Most people have never even considered asking an artist to paint something special for them. They see art they like and they buy it. Or decide to wait.
I do accept commissions that I find interesting. They can be challenging, not because they’re difficult, but because clients often have a clear image in their minds of the final piece. Their expectations are shaped by what they’ve seen others create, but even more by their own personal perception of reality. They want the art to reflect that perception, even when it doesn’t align with accuracy.
I once did a pencil sketch of a preteen girl who looked physically quite mature, just in her face, not her body. Her parents, however, still saw her as their little girl, while I portrayed her as older. It didn’t work.
So I have very distinct rules about what I will and won’t do for a commission.
For example, I won’t paint portraits. To me a portrait is a boring copy of a photograph. (No one sits for a portrait anymore do they? ) So leave that to a photographer who will be happy to please you. Though I feel a photographer would be bored as well.
Family
I feel we recognize our family and friends from a distance, so why not capture them through an experience they love? I often work from family photos that show people engaged in something meaningful such as playing sports, making music, dancing, or simply reading a book. The focus is on celebrating the person enjoying life. A cherished memory.
Architecture
Then there is architecture. I have in the past painted my share of buildings especially house portraits, but now I am more interested in streets with people walking, eating, store fronts, signage and even collage elements like ticket stubs seen in my abstract way.
Animals
Animals are definitely a yes, as long as the commission isn’t a standard portrait. I prefer to capture pets in action: running, catching toys, or chewing on a favorite one. Let’s be honest. You already have plenty of photos of their faces. What you don’t have is art that shows their spirit in motion.
Other Concepts
Would I consider a still life? That’s a maybe. Once, I bought funky shoes from a thrift shop and arranged them in a haphazard way. It was fun.
There is always the opportunity to recreate an image I have already done. Not copying but something similar. Dancers can resemble the client. I can change the lighting, the season, the background.
Pricing
What about price? Well, a commission is more than my normal pricing. How much more depends on the complexity and size of the painting.
What does a client need to do for a commission?
Obviously, supply me with reference material. If you enjoy something I have already painted, we can talk about similar approaches. Photos, collage elements—like playbills, ticket stubs, or news clippings—all help bring your piece to life.
Figure out the exact art size and configuration. For example, do you prefer 30 x24 inch vertical or 24×30 horizontal. To determine what will work for you and your home, tape paper on your wall and live with it. You will soon either love or hate the size. Remember, if you expect to frame it, you will need to add about 2-3 inches per side. Also, I suggest you choose a standard size; otherwise, you will have to ask your framer to stretch the canvas for you. More work, more expense. (Standard sized picture frames). My comfort zone is within size in inches: 16×20 to 30×40.
If you have an aversion to any particular color, let me know. More importantly, share with me the colors you love. Since I am doing more than copying your photo reference material, be prepared for artistic license. If you have gotten this far, I assume you are familiar with and like my style and vision, so we will be on the same page.
This painting is a young man and his companion who unfortunately passed . His fiancée asked me to paint her wedding present to him. We discussed the subject matter thoroughly and I think the view from behind them worked very well. It is a memory of a wonderful experience.
This is totally invented though the feeling is the Ghent area of Norfolk. The movie marquee is a perfect focal point. Client and I worked together for a long time even including one dog and now will add another. Additions and changes can be made in many cases but obviously if design and color are changed it is a big deal. Adding a dog to a painting around 6 feet by 4 is fairly simple. Smaller canvas is much more difficult.
