BRING YOUR STORY TO LIFE

COMMISSION YOUR CUSTOM, LOOSE & EMOTIVE WATERCOLOUR

Open magazine titled "The Art of Watercolour" featuring artwork and articles about watercolor painting, with images of watercolor portraits and an artist at work.
Woman smiling and holding an open magazine with a cover titled 'Watercolor' and a woman holding flowers.
An open magazine featuring watercolor portraits and artwork, with one page showing a large watercolor of a woman's face and others with smaller watercolor portraits, against a grey surface background.
Open magazine on grey surface, featuring watercolor portraits of children and adults, with text and colorful images on the pages.
A watercolor painting of a young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, surrounded by green foliage, on the cover of a magazine titled 'Canadian Watercolour'.
A woman with long black hair, wearing a brown shirt, smiling, and holding an art book titled 'Revelations of the Artist' featuring a watercolor portrait of a person's face.
Open art magazine showing watercolor portraits of elderly people, laid on a gray surface with shadows.
Poster for the Canadian Watercolour Fall Show 2025, featuring a watercolor painting of a woman's face with striking green eyes and flowing hair, placed on a green surface.
Open magazine with an illustration of a woman with short hair, wearing a white T-shirt, and a photo of a woman lying on a bed reading a book, wrapped in a colorful blanket, with a cup of coffee nearby.

BOOKINGS OPEN FOR 2026

Currently booking corporate, memorial and private commissions into the Fall. Click below to email your project idea to me for a complimentary video consultation :)

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

Thank you for your interest in a commission!

I specialize in people portraits but have also completed floral work and other subjects for collectors as you can already see!

More importantly, I'm known for capturing a spectrum of emotions and feeling with my work, and these are the things we can work out through our initial discovery sessions together.

My commissions start from $400 CAD for a 9x12" unframed painting. The final pricing is dependent on the size and overall complexity of the piece.

A person in a pink top holding a framed watercolor portrait of a smiling woman with short wavy blonde hair, with a background of green foliage.
Watercolor painting of a cat with green eyes, sitting and looking upward, on a white background.
Watercolor painting of a man with glasses and dark hair, holding a brown dog with floppy ears, against a green and yellow blurred background.
Watercolor painting of a dog with brown fur, black eyes, and a black nose, set against a blue background, framed in a light wooden frame.
Watercolor painting of people with vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes, framed in wood and hanging on a plain white wall.
A woman with long black hair, wearing a black top, sitting at a table with multiple copies of a magazine or book titled "LORRAINE FAVOURS" in front of her, and an art easel with a blurred portrait in the background.

FIRST TIMER?

No worries! Many of my commissioners are people and businesses who are not veteran art buyers.

I personally LOVE this, because it means that we don't have to march through the process like the status quo and we can work together to bring about something truly unique and personalized for you!

Art purchasing does not need to be intimidating and exclusive, but can be accessible, relational and fun. Art, after all, should fill our spaces with joy and meaning and remind us of what's most important. The process of commissioning a piece should be no different. :)

Keep reading 👇

WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO FAR

This is a collaboration between your story, voice and thoughts into a final vision.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
SEE MORE PAST WORKS
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

WHAT SETS US APART

01

ONE OF A KIND

Your commission is yours; I will never make a reproduction of the work unless you explicitly want otherwise.

02

PERSONAL

Your artwork is a collaborative piece that's wholly created from your story and voice

03

A TAILORED FIT

Your commission is designed to perfectly coordinate and fit with your space.

Two people smiling at an indoor event, with one holding a watercolor portrait of a man wearing a blue shirt. Several other people are in the background, some clapping and one adjusting his hair. The setting has a high ceiling with industrial-style li
Lorraine Simonds smiling and holding a framed painting of four older adults, with a mountain visible through a window in the background.
Two women smiling and holding a watercolor painting of a woman's portrait. The woman on the left has light brown hair, a sleeveless floral dress, and is wearing rings and a necklace. The woman on the right has dark hair, a gray tank top, earrings, an
Person wearing glasses and a red shirt holding a colorful watercolor portrait of a woman with glasses.
Eudes Correia and Lorraine Simonds holding a watercolor painting together in a well-lit art studio with other art supplies and artworks in the background.
Lorraine Simonds holding two watercolor portraits of young boys, one with a serious expression in a red shirt, and the other smiling in a blue shirt, in a well-lit room with large windows and green plants in the background.
A woman holding a framed watercolor portrait of herself, showing a smiling face with curly hair and a natural expression.
A woman with glasses and short curly hair smiling while holding a watercolor portrait of herself that resembles her.

BEYOND LIKENESS

"The task of a portraitist is to paint a likeness that extends beneath the skin." - John Berger

Commissioning a watercolour portrait is not merely obtaining a painting; it's securing an everlasting legacy, a timeless piece of art that captures the essence of cherished moments and beloved individuals.

Painted portraits hold a unique power - they don't just replicate a face, they narrate a story. The strokes, the colors, the textures all come together to convey emotions, experiences, and tales that extend beyond what a camera can capture. Each brushstroke tells a story, conveying depth and personality that resonates far beyond the limitations of photography.

Choosing a commissioned watercolour portrait means investing in a piece of art that encapsulates the soul and spirit of the subject, telling a story that lives on, engaging hearts and minds, evoking emotions, and transcending the boundaries of time

CHILDREN

When it comes to children, a watercolour portrait is an investment in capturing their innocence, their joy, and their fleeting moments of childhood. Unlike photographs, these paintings hold an artistic allure that beautifully encapsulates the pure essence and unique personality of a child, creating a treasured heirloom to be passed down through generations.

MEMORIAL

For memorial portraits, a watercolour rendition serves as more than a mere depiction; it becomes a heartfelt tribute, immortalizing the memory of a loved one in a way that transcends the limits of time. These portraits carry an emotional depth, preserving cherished memories and offering solace in times of remembrance

A watercolor portrait of a young girl with big brown eyes and dark brown hair, some styled in loose curls. She has a slightly serious or contemplative expression and wears a blue top with a colorful pattern.
BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
A woman with dark, disheveled hair, wearing a black shirt, is sitting at a cluttered desk with art supplies, smiling at the camera. The background includes framed certificates, ribbons, and potted plants, with sunlight streaming in.

Making it Happen Together

There is something special that happens when two people collide to make something happen and, without wanting to sound overly fluffy, there truly is a distinct idiosyncratic bond that happens through the work.

HOW IT WORKS

Step One

We'll start with a discovery session where I get to hear your story, personality and emotions around the subject and work and where you envision it to be homed.

Step Two

I'll show you some options through initial rough sketches and/or colour palettes for your artwork.

From here we can discuss and choose the perfect composition and palette.

Step Three

Midway through the process, I will show your commissioned piece near finished to discuss any refinements to our vision. I can make up to two revisions. 

Lastly, your commission is then finalized and we'll arrange an exclusive reveal

Curated & Quality Materials Only

Watercolor portrait of a woman with dark hair and bangs on a wooden surface, illuminated by sunlight, beside small paint tubes and a jar of brushes.

100% Cotton Rag

Commissioned works are always produced with 100% Cotton Papers that are acid-free and archival quality.


Paint tubes and caps scattered on a wooden surface, some open, with a blurred background.

Artist Quality Pigments

I only use artist-quality pigments by Daniel Smith or Rockwell Arts that rated high for lightfastness. Some pigments I use are mineral pigments made from real semi-precious stones, like Amethyst, Amazonite, and Rhodonite.

Close-up of paintbrushes resting in a paint palette with various colors.

Ethical Natural Hair Brushes

I almost use exclusively natural hair brushes that are ethically sourced and expertly hand made.

What people are saying

  • "Lorraine is incredibly thoughtful and talented. We commissioned a portrait for friends and were blown away by the final work. Her attention to detail, feel and clear communication throughout the whole process was so fantastic! She is able to put so much personality and feeling into her work. I am thankful we had the opportunity to have her create such a meaningful piece. Highly recommend!"

    —Katie M

  • "Lorraine painted a wonderful, playful portrait of my dog. [...] Lorraine was very attentive and professional in helping me to create a photo and asking for my input as she developed the painting. It was a great experience, and if you like Lorraine's work i'm sure you will like anything Lorraine paints for you!"

    —Andy B

  • "I just wanted to thank you again, the painting is even more beautiful in person."

    — Candace

  • "I love it so much, thank you, it means the world to me. If you ever need anything [...] just ask, you have a friend in me. Thank you so much for the art."

    — Chris

  • "Thank you so very much again, this painting really touches my heart - I will cherish it forever"

    —Kenzie

  • "If I could give 6 stars, I would.[…] Lorraine was very methodical in how she approached this project, and kept me in the loop the entire time... […]and she made as certain as she could that this was on track and exactly how we wanted it. The finished works are amazing, […]I cannot say enough good things about this entire process, but will add that probably we will be having her do a few more of these for our family in the future."

    —Matthew C

Lorraine Simonds is painting loose watercolour florals with blurred pink flowers in the foreground.

READY TO BOOK

PERFECT! I’M READY TO LISTEN

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and request a free consultation

  • Unframed portrait commissions start at $400 CAD. Pricing depends on size, complexity (for example: number of subjects), and whether framing is involved.

    Once I understand what you’re hoping for, I’ll confirm a clear quote before you book.

  • I paint custom watercolour commissions that centre on people and the stories they carry. Common requests include:

    • Children’s portraits

    • Family portraits

    • Memorial and remembrance pieces

    • Pet portraits

    • Celebratory gifts (weddings, anniversaries, milestones)

    • Corporate and professional commissions

    If you’re not sure your idea fits, send me a note and I’ll tell you honestly whether it’s a good match.

  • A strong reference photo makes a huge difference in the final painting. The best photos usually have:

    • Good lighting (natural light is ideal, with clear highlights and shadows)

    • Sharp focus (especially around the eyes)

    • High resolution (not heavily compressed or blurry)

    • A clear expression that feels like the person

    • Simple, uncluttered shapes (busy backgrounds can be simplified, but a clean photo helps)

    If you’re unsure, send a few options and I’ll help you choose the strongest one.

  • Yes. I work from your photos (or a combination of photos) and I’ll guide you on what makes a strong reference.

    For commissions, I only use:

    • Your own photos

    • Photos you have permission to use

  • My process is designed to keep things clear, collaborative, and calm.

    1. Inquiry – You tell me what you’re looking for (subject, size, deadline, and any meaning behind it).

    2. Reference photos – You send photos and I’ll help you choose the strongest option.

    3. Booking – Once we confirm the details, you’ll receive next steps to secure your spot.

    4. Planning – I’ll confirm composition and overall direction.

    5. Painting – I paint your piece with care and intention.

    6. Halfway preview – You’ll see a progress update partway through.

    7. Revisions – Up to 3 revisions are included.

    8. Completion and delivery – Your piece is finished and prepared for pickup or shipping.

  • Most commissions are completed within about 2 months from the time you book, depending on my teaching schedule and the complexity of the piece.

    If you have a specific deadline (birthday, memorial date, Christmas), please reach out early. I’ll let you know what’s realistic.

  • Yes, it can be a deeply meaningful memorial gift, especially if you want something personal that honours a person’s life with gentleness and care.

    If you’re commissioning a memorial piece, you’re welcome to share any context you’d like me to hold while I paint (a story, a date, a few words that matter). I’ll also help you choose reference photos that feel true to them.

  • Occasionally, depending on my schedule. Rush requests may require an additional fee and may not be possible during mentorship or workshop-heavy seasons.

Book a Consultation