Custom Artwork (Commissions)
"It's personal!"
"It's personal!"
How much does it cost? An unframed watercolor, roughly 7 by 10 inches, starts at $200. The price will increase with the size and the complexity of the painting, framing, etc. Once we discuss your requirements, I will provide you with a written estimate. If travel or delivery is required I will include approximate expenses in the estimate, and charge my actual expenses in the final cost. How long will it take? Once we have agreed on the conditions, the actual painting could take as little as a few weeks. Larger more complex paintings could take a bit longer. Will I have to invest much time in this? We will need to communicate extensively at first, to make sure I understand what you need and you understand what you will be getting. You will have to provide me with high quality photos to work from, or with access to the subject so I can photograph it myself. |
How will I know what it will look like?
Here are some custom paintings I have done for others. Chances are yours will look much like this, plus we will have discussed extensively what you like and don’t like. Painters can make things appear or disappear from photos (beautiful flowers, manicured lawns, telephone poles and wires, dead trees, etc.) They can also combine information from several photos. Unfortunately, most paintings can look pretty awful during the painting process itself, so although I can send you pictures of work in progress, you will have to rely on past work to trust that I can do the same for you. |
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What if I don’t like it?
You will have seen my work so you will know my style. We will have talked extensively about what you want, and you will have signed a contract specifying your requirements. Watercolor can not really be corrected, but I can try to make it better so you like it. If I still have missed the mark, then I will sadly keep your deposit as well as the painting and you will owe me nothing more. If for whatever reason I am unable to complete the painting I will refund your deposit. Neither of those has happened yet. OK, I’m ready. How does it work? First, you should take some time to think about what you want (subject, size), whether you want it framed, and when you would like to have it done. Here are some suggestions for things to think of at this point: Do's and don'ts of commissioning artwork. Then you should contact me and we can see if that is possible. If it is, then we can discuss the details of what you want and I will provide a written estimate and a contract for you to sign. Once we agree on the terms, I will request 50% of the estimated cost as a deposit (cash, cheque, Paypal or Interac). If the painting is composed from several photos, I will send you a sketch of the proposed composition for your approval before starting the actual painting, then a draft photo of the completed painting. The balance, as well as any actual shipping, travel or delivery costs will be due before final delivery. A certificate of authenticity will accompany your painting. Should I celebrate the event once I get my painting? Some people like to have a “reveal party” to mark the occasion. If you decide to do so, I would love to attend the “unveiling”. |