I want to say a few words about commissioned paintings, because clients frequently ask me about doing commissions. I paint commissioned works of art all the time. They are a big part of my art practice. Commissioned paintings are canvases that I paint as custom ordered, art pieces for clients. Under the commissioned painting agreement, I paint the subject of the client’s choosing in the size they specify.
Here is how it works. The client usually has a subject in mind: a loved one, a pet, a family home, or a favorite landscape scene. I have painted dogs, children, couples on their honeymoon and scenic views from favorite spots around the world. You name it. I have probably painted it by commission.
Painting commissions are popular with my clients, because they pick the subject. The subject is something they love. So, every day they get to see the dog, child, or landscape that they love, painted with my signature Energetic Color. Plus, a commissioned painting makes a great gift. I am regularly booked to paint a canvas for a client’s spouse, parent, or retiring co-worker. Think about it? What would Dad love more, a painting of his getaway cabin, or a new tie?
The other great thing about commissioning a painting is you pick the size. Part of my free consulting service, is to measure the space in your home or office where the painting is to hang. We agree together on the size, before I start the canvas. That way, the painting is custom made to fit the space.
It might be the 15 years I spent in advertising, that trained me to do commissions well. What I learned in the advertising business, is to first listen carefully to the client, then form the creative. Listening to what the client wants at the beginning, means there are no unhappy surprises with the final result.
A lot of artists refuse to do commissions, because they can’t meet a client’s expectation of what the finished work will look like. For some artists, creating a painting is much too fluid, changing throughout the process. So, clients often get something much different than what they thought the finished canvas would look like.
In contrast to other artists, I love commissions. Plus, I have worked out a foolproof system for delivering a finished canvas that meets or exceeds the client’s expectations. I start with selecting a reference photo that my client agrees to. Because I paint realistic compositions, my subject designs are pretty exact to the photograph. Because the client has bought in on the photo, the client is happy when the composition matches the approved image. Plus, I find a lot of creativity in pushing the color and light contrasts within the parameters of a set composition. So, the client gets the subject they want, matched with my color style – the color style that drew them to my work in the first place.
Another thing I love about commissioned paintings, is that they are pre-sold. The commissioned painting is sold in advance, instead of the painting being created with only the hope that it sells. On the other hand, clients love my commissioned paintings because I use standardized pricing with no premiums. My price matches the size – the larger the canvas the higher the price. Plus, I don’t charge a premium for doing a commission.
I always agree up front with the client on price. I charge a first half deposit to start, then a second half balance upon delivery. If the client isn’t completely satisfied with the finished painting, I will refund the deposit, minus my costs for materials. In 20 years of professional painting, I have only had to make a few adjustments to a painting. I have never had to refund a deposit. All clients really want is a great art value, a fair price, great service, attention to details and delivery before deadline. It’s just good business.
Contact me to discuss a commissioned painting for your home or office. Or, perhaps you can make someone’s next birthday, anniversary or holiday celebration extraordinary, with a gift of Energetic Color from Matt McLeod Fine Art.