Ilse's arts and trinkets

I perform commissions from the heart

Some artworks begin with an idea that has been in someone's head for a long time. Sometimes it is a memory, a meaningful animal, a special moment, or simply an image that someone would like to see come to life. When someone asks me to create a commission, it never feels like an ordinary assignment to me. It feels more like an invitation to create something unique together. This is also how I work when someone asks me to create a custom painting or illustration.

I only accept commissions that inspire me, that move me, and that I truly feel something for. That might sound a bit vague, but it is an important principle to me. When a subject touches me or sparks my curiosity, I can work on it with much more energy and creativity. This also means that every piece I create is born with genuine commitment. It is not a standard product, but something that I get excited about myself while working on it. You can always see that energy reflected in the final result. That makes the difference between creating something that is “good enough” and creating something that truly has love, passion, and attention in it.

My working method is intuitive. I listen to the story behind the idea… an animal, a memory, a moment that is important, and try to capture that feeling visually. Each piece develops step by step, often with small adjustments along the way. An important part of my working method is being honest with the work itself. If I notice that something isn't quite right yet or could be better, I adjust it or start over. That is part of the creative process. The goal is not to finish as quickly as possible, but to create a piece that I fully stand behind. Only when the work feels right do I consider it finished.

For me, making art is a process of attention. From the first sketch to the last brushstroke, time, concentration, and love go into every detail. I often work layer by layer, allowing the image to slowly come to life. Sometimes small surprises emerge along the way: a color that turns out slightly differently, a line that enhances the character of an animal, or a detail that suddenly brings the entire work to life. It is precisely these moments that make the process so special.

When I start a commission, I work without time pressure. After all, creativity cannot be forced. Some days everything flows naturally, and an idea is on paper or on canvas within a short time. At other times, a work needs a little more time to grow. I consciously take that space. It ensures that a painting is not only technically sound but also conveys the right feeling. I want the work to feel truly “finished,” not because time is up, but because the image aligns with what it is meant to convey.

Would you like to discuss or learn more about commissioning a painting or sketch? Or do you have a question? Then you can send me an email at: updates@ilses-arts-and-trinkets.com