Thank you for your interest in creating an original artwork! Artwork commissions are a
partnership between the artist and the client, that often ends in a true friendship.
I will work with you every step of the way to ensure you are satisfied with the end result.
Read the information below to ensure you
understand the commissioning process.
Steps of the Commission Process
Base Pricing The following sizes reflect a price range based on complexity of the subject to paint. But you can expect the base price to be in the range listed for each size. See "Change Requests" to see how pricing changes based on change requests. 4"X6" $60-$75 5"X7" $75-$100 8"X10" $150-$175 9"X12" $250-$300 11"X14" $350-$400 16"X20" $500-$600 18"X22" $700-$850 20"X30" $1,000+ Custom Sizing - Quote from artist Sizes listed above are what shows through the matting. Consider that the final artwork should include a mat and a frame which will add to the overall dimension of the finished piece. Price ranges reflect difficulty of the subject matter and level of detail - and therefore time - involved.
Art Style The artist will paint the commission in the style that is consistent with the artist's other work. The artist will not accept a commission request that asks for a painting style that is significantly different than what the artist normally paints. Please look through the Portfolio on this website to see the style of painting that the artist creates and determine if this is they style of painting that you prefer. If not, then you will be better served by a different artist that paints in the style of your aesthetic.
50% non-refundable deposit prior to start of work. A commissioned artwork isn’t like buying something off of a shelf. It takes a lot of planning and work in the initial stages before the actual painting even starts. For this reason, I require a 50% non-refundable deposit prior to start of work. The balance will be due at the time of delivery.
Interview with the artist. Once you have chosen to work with me and paid the deposit, I will review any photographs you've provided, or personally visit the location if within a 25 mile radius of the studio, and have a few conversations with you about what you do and don’t want to include in the final piece. I may also make suggestions to enhance the overall composition and final product. We will work together to build something beautiful and lasting.
Change Requests Because of the nature of watercolor, it is hard to make changes midway through the painting, but the artist will attempt to accommodate changes if they are able. Change requests made earlier in the painting process are more likely to be able to be incorporated into the composition. If changes are small and infrequent, I will not add to the final cost of the painting. The artist will give the client two previews, one immediately after the initial sketch, and one around the half-way point to ensure it has the main elements and feel that you are hoping for. Keep in mind that watercolor paintings usually look “blah” until the very final stages...so don’t be concerned if you do not love it at the half-way point...have faith!
Commission Contract & Certificate of Authenticity Once you have decided to go ahead with the project, I will create a Commission Contract, showing all the details we have agreed upon for the painting, the final price, and delivery date. We will both sign the contract. Finally, when the painting is completed, it will come with a Certificate of Authenticity so that you can have proof of the origins of this original artwork.
Declining the Artwork If, after viewing the final product, the client does not wish to purchase the artwork, the deposit will be kept by the artist. The artwork then becomes the property of the artist and can be used in any fashion without permission, including displays, shows, marketing, advertising, and selling of the artwork.
Framing The prices above reflect the unframed artwork. The artist (with the help of her handy husband) can provide a mat and a custom, handmade frame with glass upon request and for an additional cost.
Additional Services When capturing a family memory, many times others in the family would like to also benefit from the commissioned artwork. I offer the following services after the painting is finished: - Ready-to-Print Image: Creating a ready-to-print image of your commissioned artwork takes many iterations (what shows on a computer screen is very different than what comes out of the printer.) Therefore, I charge a one-time fee of $50 to create a ready-to-print image. Once created, it can be used in a variety of ways, including: - Fine Art Prints: I can create fine art prints on acid free, artist grade paper. $30 for each 8"X10" print and $45 for each 11"14" print. Larger prints will be quoted by the artist. - Greeting Cards: The artist can print greeting cards for you to use as stationary. Sizes vary, but generally the cost will be approximately $125 for 50 greeting cards with envelopes. - Other printed items: Have an idea of another way to use the image of your commissioned artwork? Run it by me and we'll discuss options and pricing.