As an artist, I am elbow deep in original art every day. My drawing board, studio, my house, and my art tent are filled with original art. I know the special joy of original art because I am creating it every day. My patrons, however, may have few, possibly no original art. Undertaking a commission of original art can be challenging to anyone. In part 2, I will discuss some practical aspects of commissions. (To read Part 1, click Commission Your Own Original Art Part 1)

You may already have found a favored artist. If not, I encourage you to visit art festivals, art exhibitions, and art galleries in your local community where you can view the actual art itself. Look closely. Ask questions. Websites are another way to narrow the field to a specific artist. Remember that not all artist accept commissions. Be picky about your artist.

You may also have a favored medium. I once met a woman who had a room decorated in only black and white. Her choices ranged from photography to charcoal, but all the art was rendered in only two colors. Try to determine your own personal preference. Don't worry about what is popular. Don't even worry about the art you already own. 

A commission should speak to you and part of the way it does that is through the artistic medium.  Although many artists work in several mediums, you should feel comfortable that their best work represents the medium you prefer.

You will need to select your subject matter. Perhaps it is obvious to you - a dog, a grandchild, or your favorite view. While it is preferable for the artist to meet the actual subject, this may be impossible. Thanks to modern technology, even an old photo can serve as the basis for a commission. You should count on your artist to render a composition concept. 

I often spend many hours in Photoshop, cropping, re-positioning, and enhancing the photos I receive. This process allows me to be creative and consider various compositions before I start drawing. As my wife often notes, once I start drawing, I don't want to start over!

Then again, some patrons possess a photo of their loved one that they wish me to draw. Sometimes, it is straight forward. Other times, it is more complicated. One of my customers wanted her family dogs to look like they lived in Colorado and with aspen and columbines in the drawing. I was able to import some photos of flowers and trees along with her dogs to show her the concept I had in mind. It worked!

You should be vocal about the art you are requesting. At the same time, keep in mind that artistic creation is based in the artist's perception and rendering. I find that emailing photos of the work in progress to my clients gives both of us the opportunity to adapt, correct, and reinforce our respective views.

On a practical level, I ask for a 50% non-refundable retainer before I accept a commission. I figure that I’m going to spend a considerable amount of time working with you to create just the right art for you. Frequently I create concept drawings or Photoshop mockups and will not begin the final work until you and I agree that this is the ideal concept. The retainer is my guarantee that I’ll get paid for my upfront preparation time. The other 50% is due upon completion. I will not accept the final payment unless you are satisfied with the outcome. This is your guarantee that, in case you don’t like the outcome, you are not out everything. This is fair as we both risk a little and gain a lot. Other artists undoubtedly have other views. 

When it comes to matting and framing your commission, you have many choices. The first obvious choice is to take the finished art to a professional framer. On the one hand, I know you and your art very well, having lived with it for many days. I can frame it for less than a commercial frame shop.

So, if you're wanting your own original art, these are the reasons and steps to get going. Unique, yours, original - that's the commission process. Enjoy each step!

You can reach me at 303-526-2370 to talk about your commission questions and request. See more examples of my portraits at Commissions

Coming up Part 3: Drawings of Musicians - Juxtaposition of Performing and Two Dimensional Art