commissions

How I go about creating a painting especially for you

After an intial enquiry from a client, and possibly a few emails back and forth, I like to have a discussion with my client on the telephone to be certain that I understand what it is they would like.  Things can very easily be mis-understood when relying upon communication via email alone.

If distance is not an issue and it is possible to travel to my client's home then of course this is important too in order to see the space where the painting will hang.  Otherwise I like to have some photographs of the space where the painting is going to live, and possibly even samples of colours to match up and harmonise with.  Often, if there is any doubt for example over which 'red' is the best match then I send through some paint colours samples to my client so that they can help me decide which might work best.

 Once I have established exactly what it is my client wants then I start on creating some sketches.  I will pick out which I think is the best, or sometimes pick out more than one, and either photograph them or scan them so that I can then send through a digital image via email to my client.

When the client is finally happy with a sketch, and not before, I then ask that the deposit is paid so that I can proceed with painting the commissioned work (see below for terms & conditions of commissioned work)

Throughout the creation process I keep in touch with my client via email in order to keep them updated with progress.  Once the painting is then finished I take photographs once again so that I can email them to the client.  If the client is unhappy for any reason then it is vital to address this now and make any changes to put things right.  Photographs are only a guide, but often all the client has to go on at this stage so it is very important they are happy with the photos, and if they are happy with the photos then it is almost certain that they will be even more delighted when they see the real thing!

When my client is happy with the final photos then I ask that the balance of the payment is made in order that I can then organise for the painting to be delivered.  Many of my clients who have had paintings commissioned have really enjoyed the process and are delighted with the results and you can read some of their kind words at my Customer Comments page here.