How to commission a portrait in oils
At work on Always the Dancer.
Thinking of commissioning an artwork? Many people have never done this before, so this article should give you an understanding of what’s involved and what to expect.
It covers the briefing requirements, terms of engagement, the creative process and gives a guide to the timeline involved.
A beautiful original artwork is a keep sake that, if treated properly, will last a lifetime and beyond. It’s also deeply personal. As such, a portrait or similar can make for an amazing gift for someone special. Of course, getting to the right result matters greatly to the artist as well as the client, so you want to have real confidence in the process as well as the outcome. It can seem daunting if you have never commissioned an artwork before.
So how does the process work? This may be different for other artists, but here’s the process I follow:
Initial Contact
When you first make contact, just a brief summary of what you are looking for is needed. Who - or what is the subject? What size are you thinking about? This will enable a quick assessment of the job to be done, an accurate quote and a timeline for when the work can be delivered.
Following the initial contact, via email you will receive a confirmation, quote, terms of engagement and a timeline.
Terms of engagement
The terms of engagement document sets out the basis of the commission for both parties so everything is clear at the outset and expectations are set. The terms include the total cost, payment schedule, timeline and delivery of the finished work. If you are happy to progress, it will need to be signed and returned by email, together with a brief of what you are looking for and reference imagery.
Detailed brief
A tight brief helps me channel my creativity in the way you want so you get something amazing. The detailed brief is a one-page document that confirms the following:
The medium and size.
The subject matter.
What makes this person, animal or place special, different and unique?
A brief story about them/it/the place - The better I get under the skin of the subject matter, the better the result.
Reference imagery
While I love the opportunity to work from life, but it does take several sittings time to create a finished artwork. The realities of busy lives and the tyranny of distance normally make a personal sitting impossible. With good photo reference, it’s not necessary.
Getting the right reference photo is important though.
The higher the resolution, the better the focus and the better the photo, the better the outcome is likely to be. With the initial brief, send through reference photos. I will recommend the best one for the outcome you are looking for.
You will need to pay 30% of the full price as an initial instalment before we progress.
Creation of the commissioned work
Through the development of the work, you’ll receive progress updates and photos. For oil paintings, the work evolves over several stages from a sepia grisaille under painting, first colour painting, second painting and final touches. Each stage is left to dry. It’s a feat of patience (see time frames below).
The finished piece
On completion, high-definition photographs will be supplied (if you are local you can view the work in person). At this point, the second 30% instalment is required prior to shipping. On receipt, the artwork will be shipped by registered courier. Ta-da! You receive your piece of unique original art, ready for framing and to hang in its designated place of honour! On receipt, you’ll just need to pay the final instalment.
Timeframes - what you should expect
Typically you need to allow 4 weeks from acceptance of the brief to completion of the work for a small portrait. For a larger painting, allow 2 to 3 months, depending on complexity, plus shipping time. Talk to me about what you’re looking for and I’ll advise on what’s achievable.
My personal commitment
I want you to truly love the finished work you receive. The steps taken through this process mean there should be no surprises. However, should you be unhappy with the end result, return the artwork promptly and in good order and I will provide a full refund less the costs of shipping.
Start today…
So there you have it… from brief to delivery, the process for commissioning your own original oil painting. If you have an idea for a commission for yourself or as a gift for someone special, It starts with a click… Right here.