Commissioning a painting can be a daunting process so hopefully the pointers offered here will assist you in this process.

Step One:

Decide what it is you want painted. The choice is limitless here in regards to subject matter.
You may want to have a painting of some of your favourite items that you have collected over the years.
You may want a family or individual portrait.
Your pet may be your choice of subject.
Perhaps you would like your favourite flower rendered as a painting.
The options are limitless. The choice is yours.
Consultations can be arranged to fine tune what it is that you would like to have painted and together we can sort it into a viable project.

Step Two:

Consider the size of the piece.

Oversize approx. 110 x 75cm
Full size approx. 55 x 75 cm
Half sheet approx. 37.5 x 55 cm
¼ sheet approx. 27.5 x 37.5 cm.
These sizes relate to the actual image area of the painting.

Consider background options - such as plain, abstracted colour, specific background setting, invented.
Consider whether you want the painting to be a suggestion of the subject or a more obvious portrayal.
Consider whether you require a sketch or a painted work.

Step Three:

Portraits can be done either from photos or from sittings in the studio.

From Photographs:

Select your photograph or organize for this to be done for you. With portraits either hire a professional or an in house visit can be made where I can set up lighting and shoot the photos in your home setting for a more relaxed and natural pose.
Should you choose to use a professional photographer please consider the following:
Whether you are having a portrait done or another subject please consider these thoughts.
Ensure that the photo is in focus.
The photos needs to be of at least an A4 size for details to be clearly visible - the painting can only be as accurate as the photo depicts.
It is best NOT TO USE FLASH as this flattens the subject matter.
An uneven balance of light and shade makes for an interesting subject through the presence of contrast.
For portraits make sure that the heads are not cut off anywhere.
Information can be gathered from more than one photo however it is best that the lights and shadows fall in the same direction in each photo.
All supplied photos will be returned upon completion of the commission.
Photos taken by the artist remain the property of the artist unless otherwise arranged.

Portraits from sittings:

This will need to be arranged via email or phone call to make an appointment time. Generally 2 or more sittings are required. Photographs will be taken at the sittings as these will augment the process. The sittings will be in my studio space where lighting is controlled.
Your outfit will be discussed before you come to the studio so that these details are already resolved.
Sitting sessions range from 2 hours or more each or more depending on many factors. The study for the painting will be started at the first session and from there the portrait will proceed.

Step Four:

Contact me with very specific details as to what it is you want done.
You can phone, arrange an interview or email to effect this.
Plenty of discussion is a normal part of the process as it needs to be very clear as what is being commissioned with all the specific details.
Also mention personal likes at this stage such as favourite colours.
It is also best to discuss what it is you envisage the painting will provide for you once completed such as - the memories the painting hopes to evoke.

Step Five:

Price will be discussed considering all the factors and requirements.
A 30% non refundable deposit is required at this stage with the balance due on completion.
An order form will need to be completed at this point and signed by both the artist and the client.
This form will be emailed or posted to you.

An expected date for completion will be offered.
Time frames for completion can vary due to the volume of commissions at any given time and also the size of the piece being commissioned.
Generally it takes 1 to 2 months.

Step Six:

On completion of the painting and image will be emailed to you or a print sent in the mail or an onsite viewing option is available for those within easy driving distance.
The purpose of this is to ensure you approve of the work and any final adjustments can be made prior to final completion.
Final payment is due upon final approval.
While the artwork will be the property of the client, the copyright of work completed by the artist from the artist's photos remains with the artist unless otherwise arranged.
The copyright of the artwork completed from the client's photos remains the property of the client.

Step Seven:

Consider as to whether you want the painting framed under glass.
I have had experience as a professional framer so am able to provide you with advice in this area.

Quality Assurance:

All commissions are worked on artist quality surfaces and artist quality art materials and mediums are used throughout.
The finished piece if kept in an acid free environment i.e. an appropriate frame, will remain pristine for many years to follow.
Pastels require the least amount of restoration over time than any other fine art medium.
Works created many centuries ago remain in good condition today.

Care of your finished painting:

Never hang fine art of any description in direct sunlight, and ensure there is a good airflow around the back of the frame especially in humid climates.
Clean the glass with a damp but not dry cloth to avoid the static attraction of pastel fragments to the inside glass surface.
Avoid bumping or jarring the framed painting as this may dislodge a small amount of pastel.
If at any time you observe a few grains of pastel on the glass or mount board do not panic as this can be common - the painting will not begin to fall off the surface and disappear.
As pastel is a dry medium it is natural for some small amount of dislodgement to occur in certain conditions e.g. when the frame receives a hard bump.