Posted on 4 Comments

How to commission a painting

Custom paintings by Emma Cownie
Selection of Commissioned work by Emma Cownie

How to commission a painting. This for all you collectors, decorators, and art enthusiasts who are intimidated by the thought of commissioning a painting, but thrilled at the prospect of working with an artist on a piece of your own. It’s easy.

Here are my 5 steps.

1. The Brief – send me an outline of what you are looking for in your commission; i.e. size, subject matter, and include as many good quality reference photos as you can.  I can edit or combine images on request. Here’s an example of a project where I did this last year. If its a pet portrait, what sort of background would you like?

2. Size of the Work – This has a bearing on the price. Here are some guidelines. These prices include free packing & shipping. Most canvas sizes can be ordered to suit commission requirements.

60×50 cm – £295      (Approx 19.68 x 23.6 inches – US $380)
70×50 cm – £345     (Approx 19.68 x 27.5 inches – US $445)
80×60 cm – £450     (Approx 31.49 x 23.6 inches – US $582)
100×80 cm – £650   (Approx 39.49 x 31.49 inches – US $840)

3. Logistics – Timescale, is this work a present for a special event? A custom painting can be a unique gift for a loved one. I will need to know special dates well in advance so there is plenty of time for the work to thoroughly dry before it is packed and shipped.

4. Deposit – I will need a deposit usually 25% of the final price, this is to cover the materials and any design work, such as sketches or other mockups.

5. Final review – You will be sent images of the final painting. I finish my work by painting a neutral colour around the edges so the painting is ready to hang. Your work will be shipped and a tracking number provided.

That’s it. Sit back and admire your painting for years to come.

Get in touch to discuss ideas. Email emmafcownie@gmail.com

Commission of a painting of a spaniel
The progress of a painting commission

So to sum it all up…

Custom art work by Emma Cownie
5 steps to a commission

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Snow Remnant (I found some old snow)

I got to walk on frozen snow earlier in the week. I had to travel all the way to the Cotswolds to find it. There had been a foot of snow the week before but it had almost all gone. Almost. There were remnants left in the cold corners of the fields where the low winter sun’s rays did not directly warm them. It even rained a few times when I was there but these remnants did not melt. It was too cold. So, I got to experience a small thrill as my boots crunched on the ice. It was fleeting but fun.

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Snow Remnant