I often get asked if I will paint something specific for someone. The answer is YES!
While I do a lot of work on my own for exhibition, many of my paintings are commissioned. In fact, I have several people who have come to me for paintings for themselves and then paintings for gifts for family and friends. Imagine a wedding gift of two small paintings of the neighbourhoods where each person grew up. I’ve done it. It was a delight to make!
If you are interested in requesting a commission of a particular city or neighbourhood special to you, please fill out the form at the bottom and I will get back to you with a quote.
When requesting a commission consider the following:
Location
What neighbourhood or city would you like? Is this a gift for someone? Is there a city or neighbourhood that is special to them? If you have an exact address in a city, that makes it really easy for me. If you are a traveler and want to capture the feeling of being there, think of some of your favourite places you’ve visited and let me know about it. I will send you a screen shot of the location before I start to check that it is correct.
Not a location in mind? Not to worry. If you liked the more abstract paintings, let me know which ones you like and that can get the conversation going.
Colour
Colour is so important to the feeling of a painting. Blues, purples whites and greys can feel cool and wintery, while yellows, oranges and reds can make you feel like you’re enjoying summer sunshine. Remember also that value is important. That’s the lighteness or darkeness of a colour. A lighter green is going to feel a lot different than a dark green. Lastly, consider contrast. Are all the colours similar in value and hue? Muted colours that are similar will sometimes create a softer and gentler feeling while bright colours or high contrasting values will create a busier looking image. If you want some inspiration, check out some palettes I’ve made for previous clients here.
Size
Is this a painting for a quiet nook in your home or is this something for over the fireplace, living room couch or dining room credenza? I’ve painted a lot of small commissions that are 18×18 inches (46.72×46.72 cm) and some are quite large. Here are some common sizes I paint:
IN: 18×18, 24×24, 24×36, 36×36, 36×48, 48×48, 48×60
CM 47×47, 61×61, 61×91, 91×91, 91×122, 122×122, 122×152
If you have a specific size in mind, I can build a custom size –not a problem. I wouldn’t recommend anything under 12x12in (30x30cm) as opportunities for details get lost.
Shipping
If the work needs to be shipped, consider shipping costs. Works 36×48 can be shipped most places internationally with a reasonable cost. After that it can get a little pricy.
Materials
While I paint mostly in acrylic on canvas, I can paint with oil and on paper. What isn’t recommended is oil on paper. If your painting needs to be shipped, sometimes a work on paper is something to consider and you can get it framed when it arrives. Generally work in oil takes longer to dry and so can be a little more expensive.
What other work do you like?
Is there something else you liked? Have a look through the paintings and let me know the titles of the works that catch you eye. I can try and make something similar.
Timing
Paintings take between four and six weeks to paint, plus shipping which can be a week so if this is a gift, please allow lots of time to get it to you. Depending on timing and size it could be done quickly, but generally I ask for two months to complete and ship the work.
I think that’s about it. If you have a budget in mind, please let me know and I can show you what is available within your budget, or let me know what you would like, size, etc., and I can provide a quote.
I look forward to hearing from you!
jamesfowlerart 