Abell to art: impressionist paintings

The Commissioned Artwork Process

In this post, the steps to commissioning an artwork are detailed.

The Commissioned  Artwork Process

Have you ever looked at piece of artwork and wondered how it might look in your home?

Perhaps you may have wondered if you could get a piece similar to this customized for your space.

Or perhaps you've considered having a painting commissioned but were uncertain as to the process.

Hopefully, after reading this post you will...

• Know what to expect when commissioning art
• Understand what the process looks like
• Know the questions to ask an artist

How it evolves

1. Meet with the artist informally.
2. Share what it is you have in mind
3. If there are photos- provide copies (digital is fine)

Initially, the artist will want to meet with you to discuss the basics. You should see a variety of the artist's work to get a good idea of the range of their skills.  The more you see of their artwork,  the better you can grasp their range and get a feel for your projected result. The artist's website can help you know this ahead of time as well.

Questions the artist will want answered

What do like about my artwork? Is there anything you don't like or would prefer not to be included in your piece?  Knowing this will help the artist understand your vision.

Where will the painting be displayed?

Do you have photos you would like me to reference?

What medium is preferred? If the artist works in more than one.

Have you commissioned artwork before? If so, were you satisfied with the results?

What do you want to see in your art?

Do you have any questions or requests?

Will you be the only one approving the progress?

Next steps

The artist will want to be flexible and communicate effectively with you during the process.They want to be sure you are satisfied with the completed project. Personally speaking, email works well for this. Face Time and Skype would be possibilities too.

With the assumption that the meeting went well, the artist will want you to sign a simple contract. Once the subject matter and medium for the commissioned painting are agreed upon, the artist will submit a contract (likely emailed) to you. From my perspective, I also like to submit preliminary sketches for approval at this time.

Included in a Commissioned Art Contract

• Timeline for completion
• Specifics- size, medium, materials
• Cost- A nonrefundable deposit-usually a 1/3 of total commission cost will be required.  *The artist will want you to understand that the time, labor and materials invested should be compensated should you decide not to proceed during the process
• Approval process-normally, the artist will allow a limited number of revisions prior to commissioned painting completion.
• Delivery-Painting delivered in person or shipped to you.
• Any other agreed upon additions

If necessary, a follow up meeting can be arranged, however, most aspects of further communication can be handled via email or phone call. 

Now you know how the process of commissioning a painting works.

Typically, it goes very smoothly and you receive the commissioned artwork you envisioned as a result! Your original and unique painting will no doubt become a focal point of your home.

Interested in having a painting commissioned? Feel free to contact me.  Thanks for reading this post! 

Scroll down for examples of recent commissioned works.

Susan Abell

Examples of past commissions