commissioning a work of art

Lots of people have never thought of commissioning an artwork especially for their home or office space, but it is easier than you think and a lot of fun to be involved in the process. If you have a favorite artist, make contact with them and have a conversation about what they need to create a special commission.

This is the time to begin a conversation about compensation as well.... and something important to be on the same page about. A skilled artist will be able to provide ball park pricing in this initial stage, but keep in mind that edits and changes in the scope of the work will mean changes in pricing too. If you have a timeline, let the artist know, because that may play a part in whether or not they are willing to take the commission.

For a painter like me the first thing needed is the nugget of an idea, and you need the artist's agreement to take on the commission (it may surprise you to learn that I have no desire to paint you landing on the moon and making one small step for mankind.......) The next thing I am interested in is reference photos, be it snapshots or something you have cut out of a magazine to show me what it is you are thinking of. My favorite kind of client keeps a visual file with clippings torn from magazines, postcards, paint samples, fabric swatches, and 'stuff' that visually delights them...... that file is a gold mine of information.

If you have your heart set on a huge painting of overblown tulips, I will first check all of my reference image files to see if I have the pictures..... if the shots aren't already there I will try to go somewhere to shoot them. Some artists use references, some don't, and some should:) Always talk about what it is that you want and how you want the artwork to feel - do you want something light and airy, contemplative, serene, energetic, uplifting, happy?..... those are important clues for the artist to get the commission right, and hopefully you have already chosen an artist whose work you love, so some amount of serendipity will be involved as the artist does what they do best.

You may want to offer a home or office visit to show the artist the environment and where the work will go..... long distance clients often provide me with snapshots. Color swatches and paint chips can be helpful, but here is where I tell you that some artists do not like the idea of having to match the painting to your sofa color. While the art should be compatible in style and feel to the look of the room, it should stand on its own when people look at the space, and it will if the artist has done their job.

Most artists will ask for a downpayment before work begins. I always ask for 50% up front for supplies and to be sure that the buyer is committed. This saves a lot of hassle and surprises down the road. A few emails usually go back and forth talking about particulars, and then the work begins! Keep in mind that some artists work on numerous projects at one time, and some artists work faster than others.

At the end of the process you will probably be asked for final payment either before or upon delivery of the piece, and crating and shipping the painting is often an additional fee. Keep in mind that in the current challenging economy shipping prices have recently gone up quite a bit, and my most recent purchase of crating supplies was also more expensive than ever before. Other artist friends of mine have confirmed this across the country, so the cost of doing business is going up for hardworking artists.

Finally you will have a work of art that is original and special to you, and you will know more about its beginnings than anyone, allowing for great story-telling possibilities and a piece that can be handed down in your family. Stay in touch with the artist, get on their mailing and postcard list, and attend their shows and studio openings when you can...... you may even want to pass their name along to another person who might be interested in a commissioned work, and you will help that artist continue to do what they love to do!