Commissioning a landscape painting or shorebird painting
What people said ...
"Oh my goodness. I love it, ooh it's making me cry a little bit! That's bigger than I imagined and so much better in the flesh than by email ..." - Leanne
"Aww ... I really love that, thank you! Now I'm getting all emotional." - Kye
Yes. That's perfect. She'll love that! - Sheryl
"Aww ... I really love that, thank you! Now I'm getting all emotional." - Kye
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 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 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
What works best for me is to 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 go to some effort to understand that, to be able to hit the right note with the finished piece.
Once we're both clear on what you'd like me to paint, the size and the 'support' (canvas, linen, board etc), we will agree a timeframe and price.
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 go to some effort to understand that, to be able to hit the right note with the finished piece.
Once we're both clear on what you'd like me to paint, the size and the 'support' (canvas, linen, board etc), we will agree a timeframe and price.
Cost to commission a painting
Generally expect the cost of the art itself to be similar to my originals of similar size and complexity.
Plus whatever extra work (if any) is involved with researching or liaising with various interested groups (for example if it's going to be a public piece), an event/unveiling, or special delivery requirements.
As a very rough guide, for the artwork itself:
Small $300 - $400
Medium $650 - $750
Large (up to 1m in one direction) $1200 - $1800
Larger, public, or more complex project $POA
Varnishing is complementary.
My hand-made solid NZ timber framing is extra, but I normally paint the edges in a solid color to avoid the need for framing.
Please either call, or make the initial contact using the contact form, and we'll go from there.
Plus whatever extra work (if any) is involved with researching or liaising with various interested groups (for example if it's going to be a public piece), an event/unveiling, or special delivery requirements.
As a very rough guide, for the artwork itself:
Small $300 - $400
Medium $650 - $750
Large (up to 1m in one direction) $1200 - $1800
Larger, public, or more complex project $POA
Varnishing is complementary.
My hand-made solid NZ timber framing is extra, but I normally paint the edges in a solid color to avoid the need for framing.
Please either call, or make the initial contact using the contact form, and we'll go from there.