Commission a Portrait Painting

Do you love a particular artist's style? Are you looking for a special painting for a certain wall in your home or office? Are you looking to gift a piece of art? This article will help guide you through the process of commissioning a portrait painting with an artist to create the perfect piece for your wall.

Most professional artists are open to creating a custom piece of artwork for you, all you need to do is ask. There are several reasons why you might want to ask for a commission, instead of purchasing a completed painting that is available for purchase. You may want to commemorate a friend of yours that no one has painted before. Or you’ve seen a painting of a hero or visionary depicted in vivid color, but you would like the piece created specifically for you. You might love a certain portrait, but it just won't fit the wall you have for it. From an interior designer's point of view, you may need specific colors within the painting to work within a room you are creating.

There are several styles of portraiture to choose from. From caricature to a photo realism to modern and contemporary impressionism. It depends on your interest and what you would like. Keep in mind that you will get the best results if you want a painting in the style that the artist is currently working in. Professional artists have spent decades honing their style, and this is what they are best at. When you discover the vibrant style of portraiture you’d like for your painting, this is the artist you will want to engage with.

When you approach the artist, via email (often works best these days) or phone or in person, it is best to have a clear idea of what you are looking for so you can describe to the artist what you’d like. You will want to have photographs available for the artist to work from and use as a reference. If you would like the artist to find an image, review the image with the artist to ensure it meets your needs. An artist usually creates better pieces when he has the freedom to do what he thinks is best for the painting but it is important for you to communicate to the artist any specific considerations you have for the piece, ie. thinner face, less wrinkles, brighter smile, fuller hair....

Go through the artist's portfolio or website and point out which paintings you like or don't like, and what you like or don't like about each. This will guide your artist to visually understand your needs.

Here are some additional details to review with the artist:

Schedule

Let the artist know when you need the painting by. The artist will then be able to tell you whether or not they can meet your schedule. The painting may take a month to create and then need to dry prior to shipping. The shipping could take a week or more depending on where the artist is located and where you’d like the painting shipped to.

Size

While a painting can be created in any size you like, artist’s may prefer to work in certain sizes for portraiture. Discuss the size of the canvas with your artist.

Price

The price of the commission should depend more or less on the square footage of the painting, although artists may charge more or less than what they normally charge for paintings off the wall, depending on the project. I have done commissions for less than what I would normally charge, simply because I was excited about the idea of the collection/painting.

Color

Most artists can adapt their painting to the color theme of your choice. If you’d like to see specific colors included, communicate those colors upfront before the painting commences. If you are more flexible with the colors, you can leave this up to the artist’s vision.

Lighting

Open, natural light always makes a painting look great. After the sun goes down you might want artificial lighting. A painting will always look better if you can get a spotlight on it from above. Spotlights will bring out the colors and texture in your painting and make it glow like it's in a museum.

Framing

Framing is usually left up to the customer and can be completed once you receive your painting.

Contract and Terms

Many artists like to sign a contract with their client before starting a commissioned work. I personally like to arrange the agreement so that neither party has anything to loose, rather negating the need for a contract. I ask for a 50% deposit up front, with the remainder due when the client has seen the painting in and it is everything they hoped it would be. A photograph of the painting is emailed when the painting is completed, and the client can usually tell right away if they like it or not. The final test is seeing the painting on the wall. If the client doesn't like the painting for any reason, I will give the commission another attempt, after understanding what they like or dislike about the first painting. However, with enough communication up front about your expectations, the painting should turn out right the first time.