. I’ve commissioned two portraits now and expect to surely commission more as I feel she is just at the very beginning of the greatness she will achieve and I want to be part of the ride!!!

Chad D. ~ New York, NY

Wow! It looks amazing. Your work is incredible! It truly is. We're so excited to have it displayed in our new home. Emma is so happy, I am very happy and Arthur might be very happy.

Peter & Emma A. ~ Aurora, ON

Michelle, this looks so FANTASTIC!! It is truly amazing work, it's extraordinary!! Thank you again for sharing the photos throughout, and the videos at the ending phase, so cool! Michelle... so so excited to have her open it on her birthday, thank you thank you again for slotting this in!!

Paul S. ~ Montclair, NJ

Hi Michelle! So excited, we just love her. This painting makes me smile and brings back all the memories of her. So glad I found you on Instagram!

Linda G. ~ Franklin, TN

We just love it! The Beatles are framed and hung in the entrance to Toronto office. Yes want to go ahead with the Stones for Vancouver office. Have a great Christmas and New Years!!

Hugh & Tami H. ~ Toronto, ON & Vancouver, BC

Last night Marjorie completely surprised me with the Jerry Garcia painting that you guys designed and I’m blown away!!! I love every detail of the painting, the planning behind the scenes, the colors you selected, and most your important… your work is amazing! You need to know that it makes me smile every time I see it. I hung it immediately, and Jerry greets you as you enter our home day or night. Thank you again!

Dan & Marjorie K. ~ Newton MA

Wow! as mentioned along the way, it's fabulous! we love it! Michelle, thank you for creating a lasting memory for our family and helping our Turks and Caicos villa feel more like home.

Mike and Line ~ Turks and Caicos

We commissioned Michelle for a painting of our new boathouse in Muskoka. Michelle was a delight to work with, very professional, easy to work with and incredibly creative. It was overall a wonderful experience. The result was an amazing work of art that uniquely captured a very special moment and place in our lives! We absolutely love it! Thanks Michelle for a beautiful painting which we proudly hang in our home.

Cheryl and Gary ~ Lake Joseph, Muskoka, Canada

Michelle Vella is an amazingly talented artist and a true professional. I instantly fell in love with her work at an art show and hired her for a private commission. She was extremely reliable and dedicated with an end result that far exceeded my expectations. I have since added to my Michelle Vella collection. Michelle’s work is remarkable and distinctive and continues to bring me a lot of joy and frequent compliments. I look forward to her continued creations and my next purchase!

Krista S. ~ Toronto, ON

I commissioned Michelle to create a portrait with her fabulous Wide Big Eyes style that would capture my “happy place”, the beach. Working with her was an absolute delight. Michelle’s professional but casual approach made the entire process effortless and exciting for me.

The beach portrait brings joy and sunshine into our home every day, and we absolutely love it. Thank-you Michelle!”

Narda E. ~ King City, ON, Canada

I had the very good fortune of discovering Michelle Vella when she appeared on the Marilyn Denis Show several years ago and instantly fell in love with her amazing work. I live on the other side of the country, and yet Michelle and I have formed a friendship through her art. I am an avid collector of her work, and the proud owner of 4 original paintings, 3 of which I commissioned, plus eight Limited Edition Prints. Her work is nostalgic, retro, current and so fun all at the same time, adding that magic to my decor. Michelle is a pleasure to work with, her dedication and attention to detail from first brush stroke to shipping is impeccable. I highly recommend Michelle not only as a talented artist but as a caring and trustworthy business owner as well.

Hilary J. ~ Victoria, BC