At The John Dyer Gallery, the leading online Falmouth Art Gallery, we make the process of commissioning art easy. Most artists are happy to consider commissioned art, and our artists take on a select number of commissions each year for our gallery clients.
Both John Dyer and Joanne Short regularly accept commissions that work for the artists and our customers.
If you would like to talk to us about a potential commission please do contact us as we would be delighted to hear your ideas and plans.
A piece of commission art or a painting is one in which a client has specifically hired the artist to create a work of art for a specific brief.
It can be a painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other type of artwork. Art commissions may be given to a specific artist, or an open call may be put out to all artists in the area, or you can ask a gallery to suggest the right artist for your proposal.
The client will typically provide the artist with a brief describing what they are looking for. This might include the subject matter, materials, colours, style, and any other specific requirements. The artist might then create a proposal, which will consist of a sketch or mock-up of the proposed work, along with a price estimate and a timeline.
If the client is satisfied with the proposal, they will approve it, and the artist will proceed with creating the final piece. The finished artwork is then delivered to the client.
There are many reasons why people might choose to commission artwork. They may want a specific subject matter or scene captured on canvas, or they may wish to have an original piece of art that is unique to them.
In some cases, people may commission a painting as a gift for a special occasion, like an anniversary for someone else, or they might have a specific-sized piece of art they would like that isn't otherwise available.
The process of commissioning an artwork typically begins with the client contacting the artist through a gallery and discussing their desired specifications. The artist will then communicate directly with the client to discuss the estimated cost of the artwork and the approximate completion date. Once the client agrees to the estimate, the artist will begin work on the artwork.
When commissioning an artwork, there are a few things to keep in mind. It's essential to consider which artist you want to commission and the specific size and shape of the painting you desire.
The client should also discuss any specific requests they may have with the artist. These may include a choice of daytime painting, nighttime painting, or nocturne, with or without particular colours, and the inclusion or exclusion of specific elements such as flowers, boats, cats, groups of people, dogs, etc.
A commissioned artwork does not grant the buyer licensing rights or copyright, so it is essential to discuss with the artist if you have plans to potentially publish or reproduce the artwork, as licensing the final artwork is a separate process and incurs additional costs.
The cost of commissioning a painting varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. Generally, however, expect to pay a similar price to other paintings displayed on a gallery website, so they are broadly priced by size. Still, if you have a list of additional requirements for the painting, there may be extra costs.
These might include additional painted elements like family groups, pet dogs or a specific style or wood you wish to have the final painting framed in.
If you're interested in commissioning artwork, the best place to start is by contacting the artist directly or approaching via a gallery. At The John Dyer Gallery, you will always be dealing directly with our artists, and you can start your conversation by sending us a message on our contact form.
The first step is to select an artist and the artist's work that you feel will create a work of art that would be a good fit for your commission and subject matter. John Dyer and Joanne Short are both experienced in creating commissioned pieces of art and have a wealth of knowledge and understanding when it comes to meeting the customer's needs and building a great relationship with the commissioner.
Once you have selected your artist, it is essential to explain your vision and idea for the commissioned piece of art. This can be done in person, over the phone or via email. It is essential to provide as much information as possible to help the artist understand your needs and gain a clear understanding of the project.
It is also important to discuss whether the work is to be personalised or not. Some customers prefer a unique piece of art that includes elements unique to them, such as their dog or children, their house or an unusual location or event. In contrast, others may want something that is representative of the artist's style but based on a painting they missed out on or in a size that hasn't been available.
It is essential to communicate this information to the artist as early as possible to ensure they can create a piece that you will love.
Most artists are happy to discuss your ideas over the phone and review wide-ranging reference images you may have, as this will help them create a more comprehensive brief and ultimately the artwork.
The artist will have their ideas about the commission and how to produce work you will be pleased with, and it is essential to listen to their thoughts and suggestions.
A professional artist may have some great ideas that you hadn't considered, which will help create a piece of art that you are both happy with. Feel free to show the artist an example of previous collections of paintings they have done that have inspired you.
It is also important to remember that the artist is creating a piece of art based on your specific needs and requirements, so it is essential to be as open and communicative as possible but try not to have too many requests as at the end of the day you want to buy art that is an excellent example of the artist's work and that also fits your brief.
Once you have agreed on a commissioned piece with an artist, the artist will ask you a series of questions to help with their creative process. There may be items that hold a very personal meaning for you that you would like to include. Sometimes the artist can include these, or if they feel the painting will struggle with the content, they will talk you through the creative process and why it might be best to change the plans slightly for artistic integrity and a better outcome.
When commissioning art, the size and price of the commission should also be discussed and agreed upon. The artist will typically offer a range of prices for different commission sizes, but it is essential to decide on a price that suits both you and the artist. A commission will take the artist longer than their normal working process, so they often only consider larger commissions.
Another essential factor to consider is framing. The client may want to discuss if they would like the artwork framed in a certain way and, again, agree on a price.
Many artists include the framing in the overall price of the commission; however, it is essential to clarify this before beginning work on the piece.
With all art commissioned from The John Dyer Gallery, the frame is included in the price. However, if you wish for a different style or type of frame, an additional cost will apply.
It is essential to agree on a price and payment schedule before work begins on the commission. Often, a non-refundable deposit is paid at the start, with the final balance paid once the piece is completed.
This arrangement should be discussed and agreed upon between you and the artist. The John Dyer Gallery handles all payments.
Once the commission is agreed upon, the artist will provide you with an estimated completion date. This should be taken into consideration when arranging for the delivery of the piece. The John Dyer Gallery offers several delivery options, all of which are generally complimentary, depending on your location. If the commission is substantial, a specific price will need to be agreed upon for delivery or installation.
Once all of the details have been agreed upon, the customer should formally accept the commission by email. This will serve as a reference, record, and contract for the agreement, and also confirms that you are satisfied with what has been discussed. The John Dyer Gallery will also send an email confirming the commission.
It is important to remember that a commission is a bespoke piece of art and should be treated as such. Often, making big revisions or requesting too many changes can interrupt the artistic process and may even lead to the artwork being cancelled. If you have any specific requests, it is best to discuss these at the start of the commissioning process so that the artist can plan accordingly.
It is always a good idea to check in on the progress of the commission, but remember not to interfere with the creative process. The artist will send updates as work progresses if you request these, but it is best to let them get on with their job!
When the commission is complete, the client will be sent a link to view the final piece of art online. If they are happy with it, they can approve it. If there are any changes that need to be made, the client has a set number of days to get back in touch with the artist, but if the process has been well planned, there should be no changes required, as this is less than ideal for the client and artist and is often impossible.
Once the artwork has been approved, payment will be processed by The John Dyer Gallery unless specific payment terms have been agreed upon. Customers can pay online, pay in person or pay on the phone, and the commission will be delivered to the agreed address, wherever you are in the world.
If you wish to arrange a personal collection from the gallery in Falmouth and meet the artist, this can also be arranged and is a lovely way to see your commission finally, completing the commission process wonderfully for both the artist and the customer.
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