First published: 24 December 2020 @ 5:33 pm
What is the process of commissioning a painting?
I’m often commissioned to create a painting for a family member, friend or colleague. The process of commissioning a painting can vary widely depending on the circumstances. For instance, I have many clients who are interested in having a portrait of their family or loved one painted.
However, they may not be certain of exactly what they are looking for. In these cases, I will often suggest that we meet for a consultation in person so we can discuss their vision and expectations and talk about what sort of painting would best suit their needs.
For those clients who live far away from me or don’t have the time to come to my studio, I typically suggest photographs and measurements. This allows them to get an idea of what they want before deciding if they want to engage me for the project or not.
If a client decides that he/she wants me to proceed with creating a painting, then the next step is usually an agreement outlining the details like size of the painting, subject matter, price and terms of payment.
How do you choose your subjects?
While I love painting portraits of people because it’s so satisfying when someone gets such pleasure out of having a visual representation of themselves or a loved one, my work as an artist is not limited to portraiture. I have painted many paintings from photographs including landscapes, cityscapes and still life compositions. I also love painting pets, especially dogs, and I have painted a number of pet portraits.
I’m grateful to my clients who entrust me with the task of painting their portrait. In most cases, it is a very special gift that they are giving to themselves or someone close to them. It is a unique opportunity for me to share in their lives and create something that will be cherished and remembered forever.
How do you determine how to paint a subject?
The process of determining how to paint a subject can vary depending on the nature of the commission. For instance, if I’m painting a pet, I will often go directly to the source. I will either meet with the pet’s owner or speak with them by phone so that I can get an idea of what they are looking for in terms of size and composition and so that they can talk about their pet’s personality. Most clients want me to capture the essence of their furry friend in the painting, but they also want it to look realistic.
When I’m painting a portrait, it follows a similar process. The biggest difference is that clients usually have an idea about what they want in terms of style and eye color before we meet for our consultation. It is helpful to have some information from the client because it allows me to provide an estimate if they decide at that point that they would like me to proceed with creating a painting for them.
What do you love most about your work?
I love being able to create something beautiful and lasting from my imagination and seeing people express their appreciation for my work.