Commissioning a work of art: how does that work?

15-05-2019

With many artists you can not only buy the art that they have already made themselves. But you can also have a painting commissioned. That way, you can (to a certain extent and vary per artist) also influence the size, subjects and colors of your artwork. So you can have a personal painting made and having personal details incorporated in it. Or maybe you want to have a family portrai made.

Examples of custom paintings.

I have enough examples of paintings that I have made to measure. I always enjoy making assignments, because they regularly challenge me to design / invent something new. For example, I have been allowed to make several logos, a wedding card, but also paintings with family members, pets and jewelery and other personal details. Usually in my own style (the “fat ladies”). But sometimes also completely different.

                        Commissioned painting in own style from photo.                      Commissioned painting in the Animalicous Art style.

How do you commission a painting?

How commissioned art works is of course different for each artist. That is why I speak here from myself and how it generally goes with me.

Commissioned art usually starts with a request. It may be that someone likes a painting that has already been sold and then wants to have something similar painted. (I never make a painting twice.) It may also be that someone wants a certain size, because of the place where it should be hung. Or that a specific subject needs to be painted.

Sometimes the request for an artwork is commissioned by email. But usually that person comes to the gallery once. Or do I go to the customer's home. The latter is often pleasant when it comes to a large painting. I will take some works with me. So that together we can properly determine which format and which colors are the right place for the artwork to be placed on commission.


After I have asked some questions, I often quickly form an image in my head and get started. I make one or more sketches without obligation. The customer can then tell me what appeals in the sketch (s) and what they would like to see differently. When necessary I make a new sketch. I also send a quote, possibly for different sizes and materials.

                      


When the customer is satisfied with the sketch and the offer, I ask for a deposit. When the deposit is received I order a canvas in the right size and I go to work. I usually take 3-4 months to finish a painting on commission. Then I know for sure that I will finish it on time.

When the painting is finished I ask the customer to visit the gallery. Or do I send a photo. I do this before the painting has been varnished, so that changes can still be made. If the work is really not what the customer had in mind, they are not obliged to take it. Fortunately, this has never happened before.

After finishing with UV varnish, the work is ready and can be picked up and I ask for the remaining payment. I also regularly bring work to the customer's home and, if necessary, I take my partner with us so that we can immediately hang the painting on commission.

Certificate of Authenticity

As soon as the artwork has been paid for by order, I will send a "Certificate of Authenticity". This contains the title and a photo of the artwork and my signature. This proves that you have an original painting by my hand.
Do you have questions about commissioning a painting? Or would you like information about a commissioned artwork yourself? Please feel free to contact me without obligation.

Creative greetings,
Susan