Commissioning a landscape painting or shorebird painting
"Aww ... I really love that, thank you! Now I'm getting emotional ... " - Kay
Yes. That's perfect. She'll love that! - Sheryl
Why do people commission a painting?
People commission a painting for many reasons. It might be to fill a space or complement the interior design with certain colors.
But more likely, it is to 'frame the emotion' - to have a reminder of what you love, right there in your house.
It might be a special piece to mark the arrival of a new baby, a wedding, a loved one passing, a retirement.
It might be a reminder of a special time, special place, or person. Or maybe a gift.
If you want to honor a special memory, a special place, or special person, with something bespoke and beautiful, commissioning a painting, is a lovely way to do it.
But more likely, it is to 'frame the emotion' - to have a reminder of what you love, right there in your house.
It might be a special piece to mark the arrival of a new baby, a wedding, a loved one passing, a retirement.
It might be a reminder of a special time, special place, or person. Or maybe a gift.
If you want to honor a special memory, a special place, or special person, with something bespoke and beautiful, commissioning a painting, is a lovely way to do it.
What is a commissioned art work?
Commissioning a painting is an artwork made especially for you. So it's special, and unique to you.
The brief can be really specific, for example 'paint me this sunset'. Or it can be less specific, for example 'I'd like one of your pointy South Island mountains paintings, set around Wanaka'.
The finished art will capture the essence of the agreed subject in an artful way. It will carry a degree of my distinctive style, depending how realist or abstract you're wanting the finished work. I do use reference photos, but I style the piece in my own way, and deliberately avoid photographic representation.
My specialty is original South Island landscape paintings, and unique shore bird paintings, often set on a mud flat, estuary or seascape.
The brief can be really specific, for example 'paint me this sunset'. Or it can be less specific, for example 'I'd like one of your pointy South Island mountains paintings, set around Wanaka'.
The finished art will capture the essence of the agreed subject in an artful way. It will carry a degree of my distinctive style, depending how realist or abstract you're wanting the finished work. I do use reference photos, but I style the piece in my own way, and deliberately avoid photographic representation.
My specialty is original South Island landscape paintings, and unique shore bird paintings, often set on a mud flat, estuary or seascape.
Where to start commissioning painting
Just start with a chat/message/email. I'll ask a few questions to narrow down what you're looking for. There are no obligations at this stage, and if I feel like I'm not the right person to do the work, I'll tell you.
There is so often an emotional connection with a commissioned painting, so I will try to understand that too.
We'll discuss the size and the 'support' (canvas, linen, board), timeframe, and price. Once agreed, we'll confirm in writing and then a 30% deposit is payable.
There is so often an emotional connection with a commissioned painting, so I will try to understand that too.
We'll discuss the size and the 'support' (canvas, linen, board), timeframe, and price. Once agreed, we'll confirm in writing and then a 30% deposit is payable.
Cost to commission a painting
Generally expect the cost of a commissioned painting to be similar to my originals. As a rough guide, for the commissioned artwork:
Small $300 - $400
Medium $650 - $750
Large (approx 1m in one direction) $1200 - $1800
Larger, public, or more complex project $POA
Varnishing is complementary, and so is delivery in Nelson (or pickup).
My hand-made solid timber framing is an optional extra, but I normally paint the edges in a solid color to avoid the need for framing.
Small $300 - $400
Medium $650 - $750
Large (approx 1m in one direction) $1200 - $1800
Larger, public, or more complex project $POA
Varnishing is complementary, and so is delivery in Nelson (or pickup).
My hand-made solid timber framing is an optional extra, but I normally paint the edges in a solid color to avoid the need for framing.
Art Process
Once we've agreed on the work, I will sketch and share what I plan to paint. We can make any adjustments at this stage. I'll also do one (optional) preview once the painting has taken shape.
Next steps -
Please either call or make the initial no-obligation contact using the contact form, and we'll go from there.
Next steps -
Please either call or make the initial no-obligation contact using the contact form, and we'll go from there.