Dyana Hesson

The Commission

You may see me post often about the commissions I do for my collectors and wonder about the process.  It sounds fancy, but commissioning an artist to create a special one-of-a-kind piece of art is very simple. You may follow an artist’s career and really be drawn (no pun intended) to his or her work.  Maybe you dream about owning a piece for your collection?  Perhaps you have a new home or a special space and you long for the perfect piece of art, maybe even something that is symbolic to you and your family? Well, that’s how the commission starts.

I always count it an honor to work one-on-one with a collector (and again, this is just a fancy name we use in the art world for a person who buys and collects art) to create a special piece.  Usually the collector has seen my work over time or loved a particular piece that has sold.  They share where they want to hang the painting, what size they are interested in, and what subject matter they long for.  It is in these conversations that I get to know them; who they are, about their family and lives.  They may also share photos of the space, which is super valuable to me, because I can see for myself what colors they live with and what other things embellish their homes.

Then I think. I look through the many source photos I have taken or perhaps I run to the flower mart or nursery and bring home some inspiration. When I have three or four compositions I think my collector may like I write a proposal, include the photos, and we go from there. When the decision is made, the collector pays half the purchase price down, and I begin.  Because I am often busy preparing for shows and deadlines, we talk over a time frame that is acceptable to both parties.  It could take anywhere from 3-6 months, and then there is dry time, varnish time, and shipping if necessary.

As I work, I send progress photos to my collectors. They can watch as the piece unfolds on the canvas. Then, when the piece is finished I send a final photo and hold my breath.  Of course, I want you to be delighted!  When the piece is delivered and hanging, many times my collector will send a photo of the painting in its place of honor back to me.  This I love!  We have come full circle.

So, that is it!  I would count it my joy to create something special for you and your family.  Please contact me with any questions!

My Best,

Dyana

The photo that was chosen.
The final painting “Morning Light- Cactus Blooms” 40×60 oil on canvas

Dyana Hesson Commission

Dyana Hesson

Dyana was born in 1966 in the Gold Country of California. There she was always happiest outdoors. Her weekends were spent visiting the local nursery and working on the natural landscaping of her family’s home. When she was 12, her father gave her a camera. She began photographing all that was interesting to her; the trees, the flowers, and the natural landscapes.

After a short stay in Southern California (where she met and married her husband in 1985), she moved to Arizona. Although the climate and landscape varied drastically from that of California, the inspiration did not.

Dyana became interested in painting as a way to express things that she couldn’t through a lens alone. She chose oil as her medium because it possessed a fluid quality perfect for the subjects she was painting. She began to experiment with thin layers of carefully blended paint, and the results were luminous. She earned her degree in Art at Arizona State University in 1991 and graduated Magna Cum Laude. After a four year detour to southern Michigan, Dyana and her family returned to Arizona. She continues to live in Mesa with her husband Randy, daughter Sydney and Dog Boon.

Dyana is always in search of her next painting. She takes long hikes in the desert and mountains, and frequently visits botanical gardens across the country. She feels she has the most success when she has the luxury of bringing her subjects home. She then has more time to study them and combine them with other elements. Using only natural lighting in her paintings, timing and weather are always factors.

Dyana is most excited about using her art to glorify God by drawing attention to His creation. She feels that the relationships and opportunities to serve with her art have been the most valuable aspect of her career.

Dyana is a proud to be a Signature Member of American Women Artists, Founding member of the Phoenix Zoo Art Committee, and Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine Master of the Southwest, 2017.

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