The Joy of Commissioned Work: Behind the Scenes of Warm Memories

One of the most rewarding parts of being an artist is when someone connects deeply with a piece—and wants something created just for them. That’s exactly what happened when a visitor saw my work hanging in the Skyline Club in downtown Indianapolis. That chance encounter led to a conversation, which turned into a vision, and eventually became a custom diptych we titled Warm Memories.

“When I saw Jason’s work at the Skyline Club, I was immediately drawn in by the depth and light in his paintings. I knew I wanted something personal, and he absolutely delivered. Warm Memories is more than just a beautiful piece—it feels like a reflection of moments I didn’t know I needed to remember. Every time I walk past it, I see something new.”

— Private Collector, Indianapolis

Commissioned work is a special kind of creative collaboration.

It starts with trust—someone sees something in your style and process that resonates with them personally—and from there, you get to interpret their story through color, texture, and motion. With Warm Memories, we wanted to create something bold but balanced, rich in light and emotional weight.

The final piece features a beautiful transition of color—deep blues shift into oranges and glowing yellows as your eye moves downward, almost like watching sunlight slowly warm the surface of a still lake. There’s a layered softness in the background, contrasted with sharp, vibrant bursts of color that feel like they’re dancing just beneath the surface.

The epoxy resin brings it all to life, adding that glass-like finish that pulls you into the depth of the work.

What I love most about this piece is how it feels both still and alive.

It’s rooted in personal memory—hence the name—but also totally open for interpretation. One person might see a golden sky reflecting off water; someone else might feel the heat of a childhood summer or the calm of a quiet sunrise.

That’s the beauty of art made for someone else but built with your own hands—it lives in the space between your intent and their experience.

And in this case, that space is filled with color, warmth, and light.