HOW TO DO THIS?
If you've never commissioned a custom work of art before — that's fine! You can start with a germ of an idea, and I'll be happy to offer suggestions and advice. It is after all a collaboration between the artist and the client.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A COMMISSIONED PAINTING?
The price of a commissioned work depends on the size of the artwork and the complexity of the piece. The artwork will be an oil painting on canvas, and it can run a thousand dollars and more. Larger paintings have additional cost. See my website page https://www.cosgroveart.com/shop-original-paintings to get a general sense of the pricing of paintings similar to the size you have in mind.
Please remember that the price of the commission does not include framing, shipping, nor any mounting/installation costs you might incur.
IS A COMMISSION MORE EXPENSIVE THAN AN EXISTING PAINTING OF THE SAME SIZE?
In a word, yes. Just a little. Because a commissioned painting is made specifically for you, it's in some ways a little more challenging. To ensure that you understand what you're getting and will like it, I might first create a study or a sketch to show you and make changes based on your feedback. Therefore, I charge an additional 10%. That is standard for most artists. Depending on the complexity of a painting subject matter or the process required to make the painting, I might charge a higher premium. For example, if you are not providing useful references (such as your own photos, or photos you've seen elsewhere for reference) and I will be providing my own references and research, it will cost more.
IS THERE A PAYMENT STRUCTURE FOR COMMISSIONS?
Once we've had a discussion and have agreed upon a mutually signed contract for the collaborative idea, 50% is due before I start on the painting. This down payment is nonrefundable. The remainder is due when the painting is completed. After the final payment, the painting is shipped!
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS At least three reasons:
IT'S ONE OF A KIND
A commission is yours and only yours. While I retain copyright of the image, that's for promotional purposes with your permission only. I will never make print reproductions to sell.
IT'S PERSONAL
The piece is designed from your story, incorporating your personal history — or present!
IT'S THE PERFECT SIZE
A commission is custom-made to fit and coordinate with your space.
INTERESTED? FILL IN THESE FORMS AND CLICK "GET STARTED"
Some previous commissions:
A father/son racing scene
Sample subject #1 from a client's own reference photo:
Sample subject #2:
My rough photo composite to work out a composition:
Finished custom painting!
A restored wildlife habit
The client's reference photo:
My rough editing of the photo:
The finished painting:
A final note: I am not, nor are most painters, a protean artist. That is, I can't render all subjects in all styles. I hope you'll find the paintings here on my website to be inspirational and suggestive of an artwork you could have of your own, one that you would cherish. I'm not a "photorealist" — my style is an expressive variation on impressionism, emphasizing color, shape, and line. I work through my own creative interests in the intense details of the natural world through my photography. https://www.cosgroveart.com/photography
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