Have you thought about having an artist create something special just for you? Once you see original art of your own choosing hanging in your own house, you will forever be able to enjoy the unique and special pleasure of commissioned art.

This article offers some practical tips to help art lovers take the plunge and get your very own commission underway. I'm using the term "commission" instead of "portraits" because in addition to human beings, my commissioned work includes dogs, horses, and even a huge buck. See  J B Sullivan's Commissions for examples of my commissions.

My father once said of my mother’s art, “Art in your home reminds your family members of the things most precious to you. Whether it is portraits of people important to you or wildlife you enjoy or the scenes of nature that give you peace, original art speaks to what you value most.”

The best part of a commission is that you get ORIGNAL art of a subject you choose. Yes, original art costs more, but you are the only one who will be able to enjoy the quality, essence, and craftsmanship of that original piece. Even with modern capabilities of printing reproductions, original art is the most powerful representation of what you hold dear.

Plus, you get to select the art you wish to see on your walls. Many patrons want to preserve the unique faces of their children at a certain age.    I have completed "heritage" portraits of grandparents, often a request of families who retain few photos of older generations. A surprising number of my commissions are of pets who have left an indelible mark on their owners' hearts.

Commissions are a gift of a lifetime. Commissions transcend generations. The art you have commissioned is a treasure to pass down to future family members. Of all the things we leave to future generations, original fine art allows us to share a special moment in time, a story about you and your era in a very unique way.

When I work on commissions, I am given a very special window into the lives of my clients. We bond across the miles from my drawing board to their homes as I learn more about a beloved pet, an unforgettable grandfather, or the wildlife viewed at mountain cabin. I am telling your story.  Because it is your story, the more of it I can soak up, the more it goes into your commission.

In part 2, I will cover some practical steps about how to undertake a commission. Stay tuned!