HOW TO COMMISSION A PAINTING FROM AN ARTIST

As an Australian artist that paints horses, I often receive requests to paint a portrait of a horse for the owner or as a gift for a horse-loving friend. When such requests come through I am delighted! There is nothing more enjoyable than learning about another special animal, the relationship and bond they have with their owner and the funny antics of their personality. It really adds much meaning to the process of painting.

However, if you commission me to paint from a photograph or to have a painting ready by next week, sadly I may say no. Why? Because every artist works differently and needs certain things to be in place before a commissioned artwork can be created. That is why I have compiled a list of questions you should ask yourself before commissioning any artist to create a painting, whether that be myself or someone else and whether it may be equine art or something entirely different:

1. Where did you find out about the artist? 

Many professional artists have their own websites and social media but they are often represented by commercial galleries as well. It is important to give credit to the person/organization through whom you first found the artist. Commercial galleries work very hard to promote the artists in their stable and credit for that work should be given where due. For example, if you have found my work through one of my representing galleries (such as 19 Karen Gallery or Porter Contemporary), all commission enquiries should be requested via the gallery.

2. What is your budget? 

One of the first steps to commissioning an artwork should be to determine the price range for the artist’s works. You can do this by looking at the websites from their representing galleries (for example, you can get an idea of my prices at www.19karen.com.au). Remember that the artwork is the artist’s livelihood and prices are calculated based on material costs, the time invested in creating each piece and the demand for their work.

3. What is your deadline?

I often get requests for artworks that are for gifts for birthdays, anniversaries etc. But if I am not given enough time to paint the artwork (and fit it in around other commitments and exhibitions deadlines) sadly I have to say no. Depending on the size and complexity of the artwork, a longer or shorter time may be required to complete it. So when enquiring about a commissioned artwork, make sure you include your deadline. 

4.     Does the artists require a deposit?

I’m not sure if you’ve been into an art store lately, but art materials are EXPENSIVE! Depending on the complexity, the medium used and the size of the work, the artist may require an initial deposit before starting your commission.

5.     What size artwork would you like? 

If you are unsure of this but know the space where the artwork will hang, you can send through a picture and/or the dimensions of the wall where you want the artwork to go in your home.

6.     Is the artist willing to paint from a photograph?

I often get commissioned requests to paint a horse or a scene from a photograph. Generally speaking, I prefer not to do this because I like to meet the horse, make my own reference sketches and take my own reference photographs. Why? Well, there are lots of equine artists that can paint a great likeness of a horse but can’t truly capture the spirit of the individual animal, its personality etc. The way an animal behaves and moves is especially important to how I paint. Having said that, sometimes an animal is interstate or deceased and then I make an exception.