A hands on guide to asking for a commission
A current commission - Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset, UK. Photo courtesy of Sara Painter at sarapainterphotography.com.
A lot of my work involves commissions which I love. Why? Mainly because I get to work with some fascinating clients to create a lasting memory, something which gives them and their loved ones joy. Sometimes I am asked to paint a landscape where they have visited with their family on holiday or a seascape which reminds them of home. In Switzerland I painted and framed paintings of Basel for expat clients who were about to move back home as a momento of their time abroad and in Thailand pictures of the yacht club and beaches, Chiang Mai and temples at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. If you have been thinking about asking for a commission but really unsure…
I understand this so to make it easy here is my step by step guide……I must add that this is the way I go about it but check with the artist first and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ from the start if something isn’t right.
Do you have a special place?
…..somewhere on vacation, your home or countryside where you live perhaps which makes you feel happy or peaceful and calm every time you think of it? I know during the lockdown my mind drifts off to the sunny beaches in Thailand where I paddled with my two boys, climbing in the Swiss Alps (Zermatt in particular) and visiting temples in Laos. I have painted these many times in recent years. Why? Because it fills me with joy and happiness when I see the paintings and each time they take me right back there. So you would like to ask for a painting created to remember this place?
First step is to make contact with the artist
Often a client will contact me either by email, through my website or at an art fair after seeing my work. Maybe it’s the colour palette or the layering and forms which they like but whatever it is many find something which they relate to, which calls to them and usually ask for these details to be included in their painting. I get it, it can be a little nerve racking if this is the first time you have done this and you might be worried that you will end up spending too much on a limited budget. It may be a present for a friend and you want a small painting as a gift or it may be a large diptych for your living room, the size does not matter.
Agreeing a quote
This is where you might think it gets tricky. I mean what if I can’t pay the amount? What if I don’t like it at the end? I know, I understand, but it really isn’t that hard and I can virtually ‘hold your hand’ every step of the way. First I find out what you are looking for and we can discuss your budget, if you want the painting framed etc. Then we look at the subject, colours you like and details. If you aren’t sure it’s OK I can suggest what may be a good solution. The quote can be broken down so you see exactly where the money goes but so far I haven’t had a client complain and once a quote is fixed there are no hidden extras (don’t we all hate those?). For larger paintings I can send you photos showing the progress during the work. The limited timescale for smaller artwork doesn’t usually allow for this.
The quote includes delivery by a nominated courier to make sure the artwork reaches you safely. Clients usually pay a deposit of 50% first and the remainder on receipt of the painting. These days it is so easy to pay by Paypal without even signing up and this is available on my website. Once the quote and the timescale are agreed it is time to get started…
Sketches (see above)
The process always starts with a series of sketches. Here I can just let go and play with proportion and composition, adjusting contrast, hue and tone. Generally I choose the best two or three which form the basis for my work. At the same time I check I have sourced all the materials I need. I work with mixed media or oil on large professional cotton or linen canvases or smaller cradled wooden panels which look fantastic when they are framed.
Progress photos
These are great to keep as a record and I compile some of the best to send to the client at the end to show them the story behind the creation of their artwork.
Unveiling
This is so much fun just watching the client’s reactions when they see their final painting. Hopefully it is just as they envisaged or more but just in case I always allow a bit of time to make small adjustments if necessary. After applying a UV satin varnish the next step is to sign it and add a label on the back with information about the materials used and inspiration. I sign this too. The painting is then framed and stainless steel D rings and wire added to the back so it is ready to hang.
Shipping
Wrapping the artwork for shipping is a science in itself to ensure the picture is protected properly. Copious layers of bubble wrap, polystyrene board, cardboard, tape, corner protectors, paper….I always recycle materials where possible while the packing depends on the type of artwork and where it is being shipped to in the world. Most art is sent by courier. Large canvas can be removed from the stretcher bars, rolled and sent in a tube. Just remember to check if customs in your home country add a tax on artwork. Most don’t but it’s worth checking. Don’t forget to pay the rest of the price once you receive the painting.
…and that’s all there is to it! Now I’m off to get on with my latest commission!