Memory, distilled.

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In Provincetown, I learned that to truly see a subject, you must strip away the noise. I bring this same Curbing Art philosophy to custom commissions, helping you archive the places that define your story—not as a cluttered snapshot, but as a distilled essence.

What I capture

I specialize in architectural and environmental studies that find the "quiet strength" of a location.

Home Portraits

Stripping away the neighborhood clutter to reveal the "bones" and unique light of a cherished home.

First Date Venues

Capturing the atmospheric soul of the spot where your story began.

Beloved Landmarks

Minimalist interpretations of the first date cafes or coastal corners that hold weight in your life.

Size, pricing, and details

Each commission is an original watercolor painting

A photograph demonstrating the physical scale of a small, 5x7 inch custom watercolor commission piece. Visual cues or text overlays clearly indicate the current pricing for an original artwork of this size by artist Marshal Walden.

5x7" | $300

Intimate size perfect for distilling a single, cherished architectural memory

Book Commission

8x10" | $400

Classic size is ideal for capturing the structural soul of a cherished home or significant location

Book Commission

11x14" | $600

Larger classic size is ideal for capturing the structural soul of a cherished home or significant location

Book Commission

16x20" | $1000

Large standard size is ideal for capturing the structural soul of a cherished home or significant location

Book Commission

The Curbing Commission

A commission is more than a painting of a property, it is a disciplined search for the structural soul of a place that holds meaning for you. Whether it is a family home, a favorite landmark, or a personal retreat, I work to archive the essential character of the architecture that anchors your life.

My process is one of distillation. I take your personal connection to a building and curb the noise of the surrounding world—the transient distractions of the street—to reveal the enduring geometry and light that define its spirit.

The Collaborative Archive

The Search for Essence: I work closely with you to identify the "essential" angle and light for your piece. I often focus on the interplay of deep shadows to highlight the structural integrity of the subject.

A Disciplined Study: Using your photos or my own reference studies, I strip away secondary details to create a watercolor that captures the "bones" and the "breath" of the architecture.

Archival Excellence: Every commission is executed on professional-grade, heavy-weight archival watercolor paper with professional lightfast pigments, ensuring your piece remains a permanent record for generations.

Archive Your Story

A custom commission is an invitation to see your most valued spaces through a lens of clarity and stillness. It is an opportunity to own a singular, hand-painted archive of the architecture that matters most to you.

A high-resolution, close-up photograph of vertical wooden planks with a distressed white-wash finish. The light gray and white paint is weathered and peeling in several areas, revealing the dark, aged wood grain and knots underneath. Several rusted nail heads are visible along the bottom edge.

Have more questions?

Please provide the following information

A photograph of a woman smiling warmly in a cozy living room, holding up an unframed 8x10 inch original watercolor painting commission by artist Marshal Walden inside a clear plastic sleeve. The painting depicts a detailed coastal home by the sea. Her expression is one of delight and impressment, suggesting she is admiring the high-quality artwork she is about to give as a special gift.

Commission Process

What to expect

☆ Book the next available month, typically 2-3 months in advance. This ensures each piece receives the focus of the "Curbing Art" philosophy of essentials.

☆ My artwork process involves every piece beginning with a pencil sketch to establish the geometry of the reference photo provided by you. I then layer professional-grade watercolor paints to build depth, shadow, and atmospheric soul.

☆ Once I have finished your commission I email you a digital proof for the final address confirmation before shipping the original painting complete with my embossed Certificate of Authentication.

☆ Shipping is free within the U.S. and international orders will require additional shipping charges.

Frequently asked questions

The Process

What does the painting process involve?

I start with a pencil sketch of your subject, gently simplifying the details from your reference photos to capture the true essence of your treasured place. From there, I build the painting with professional watercolor paints, layering shadows and textures to create depth and dimension.

What is your turn around time? 

My turnaround time shifts throughout the year, and I generally book 2–3 months ahead. When booking your commissions, you choose your preferred month for the painting to be complete.

For example
If you purchase a Commission | 5x7 for the month of September, I will complete and ship your watercolor painting no later than the last day of the month of September.

Are there revisions during the process?

Because I work with permanent, professional grade watercolor paints, revisions aren’t possible once the pigment touches the paper. That’s why the initial pencil sketch and the reference photos you share are such an essential part of the process.

Size & Framing

What are my options for sizing?

I currently offer five default commission sizes:

  • 5x7 for an intimate piece
  • 8x10 for a more expansive view
  • 11x14 best for a classic home portrait or special place
    (most popular)
  • 16x20 best for a classic home portrait or special place (a favorite
    of many)
  • 22x30 for a statement piece as a focal point
Do you provide framing?

At this time, I don’t offer framing on commissions, so all are sold unframed. They’re designed to fit easily into any standard size frame, and I recommend a simple white, black, or natural wood frame paired with a bright white mat. This presentation keeps the focus on the negative space and the architecture of the piece.

Shipping & Payment

How do I receive the painting?

Once your commission is complete, I’ll email you a photo of the finished painting and confirm the mailing address you provided. After you’ve approved the details, I’ll ship the original artwork. For orders outside the US, any additional shipping fees will be calculated and shared in that confirmation email.

What type of payment do you accept?

When booking your commission, payment in full is purchased at that time to reserve your selected month of completion.

What if I change my mind, is this refundable?

Yes, the cost of booking your commission is fully refundable as long as I haven't started your painting. Contact me as soon as possible if you need to cancel your commission reservation and a full refund.

How is the painting shipped?

Paintings are shipped either rolled in a rigid tube or kept flat in a rigid envelope and shipped securely to prevent any damage. In alignment with my commitment to sustainability, I often reuse packaging materials whenever possible.

Guarantee & Damage

What if I'm not satisfied with the painting?

Due to the nature of custom artwork, returns are not accepted for commissions. If for any reason you’re not satisfied, please contact me within 3 days of receiving your painting so I can understand your concerns and address them mindfully.

What if the painting is received damaged?

If for some reason your painting is damaged in-transit, please contact me within 3 days of receiving your artwork with photos of the packaging and damaged artwork. I will open a claim with the shipping carrier and work with you on a replacement.

Size, pricing, and details

Each commission is an original watercolor painting

A photograph demonstrating the physical scale of a small, 5x7 inch custom watercolor commission piece. Visual cues or text overlays clearly indicate the current pricing for an original artwork of this size by artist Marshal Walden.

5x7" | $300

Intimate size perfect for distilling a single, cherished architectural memory

Book Commission

8x10" | $400

Classic size is ideal for capturing the structural soul of a cherished home or significant location

Book Commission

11x14" | $600

Larger classic size is ideal for capturing the structural soul of a cherished home or significant location

Book Commission

16x20" | $1000

Large standard size is ideal for capturing the structural soul of a cherished home or significant location

Book Commission