How does a commission work?

Mountains and landscapes

To start with, we’ll chat through your ideas. You may have a particular place in mind that holds memories for you, or want something similar to a piece I’ve made before. For a specific subject I can work with your own source photos, or maybe a number of photos to create a more composite image. I’ll analyse the composition and crop and adjust if I need to. I design the intent for the final composition to feel calm, to allow the eye to move through the picture and rest. We’ll agree intent before I start the final artwork. In the process of drawing I express distance by softening line work and tonal balance in the background, contrasting this with more detailed elements and freer mark making in the foreground.

Abstract commissions

You may have a particular brief in mind, or simply colours. For abstract work I normally work out a design intent for the painting with sketches and/or sometimes digitally, so it can be agreed before painting begins. For freer work this is just a starting point, the painting will go its own way in the process of making it, as the details and final composition are nudged and tweaked until it simply feels right. For very graphic work like the 70s triptych commissioned by the Crown Estate, images below, I fully design it digitally first. This gives us an image to agree, or tweak if required, before painting begins.

Contract

Like most artists, I work with a standard contract agreement for commissions, this is signed by both parties before the work starts. This shows the size, media, price, schedule and intent for the work. I ask for a non-refundable deposit of 50% to get started, this allows me to pay for materials and book a slot in my timetable. I can send through a few photos along the way of progress, and I’ll send high resolution photos (and detailed photos too if appropriate) when the work is complete. It may be possible to make a few tweaks if necessary. Once you’re happy, payment of the final invoice is made and delivery arranged. What happens if you don’t like it? I’ve never had a client not like the final picture so this is very unlikely, there’s no obligation for you to take it but that would mean loosing the original deposit. Commercial commissions tend to have tighter deadlines and slower payment processes, for these it often makes sense for full payment to be made up front.

Price

Please contact me for a quote

Framing

I can organise framing for you through my local framer for local delivery only. More information on framing options here.

Example below, an abstract piece created for the Crown Estate.

Brief: A large abstract triptych to suit a 70s inspired interior with colours to compliment the designers intent for the space.

Image 1 - a CAD sketch created on the computer to create the line work, bringing together a number of 70s design elements with a more timeless feel

.Image 2 - a mock up of the proposal created in photoshop which was signed off by the Client

Image 3 - the final painting,