A picture made to last
Booking
To begin, please submit a formal inquiry below or email me directly at Madeleijn.vdn@gmail.com. I’ll then set up a (virtual) consultation to discuss your idea.
A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your place in the calendar. For time-sensitive projects, expedited options may be available.
Painting
I accept commissions from life, as well as from photographs. A hybrid approach—combining live sittings with photo reference—is also possible.
Once we’ve finalized the composition, I paint using traditional oil techniques on archival-quality Belgian linen. (See the FAQ for alternative materials.) Two rounds of feedback and revisions are included to ensure the result is picture-perfect.
Pick-up / delivery
I am based in New York City and Amsterdam, and I ship internationally. Pick-up is available in New York City and Amsterdam. Framing assistance is available upon request.
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step overview of what to expect.
1. Consultation & Planning
We begin with a conversation about your vision—in your initial inquiry you might include thoughts on composition, mood, size, number of figures and where the portrait might hang. Whether you have a detailed concept in mind or are still exploring ideas, I’ll help you shape a direction that feels meaningful and right. We’ll discuss composition, canvas size, timeframe, sittings, and pricing.
Consultations are typically by email, phone or video call, but if you’re based in New York City or Amsterdam, I’m happy to visit your space in person to view the room where the portrait will hang. After our conversation, I’ll provide a written proposal and contract. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your place in the calendar.
If you have a time-sensitive project in mind, I offer expedited options when possible—feel free to inquire about availability.
2. Reference & Composition Design
Working out the composition is a collaborative and fun part of the process. I’ll present a range of compositional ideas and sketches so we can determine what feels most fitting for you.
Whenever possible, I work from life using the sight-size method—a traditional approach that lends a natural presence to the portrait. That said, I also accept commissions based on photographs. In those cases, I often assist in directing and capturing the reference image on location to ensure it meets the needs of the painting.
Working from photographs is especially practical for portraits of children, pets or multi-figure compositions. A hybrid approach—combining live sittings with photographic reference—is also an option.
3. Painting Process & Check-In
Once the composition is approved, I begin the painting using traditional oil techniques on archival-quality Belgian linen. Each layer is built up carefully to create depth, richness, and longevity. (See the FAQ regarding alternative mediums and surfaces.)
Midway through the process, I’ll share progress and invite your feedback to make sure everything feels right. This check-in is an opportunity to make minor to moderate adjustments before the final stages.
4. Finalization & Framing
When your portrait is complete, I’ll present the finished work.
If you’d like guidance with framing, I’m happy to assist or connect you with experienced framemakers. Whether the piece is destined for a private study, grand entrance, or living room wall, we’ll make sure it’s beautifully prepared for display.
5. Delivery & Shipping
I offer international shipping. Works are carefully packed in reinforced boxes. If you’re located in New York City or Amsterdam, in-person pickup or delivery can also be arranged. We’ll discuss logistics early in the process to ensure a smooth experience.
Portraits currently start at $3,450, with pet portraits starting at $1.450 (including tax/excluding shipping & handling). Portrait pricing varies depending on size, number of subjects, and complexity. Once we’ve discussed your vision and the scope of the project, I’ll provide a custom quote. A more extensive price list with base rates is available upon request.
Each season I offer two rudimentary portrait sketches free of charge, in a small gesture to make portraiture accessible beyond traditional patronage. These are not highly refined works, but rather expressive head studies that still seek to capture the subject’s essence. There is no application process nor does it require proof of your financial situation. Just send me an email expressing interest in one. Selection is random and I’ll notify you by mail.
My calendar tends to fill quickly, and early planning ensures we can reserve the time your painting deserves. The timeframe for a portrait varies depending on canvas size, detail, and composition, but typically ranges from 4 weeks to 4 months.
If your project is time-sensitive, I also offer an expedited service when my schedule allows—please don’t hesitate to ask.
Not at all. Whether you already envision a specific size, setting, or style—or you’re simply drawn to the idea of having a portrait—we can shape the concept together. Helping clients discover the heart of their commission is one of my favorite parts of the process.
Choosing a size depends on the kind of presence you want the portrait to have. A full-length piece offers grandeur; a head-and-shoulders composition feels more intimate. Multi-figure portraits typically benefit from a larger format to allow the composition to breathe.
Consider where the portrait will hang—whether above a fireplace, in a study, or anchoring a larger space. Feel free to share photographs of the room. Within New York City, I’m also happy to visit in person to offer a tailored consultation.
Absolutely. Portraits with multiple subjects—whether family members, (four-legged) friends, or colleagues—can capture meaningful relationships in a single timeless piece. We can discuss setting, scale, and composition to ensure each figure is thoughtfully integrated.
Yes. Whether it’s a loved one, an idol, a colleague, or a surprise gift, we can arrange everything around your intentions for the piece. If the subject is unaware of the commission, we can coordinate discreetly to make it a special surprise.
Yes. I can work from high-quality photographs when live sittings aren’t possible. Ideally, I prefer to take the reference photos myself, or be involved in selecting them, to ensure they capture the nuances I need. Combining photographs with live sittings often yields the most lifelike results.
If the portrait is a surprise or the subject is no longer with us, we can absolutely still create a piece that is meaningful, authentic and artistic.
Depending on the size and complexity, a portrait usually takes between 4 weeks to 4 months. This includes the layered painting process and drying time required by traditional oil techniques.
If you have a particular deadline in mind, I offer expedited options when possible—feel free to inquire about availability.
While my primary focus is portrait commissions, we can certainly discuss other artistic ideas you may have. Currently I’m also accepting pet portrait commissions.
Oil paint is my primary medium, prized for its richness, depth, and durability. That said, I also enjoy working in other traditional media such as charcoal or soft pastel, especially for more intimate or informal pieces. If you’re interested in a work on paper, I’d be happy to discuss options.
Yes—I divide my time between New York and Amsterdam and frequently travel for commissions. We can discuss the length of stay and any necessary arrangements. I usually bring the work back to my studio to complete the final refinements with the care they deserve.
I ship both within the U.S. and internationally. Framed paintings are packed in custom crates or reinforced boxes; unframed pieces are securely wrapped and boxed. Each painting is insured for peace of mind, and if you’re nearby, you’re welcome to collect the work from my New York studio.
Yes—I offer elegantly packaged and digital gift certificates, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any moment where a truly unique gift is in order.
Please feel free to reach out via the contact form or directly by email. I typically respond within 1–2 business days.
Below you can describe what you have in mind, whether fully formed or still exploratory. You’re welcome to share any preferences on size, composition, or timeline—or simply what inspires you to reach out. You’ll receive a response in 1-2 business days.