What are commission paintings?

 

This has been one of the most frequently asked questions last week. In fact I got so many messages about it that I've decided to dedicate one Artist Blog post to it.

Commission paintings are the portraits where you request me to paint for you.
Usually it is your portrait but some people also ask me to paint someone else. Other clients will also have an idea for a painting and will request me to evoke an atmosphere/ feeling/ message or a story in the artwork. When you are unsure how to embody your vision in the painting, here is where I can help, by finding a model and bringing out the visual side of what you would like to illuminate.

 

Painting from a photograph

I paint from photographs so you / the model will look like in the picture and upon request I can paint different clothing / hairstyle/ accessories / surrounding etc. I do paint only people who identify as women. (there is a reason behind it but that is a story for another day).

 

 

When can I paint and how much does it cost?

I always get booked up with commissions months in advance. This means that if you book me now, I most likely won’t be able to start your painting until few months later, as at present I’m already working on my previous commissions.

 

The price of the commission depends on the technique used / medium, size and most importantly from the intricacy of the detail involved.

 

  

 

The devil is in the details

 

Prior to you committing to commissioning me and agreeing on the date and price, I will discuss with you the details of the new painting and ask which style of my artwork you like the most and why.

Are there any technical, colour or expressive elements which you would like me to accentuate in your portrait? What feeling would you like to radiate form your painting?

Pointing me towards a specific artwork of mine will help me understand what are you after. Sending me any additional reference photos to show what colour pallet would you like me to use is very useful as well – These can be even abstract pictures or photos of home, nature, people and even a colour samples to match your home décor.

I will also ask some questions about the person I will be painting / you - so I can get a better understanding of their / yours character, what things they/ you like, what energy they / you bring etc.

You would need to be available to stay in touch with me throughout the process so you can discuss/ check on the progress of your commission and let me know if there is anything you would like me to change / add.

 

Paint on canvas or dry pastel on paper? Which medium to choose and how?

If you are not sure what medium to choose – I will be more than happy to make some suggestions after completing the above portrait brief so I can explain what effects / finishes we can achieve in which technique.

 

My favourite mediums are acrylic paint on canvas and on paper : dry pastel, watercolour, pencil, charcoal and mixed media (mixing different techniques) .

With this style of artworks you can also add a framing service from my part which means that your artwork will arrive ready and framed for your wall. All my dry pastel & charcoal portraits arrive already framed due to fragility of the medium.

All my canvas paintings come unframed – they are ready to go on the wall as they are.

If you are not sure which technique or size to choose, I’m more than happy to give you a non obligation quote and show you what results we can achieve in which medium.

Sometimes I like working in less obvious materials creating equally stunning artworks as the classic paint on canvas. Please do ask if you are after something which I haven’t mentioned here.

 

 

Precious Metals customising

 

Upon request some of my artworks can be customised with 24 carat gold and/ or with gold, silver or copper leaf – this has to be agreed beforehand as it cannot be added on in most techniques when the painting is already finished.

 

 

 

The process

 

Once agreed to start working on a new commission, I will take 50% non-refundable deposit before starting the painting.

Throughout the process my customers receive updates in form of emails/ DMs with pictures or videos – especially towards the end of the process so I can apply any final ‘tweaks’ to ensure that my customer is happy with the final result.

 

Once the painting is completed, I will take the remaining 50% for the commissioned painting + delivery charge. Your painting will be delivered to you by tracked & insured courier service (delivery prices vary depending on size & value of the painting and the destination. I do deliver world-wide.) All payments are done via bank transfer to Lush Eclectic Fine Art.

 

Certificate of Authenticity & your art prints for family & friends

 

All of my portraits come with a Certificate Of Authenticity. Before your new painting is dispatched you can request so I will produce bespoke & limited edition art prints for you. This is a great option if you would like to share your portrait in a form of an art print with your family and friends. It can be in a form of a card, art print or even canvas print.

 

If you are thinking about treating yourself or someone dear to you to a commission painting, just click on here to enquiry about my pricing and dates availability.

Not sure what to expect? Take a look at what my customers said in their TESTIMONIALS here.