Commercial Ship Painting Commissions
Bespoke oil paintings of cruise ships, merchant vessels, cargo ships, and the vessels that shaped your career at sea.
A painting that captures your ship
exactly as you remember her.
For Captains & Crew
A ship portrait that captures the vessel you commanded or served aboard — or the perfect retirement gift for a captain or executive. Researched from General Arrangement plans, accurate from waterline to radar mast, and painted with the details they know perfectly.
For Shipping Companies
A statement piece for a naming ceremony, fleet milestone, or boardroom. Cruise ships, cargo ships, ferries, cable laying vessels, and merchant fleets — painted in traditional oils from builder's photography and technical reference.
Corporate commissions with full reproduction rights →
For Passengers & Enthusiasts
A round-the-world voyage, a maiden cruise, or simply a ship you've always admired — commemorated as an original oil painting. A ship painting gift for someone who shared the journey, or a piece for your own wall.
Celandine
16″ × 20″ · Oil on canvasRoRo ferry Celandine passing under the QE2 bridge
Building a Leviathan
24″ × 30″ · Oil on canvasBrunel's Great Eastern under construction on the Thames at Millwall
Balmoral
12″ × 16″ · Oil on panelFred Olsen's cruise ship Balmoral in Southampton
Queen Anne's Maiden Voyage
18″ × 24″ · Oil on canvasQueen Anne departs Southampton with fireworks, 2024
Your Experience
Four stages from first conversation to painting on the wall. You'll know what's happening at every stage.
Discussion
A brief call or email about the vessel, the occasion, and the size that suits. I'll follow up with a clear summary and timeline.
Sketch & Approval
I research the vessel and produce a compositional sketch for your approval. Nothing moves forward until you're happy.
Painting
Six to eight weeks in traditional oils, with progress photographs at regular intervals. You're welcome to comment at any point.
Delivery
Professionally framed, fully insured, shipped worldwide. High-resolution digital files included for reproduction.
Whether you guide every detail or leave the direction entirely to me, the process works the same way. Some clients specify the angle, the sea state, the time of day. Others simply provide the IMO number and watch the painting evolve. Both are completely fine.
Surface & Detail
Built up in layers of oil paint with visible brushwork, genuine texture, and the kind of physical presence that a print or photograph cannot replicate. Every commission is a one-of-a-kind original.
Gregory Smith of Marine Paintings did an outstanding job creating a gift for my captain. He kept us updated throughout the process, welcomed our input, and created an incredibly detailed and beautifully painted piece of artwork. He even expedited shipping to ensure it arrived in time for the presentation.
"Very straightforward process with an outstanding result."Private Collector, Switzerland
"I'm impressed with the professional way you approached the task with a desire to get it just right."Private Collector, UK
"It has arrived and is gorgeous!"Private Collector, USA
Each painting depicts a specific vessel — accurate in every detail — so the recipient will recognise their ship immediately. During our process, you can include personal touches only they would know: a particular voyage, a specific port, the weather on a day that mattered.
I can composite the colour sketch and a frame into a photograph of your room so you can see exactly how it will look. I can also post you the physical colour study to test in your own light. Size guidance and framing consultation included as standard.
You Don't Need to Be an Art Expert
If you've never commissioned a painting before, you might be wondering how it works or what you're supposed to say. Most commissions start with a short email — often just a ship's name and a rough idea of the occasion.
There's no obligation to commit, and no question too simple. Get in touch, I'll talk you through how it works, and you can decide from there.
Gregory Smith
Gregory Smith is a British marine artist working in traditional oils, specialising in both commercial and historical vessels. A seven-time exhibitor with the Royal Society of Marine Artists, his work covers everything from modern cruise ships and merchant fleets to historic liners and tall ships.
Every commission is approached practically and collaboratively — built from General Arrangement plans, builder's photography, and direct consultation. The aim is always the same: technical accuracy first, then genuine atmosphere. Ships painted as they deserve to be remembered.
Captains · Ship's Officers · Cruise Passengers · Yacht Owners · Private Collectors
Ready to discuss a commission?
Whether it's a gift for a retiring captain, a naming ceremony, or a voyage you'd like to remember — I'd welcome hearing from you. A vessel name and the occasion is all that's needed to start.
Common Questions
What if I don't have reference photographs?
Not a problem. Provide the vessel name or IMO number and I'll source General Arrangement plans, builder's records, and archival material.
Can you work to a deadline?
Yes — commissions are regularly timed to naming ceremonies, retirements, and milestones. Let me know the date and I'll confirm the timeline upfront.
Why a painting rather than a photograph?
A painting captures atmosphere — the light, the sea, the moment — in a way photographs cannot. It's a unique original that holds its value and makes a statement in any setting.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Works are professionally packed, fully insured, and delivered worldwide — UK, Europe, North America, and further.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit secures your slot, with the balance on completion. Formal quotations available on request.