Many enquiries for custom paintings begin with a simple sentence: ‘do you do commissions?’ or ‘could you paint my car, my cat, my boat?’ for example. The answer is usually ‘yes of course’ but the process of producing the artwork has several stages to go through before I even pick up a paintbrush.
Lets take a look at some of the steps:
Do you have something in mind?
This is likely to be my first question to you. Some people have a very detailed vision of what they want, others haven’t gone far beyond the initial idea of ‘a painting of something as a gift’ or ‘a picture of my car’. I might ask you to supply some source or inspiration photos and then make some suggestions on compositions, angles, or ways to personalise the artwork. I will then put together a sketch and/or a digital mockup so that we can finalise the details before painting begins.
What is your budget?
Nobody likes talking about money, but it is important that this is discussed at the start of the project so that both parties are on the same page with their expectations, and fully aware of likely costs and constraints. If you have a particular amount in mind that you would prefer to spend, I am happy to present a selection of options that would fit within your budget. Alternatively I can give you some guidance as to approximate costs for different options, sizes etc and let you select your preferred choice, or if you know exactly what you are looking for I can quote precisely to your specifications. All commissions are priced individually based on size, material, and complexity and all prices agreed before work begins. You may be asked for a deposit prior to starting with the remainder being paid on completion.
Do you have a preference for what your piece is painted on/how it is presented?
I usually paint with acrylic paint which is what I have most experience with – I find it allows for precise detail and crisp, vibrant colours. They are also very versatile which allows me to paint on a range of surfaces – heavyweight art paper, canvas panel, box canvas, and wooden art boards. The paper and canvas panels can be mounted and framed, whereas the deeper edged box canvasses and wooden boards are often displayed as they are, although special frames for box canvasses are available. Please enquire if you have any different materials in mind and I will see if this is something that I am able to offer. A layer of satin varnish can be offered to canvas or wooden pieces to protect and finish the work.
Do you have a deadline?
This is quite self explanatory – if you have a strict deadline in mind, perhaps if the painting is for a wedding or a birthday gift then I will need to know about it. How much time I need will depend on the size and complexity of the painting, the number of other commitments that I have at the time, and the time of year – if you request a large painting with three days deadline the week before Christmas it is likely that I will regretfully decline! As a general rule the more time you allow the better to avoid disappointment.
…and eventually we get to painting
Only when we have had the above discussions and come to an agreement on what, when, how, and how much will I finally get out my paintbrushes. I will usually begin with a sketch directly on to the paper, canvas etc, and may ask for any comments/revisions/approval once again before putting down any colour. I am happy to send progress updates throughout the process if requested, and I will send a clear photograph of the painting at initial completion stage. At this point some minor adjustments/corrections will still be able to be made. If any proposed alterations are likely to compromise the quality of the finished artwork I will endeavour to make that clear at the time. When you are happy with the piece then collection or delivery will be arranged, and the final payment due.
