Naming ceremonies & new-build handovers
Unveiled alongside the vessel herself. A permanent record that continues to represent the company long after the ceremony concludes.
Full reproduction rights included
Maritime art as a company asset
Commissioned oil paintings with full reproduction rights, for naming ceremonies, fleet milestones, and boardroom display.
Vessel portraits for maritime companies
A commissioned painting is more than a gift. It is an asset your organisation can use, reproduce, and keep.
Every corporate commission includes the original framed painting, print-ready digital files, and full commercial reproduction rights. You’re not buying a single object; you’re investing in an image your company can use across every touchpoint.
Each vessel portrait is painted in oils from your ship’s General Arrangement plans, builder’s records and archival photography, so the vessel is accurate from waterline to radar mast.
For shipping lines & cruise companies
Naming ceremony artwork, fleet milestone paintings, and executive gifts, with print-ready files for onboard retail and commemorative merchandise.
For ferry operators & offshore
Vessel portraits for terminal buildings, head offices, and corporate communications, reproduced across print, digital, and merchandise.
For yacht builders & charter
Presentation paintings for client handovers, marketing collateral, and showroom display: a hand-made alternative to standard corporate gifts.
Selected Gallery
A selection of paintings of commercial vessels, for different purposes.
RoRo Celandine IMO 9183984
The RoRo ferry Celandine passing under the QE2 bridge after departing Purfleet. An accurate record of the ship's service life for those who worked with her.
Queen Anne IMO 9839399
Queen Anne departs Southampton, celebrating her maiden voyage under a full firework display.
RMS Queen Mary IMO 5287938
RMS Queen Mary passing Calshot Spit on her first approach into Southampton, 1936.
What you receive
One commission.
One commission.
Three lasting assets.
Every corporate commission includes three things: the original painting, the digital files, and the rights. The image is designed to be used, not just displayed.
01
The original painting
Framed in a moulding of your choice, packed in a custom art-box, and delivered fully insured to your door, timed to your ceremony, handover, or launch.
02
The digital files
Print-ready TIFF files at 600 DPI alongside web-optimised JPEGs, colour-calibrated for accurate reproduction from A5 postcards to exhibition-size prints.
03
The rights
Full commercial reproduction rights. No usage restrictions, no expiry, and no additional licensing fees.
Where it can be used
- Onboard retail & merchandise
- Annual reports & investor materials
- Commemorative & limited edition prints
- Crew gifts & internal recognition
- Marketing & brand communications
- Client gifting programmes
Commissioning Occasions
Common times a corporate commission adds value.
Fleet milestones & anniversaries
Company anniversaries, fleet expansions, retirements of long-serving vessels. A painting captures atmosphere, significance, and permanence in a way that photography can't match.
Boardroom, gifting & retirement
A statement piece for reception areas and executive offices. A personal tribute to a departing captain or crew member, particularly when it depicts the vessel associated with their tenure.
Beyond the ceremony itself: the same commission can become a gift programme, a retirement tribute, an onboard retail print.
How a corporate commission is delivered
Five stages from brief to delivery. Clear at every point, with regular updates and freedom to direct the concept as the work develops.
-
01Brief & Research
We’ll discuss the vessel, the period, or the fleet you’d like painted. I then source the reference material: General Arrangement plans, builder’s records, archival photography.
Typically 1 – 2 weeks -
02Sketches
Graphite sketches test different viewpoints, sea states, and times of day. Through experimentation, we’ll start to narrow down the options and define the composition. You’re welcome to ask for new sketches and to provide feedback throughout.
1 – 2 weeks -
03Colour sketch — final approval
A colour study of the composition you’ve chosen. This establishes the sea state, lighting, livery colours, and atmosphere as an accurate preview of the painting before oil is applied. Created digitally, we can test fresh colours, weather, and times of day. When you’re ready, I’ll draw out the image at the full size to transfer to the painting surface. Sign-off happens here.
About 1 week -
04Painting
The painting is built up in layers of increasing detail, with initial broad foundations being refined before adding the rigging and other small details. Progress photographs are shared at regular intervals.
Typically 6 – 8 weeks -
05Delivery & files
The finished painting is scanned, professionally framed, and securely shipped by courier, timed to your deadline. High-resolution images for reproduction are sent as soon as the scan is complete.
Within 2 – 4 weeks of completion
From clients
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.
“I’m impressed with the professional way you approached the task with a desire to get it just right.”
“Very straightforward process with an outstanding result.”
About the artist
Gregory Smith
I’m an oil painter living in Southampton on the south coast of the UK, specialising in maritime subjects with a particular focus on accuracy and atmosphere. I'm a seven-time exhibitor and 2026 membership candidate with the Royal Society of Marine Artists. My work spans modern fleets, yachts, and heritage vessels, built from General Arrangement plans and developed collaboratively with each client.
- Clients Include
- Captains · Ships’ officers · Yacht builders · Military · Collectors
- Delivered worldwide
- United Kingdom · United States · Netherlands · Switzerland · Germany · Italy · Norway · Sweden · Finland · South Africa
Common questions
What reproduction rights are included?
Full commercial reproduction rights with no usage restrictions or expiry, and no additional licensing fees. They cover onboard retail, annual reports, prints, crew gifts, marketing and client gifting.
What digital files do we receive?
Print-ready TIFF files at 600 DPI alongside web-optimised JPEGs, colour-calibrated for accurate reproduction. They follow the finished painting, which is scanned before it is framed and shipped.
How long does a corporate commission take?
2 - 3 months is a good guide from the first conversation to delivery. If there's a deadline or schedule, then I will plan the process accordingly.
How is a commission quoted?
Every commission is quoted individually based on the complexity of a painting and its size once the scope of the project is clear.
What do you need from us to begin?
Just a vessel or a general idea is enough to start with. I can source the General Arrangement plans, builder’s records and archival photography, but any reference you already hold is welcome.
Can you deliver outside the UK?
Yes, the framed painting is packed in a custom art-box and shipped fully insured, timed to your deadline. I have delivered paintings to ten countries.
Ready to find out more?
Whether you’re exploring options or ready to begin, I’d welcome hearing from you. I’ll reply personally, usually within one working day.