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Post by ganaar7575 on Jul 13, 2008 13:35:22 GMT -8
I have never commissioned a painting before and was wondering how the whole process usually works. If someone could explain several of the basics, that would be great? How do you determine a price? Is there a minimum you should even think of prior to contacting an artist for a commission? Do you always get selection of the piece topic? etc....
I really think I would contact more artists for commissions if I knew more about it!!
Thanks for any info provided.
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Post by sleepboy on Jul 13, 2008 13:54:51 GMT -8
I think basically you contact the artist and ask for one. The reasons to not do commissions are many: 1) busy schedule 2) commissions aren't in shows so less exposure for their work 3) some galleries feel like it is undercutting their business when they have invested money to promote artists 4) if word gets out that artists do commissions, maybe collectors will just do that instead of buying at shows 5) since commissions usually are sold for less, collectors might opt for that instead of buying at shows 6) commissions can be annoying because some collectors might try and act as "art directors" and be too demanding. For these reasons, usually the more established ones will say NO. I have had more luck with asking up and coming artists for commissions. For them, it might be the only work they get and also might help promote their work as word of mouth spreads. I mean there are some reasons to do commissions 1) Source of income in between shows 2) Perhaps you have an interesting idea that after doing it, the artist will explore and develop for future work 3) Placing pieces in "important" collections 4) Perhaps a fan is willing to "overpay" to avoid wait lists (every one has a price). 5) To pay back people who have supported them from the very beginning 6) Because you are cool and they like you As mentioned before, commissions are usually less expensive since the artist usually does not have to pay the galleries their 50% cut. But typically cost more than 50% since it's more trouble for the artists to do a commission instead of something they think up themselves. There is no minimum price, just look at what they charge at shows for the size you want and hope that they charge less... As a the one asking for commission I think you do have the right to tell them what you want painted but I would not be too detailed and give the artist some leeway. And of course, don't be disappointed because they say NO because that is usually the most likely answer if you get a response at all. Hope this helps, perhaps some other people have had other experiences. Good luck! Who were you thinking of asking?
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Post by highbrow on Jul 13, 2008 14:29:57 GMT -8
Having my first commission piece done, i tried to contact the artist direct and he was kind enough to tell me everything he was painting was going directly to a gallery and they were selling it. I then contacted the gallery and they informed me they were handling commission requests and the list was short but they were about to close it due to the artist getting ready for some solo and group shows. I had a price in mind as I saw what his work sold for and gave the size I was looking for and they gave me the price. I am still working out final details but it was fairly painless, but it was also dealing with a gallery so who knows.
Needless to say I think I am going to up the size of it if possible
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nick210214
Full Member
My beloved, prepare to die...
Posts: 234
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Post by nick210214 on Jul 13, 2008 14:46:52 GMT -8
Sleep, that was a fantastic reply and I absolutely agree with your opinions there, as most of them are in fact what I went through as well.
I find real satisfactions in commissions, particularly the process bit. Like any other daily processes, it should be a give and take relationship, I somehow can relate it to striking a business contract.
In my opinion, an exciting and adventurous idea can be a very strong approach to commissioning an artist. Overall, commissions is much more than just collecting. There is a sentimental value attached to the piece and of course, makes you appreciate it even more.
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Post by outerborough on May 12, 2009 11:12:36 GMT -8
Personally, I defer to the artist on most things, out of respect for the work.
I prefer to let the artist have full license as to the image, but am happy to give my opinion if asked. And when I purchase art directly from artists, either existing work or on commission, I generally let them tell me how much it is going to be and either except it or not. I never negotiate, unless the artist initiates it.
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fplus
New Member
you got alotta esplainin to do!
Posts: 2
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Post by fplus on Jun 11, 2009 8:01:44 GMT -8
OOOOH! Looks very simkins-esque?
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Post by sleepboy on Jun 13, 2009 6:27:26 GMT -8
yes it does look very craola-ish. if so, congrats man. that line for commissions is long long long!
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gman
New Member
Posts: 24
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Post by gman on Jun 27, 2009 20:02:40 GMT -8
Way cool
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Post by highbrow on Jun 27, 2009 21:12:41 GMT -8
Amazing is there meaning behind certain things if so are you able to share, as I know my only commission work has alot of little details only I would kno the meaning of so please do dshare
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ill
Full Member
Posts: 158
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Post by ill on Jun 28, 2009 9:05:17 GMT -8
evilchoy, that Simkins is superb. Definitely one of my all time favorites. Huge congratulations on that piece. How big is it?
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Post by Bytor on Jun 28, 2009 9:15:36 GMT -8
I really love that commission painting evilchoy. May I ask what kinda information did you give him for the painting for him to come up with this design? Or did you even give him any?( if it is to personal than feel free not to answer) I had a collector tell me a story of a real life experience he had that really touched him emotionally and I was to take it and create a painting that reflex the story. I really enjoyed doing the commission painting that way.
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Post by svenman on Jun 28, 2009 11:34:40 GMT -8
nice story choy. i don't follow gregs work too closely, but from what i do know, you are a lucky guy to get a commission. congrats bud.
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Post by muschelschubser on Jun 28, 2009 11:50:53 GMT -8
Great behind the scenes story and an awesome painting. Congratulations and thanks for sharing the evolution of the painting.
I'm generally wondering about the sketches for a commission...are they part of it and the customer will get them, too. Or will the artist keep those? How often do you ask for a sketch until you agree on a final piece? Was someone ever disappointed about the final piece and if so, how did you discuss this with the artist?
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Post by russcel on Jun 28, 2009 12:43:12 GMT -8
Went to the Gallery 1988 show yesterday, Greg was doing live painting, he's incredible. The evilchoy commission painting was hanging on the wall, I couldn't stop looking at it, just an awesome painting, congrats.
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mike
Full Member
Posts: 154
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Post by mike on Jul 13, 2009 7:50:05 GMT -8
I commisioned my first piece back in April or so this year. I've been a fan of Kirsty Whiten for some time and have a few of her amazing sketches but I really admired a drawing she did five or six years ago of a very peaceful looking unconscious monkey. I contacted Kirsty and asked if that piece was available but it had, unsurpisingly, long sold and , somehow, the subject of commisioning a piece came up. I was very conscious of not wanting to ask an artist to retread a path they had left many years ago but Kirsty thought on it and decided it would be fun to rework the image incorporating her recent interest in votive offerings. I still had reservations that I was maybe pushing her somewhere I wanted rather than where she would naturally progress but my initial reservations dissipated once she took the subject and ran with it. Instead of the one monkey she ended up painting three plus a few more since and they are all amazing. I found the whole process very enjoyable, aided by Kirsty being a total pleasure to deal with, and am incredibly happy with the two pieces I ended up with, Prayer Monkey and Leg Monkey: There are myriad tales to be told in the offerings tied to the monkey corpses and, although they could be considerd rather morbid, they are still very much on the right side of beautiful.
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Post by svenman on Jul 13, 2009 11:55:19 GMT -8
i saw the prints of those two pieces at stolenspace recently mike. very nice.
gotta say that her pencil work is just so detailed it's mind blowing. her use of colour against the monotone 'main' subject matter works very well too. really makes the pieces pop off the wall.
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