A Personal Touch

My top three tips for commissioning a piece of art.

It can be really daunting commissioning a painting of a special place. Where do you start?

Perhaps you spend weeks or months in research, looking for an artist that has the “x” factor for you, and having found one and agreed the project, anticipated buyers regret steps in front of you and asks, “what if you don’t like it when it’s finished? ”, maybe it’s safer to just spare yourself the anxiety, and not bother.

• Pick an artist who’s work you like, look at lots of examples and get in touch. You should like their style and feel that you are part of the design process, you need to trust them, right?

• What would you like to do with the art piece when complete? Hang an original on the wall, or perhaps commission a digital print? Or maybe you want a line drawing to add to business or personal stationery.  The artist should be able to direct you to the process that will accomplish your goals and have a few styles they can show you.

• What’s the process? I can’t speak for all artists, but you should ask to see a draft sketch part way through the project and prior to completion.

 

I have added my tonal sketch for this project, which the client checked before I moved onto colour and completion. I altered some bushes that were cut back and exposed a couple of windows and added some detail above the doors they requested, so this saved major changes once complete.

This client ordered a digital painting, printed large scale on archival paper and signed, also some personal stationery, notecards and postcards with the image included, all of which was easy to achieve once the artwork was completed, as it was designed for both purposes.

Prices can vary considerably between artists, so be comfortable with the quote and the terms. I generally ask for half at the time of placing the order, and the balance when the sketch is approved to proceed. If at this stage a client decides not to proceed with an order they then have the option to cancel, it also adds a little to client confidence when the commission is more costly.

So where do you start?  With an artist you like, and get in touch! Don’t be afraid to share your budget, £100 or £1000 there will be someone out there able to help you.  The creative community is such a vast and friendly bunch, most will put in many more hours than you pay for simply because we want you to be happy with the result, not only will you end up with a unique piece of art, you’ll be helping support a small creative business too.