Commissions - An Artist's Perspective

Here are two ways Webster’s defines a commission: 

· Noun - a formal request to produce something (especially artistic work) in exchange for payment

· Verb - to order to be made - commissioned a portrait

Neither of these seems quite right to me. In all the pet portraits I’ve had commissioned, and the recent forays into other subjects, it quickly becomes a give and take between the visions of the client and the artist. No matter how many photographs are provided and discussions had, in the end it has to evolve into trust between the two parties that the final painting can satisfy both visions. Very often a long-term friendship and relationship have developed when I undertake these, and that is the most satisfying thing of all.

That said, I am trying to create a process outline in which we can both be comfortable and flexible, and both end up feeling it was a job well done and well loved! So…here is my basic process:

· Through emails and conversations, you let me know in general what you are looking for, normally accompanied at this point with photos, the more the better. I will take into consideration my watercolor artist abilities, and the subject matter as being one I am drawn to in some way and feel I can interpret. At this point I do not do architectural paintings such as detailed buildings or vehicles. They are just not my passion, and I would not do them justice.

· Attach photos, let me know size requirements, specific things you are looking for. The more details, stories, thoughts the better! I do not provide framing, but how you will expect to frame it needs to be thought out as it can impact the edges that I will paint to overall.

· My minimum price for a commission is $250, plus shipping if required. This will be an unmatted, unframed original on 300lb Fabriano Artistico soft press watercolor, completed with artist quality watercolors. Price will increase from there based on complexity and size of the painting. I will give you a firm price before we get started.

· There is a 50% nonrefundable deposit before I begin the sketching and painting process. I will send you an invoice online that you will be able to pay securely by ACH. I do not take credit or debit cards at this time, however you can also Zelle or Venmo payments from an invoice I can email you.

· I always sketch my painting, or the most important parts, onto tracing paper before I take pencil to watercolor paper. I will send you a photo of this tracing so that any adjustments can be made beforehand, as I will not be able to do a lot of erasing on the final paper.

· If you like, I can send a few progress photos, but please understand that watercolor painting is a long process of glazing, lifting, adding color etc. and interim photos will normally not do it justice…this is where the trust part comes in! Please look through all the paintings on my website and Etsy shop to get a good feel for my style of painting.

· The time frame will vary depending on the size of the painting, time of year (holidays are always busy) but will normally be from 1 to 2 months. Let me know ahead of time if you have a goal date and I will try to make it happen.

· I will send you a scan of the completed painting. The balance of payment will be due before shipping. If you do not like the painting after looking at the scan, you will not owe the balance, but the deposit will be retained and the painting will be mine to sell, keep or whatever may be possible. There are normally very few changes that can be made artistically once the painting is complete. I’ve never had this happen, but I want to be transparent.