Commission work!
Commission Work - yes I do commissions. Portraits, animals, landscape, houses, whatever you want painted, chances are I can do a commission for you! If possible, I prefer to use digital photographs as reference, these photographs need to be supplied to me in the largest format possible. I'm not able use the photographs unless the copyright owner of these photographs agrees to sign a contract giving me permission to paint and sell the work. Which means, if you don't own the copyright and can't get in touch with the owner for the purpose of the contract, unfortunately, I won't be able to do the commission.
I won't use photographs from the internet found on copyright free sites.
Once there is an agreement put in place to go ahead with the commission and all contracts have been signed, I require a 50% non-refundable payment, the rest of the payment will be due once the painting is complete and before delivery. Payment can be through e-transfer in Canada or through Pay Pal in Canada and the USA (an additional 3% will be added if using Pay Pal). There are times when there is a waiting list for commissions, in this case a 25% deposit is required to hold your spot and 25% when the contracts are signed, as previously mentioned the last 50% when the painting is completed and before delivery.
I like to keep my clients informed on the process of the piece and ask for feedback at various times, during the sketching stage, when the monochromatic is complete and various times during the final colour stage of the painting. Once the piece is finished and approved by the client it will be prepared for shipping or pick up. If shipped, the client will be responsible for the cost of packaging, shipping, insurance and any other shipping costs associated.
There is no refund on commission work.
My method: I paint realism in oil paint similar to the way the old masters used to paint. Once a sketch is completed I start the painting by painting a monochromatic. The monochromatic may be a complete painting or one close to completion, depending on the subject matter. Once the monochromatic is done to my satisfaction and to the satisfaction of my client I add colour. Essentially the painting is painted twice. I pay close attention to values (light, medium and dark) and detail.
Oil paint takes time to dry between layers, and once the painting is completed and is dry to the touch its ready to hang, but it will take approximately 8 to 12 months for it to cure and be ready for varnishing. Varnishing is at the preference of the owner of the painting and can be brought back for varnishing, or done by another professional of their choosing.
Time frame: I like to allow at least 3 months for a commission piece, although it can take longer. Drying time between layers takes some times as does attention of detail in realism work.
Pricing: If you would like a no-obligation quote, please email me. I will need to know the size of canvas and see your reference material, I can also do reference photography work for an additional charge, depending on what the commission is.
