How to Commission an Original Work of Art

Buying an original work of art is an exciting personal experience and commissioning one is even more so: you are asking an artist whose work you feel a connection with to create something special just for you or a loved one.

Selecting a painting you want to own or offer to someone dear carries lots of emotion.

It’s a personal thing that shows care, attention and consideration. That’s why commissioning a piece of artwork that takes you back to a particular time and place, to visually represent something heartfelt or to mark a unique occasion is so meaningful.

A painting is a one of a kind physical object, a memory made tangible you can look at time and time again, an artwork with an atmosphere that can transport you...

I'd Like to Commission a Painting
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Summary of Content

The Commission Process
What Type of Commission Do I Take On
Pricing
Other Things to Consider

A painting of an old gun with a blue handle.

“Rising Bite” 16x20 Oil on Linen

After a break of more than 80 years, John Rigby & Co. has resumed building the iconic Rising Bite Double Rifle. So called because of its unique vertical-bolt locking system, the Rigby Rising Bite was and continues to be one of the most famous double rifles ever to have been made. This is an original painting of the Rising Bite rifle that took an African elephant in 2021.

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The Commission Process

The commission process is straight forward.
This is how I work.

  • 1 Contact me via the contact form. Tell me what you are looking for, what your time scale is and what is your budget. You can add photos if you have some.
    This free service is to find out what you have in mind to help me understand what you want and decide if I can create a painting you’ll be delighted with.
  • 2 I formalize your request – by replying with a quote and a suggested completion date or I ask you a few more questions if I need a precision.
    Once accepted, I email you an agreement stating what I’ll paint to what timescale and I email you the first of 3 Paypal requests for payment.

    This first payment is non-refundable : it’s a third of the amount to order materials and confirm a commission slot in my working schedule to create your artwork.
  • 3 You sign the agreement, return it to me and pay the first down payment which is non-refundable.
  • 4 I start your painting – receiving your signed agreement and down payment is my cue to start.
  • 5 Half way through painting, I email you, for approval, photos showing progress along with a second Paypal request for payment.
  • 6 Once your artwork is finished, I send you photos – for me as an artist, it’s very important that you are delighted with the finished piece.
  • 7 You let me know you are happy with your painting.
  • 8 I email you a request for the third and last Paypal payment.
  • 9 Once payment is received, I send you the painting when it’s dry and varnished.

Congratulations, you now have a new, unique painting to cherish or offer to someone special.

I'd Like to Commission a Painting
A light yellow background with some white lines.
A painting of an animal with long horns

“Shadows of Ethiopia” 24x36 Oil on Linen

Distinguished by its size and extravagant horns, the Walia Ibex is critically endangered, and only around 400 remain in the wild. They are restricted to the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia.

This painting with two Ibex displaying their fabulous horns are sitting high in the Simien Mountains over looking Ethiopia.

A light yellow background with some white lines.

What Type of Commission Do I Take On

Before contacting me, if you do not know my work, please browse my website gallery page to get a feeling about what you’ll want.

Most of my work is about capturing the essence and majesty of wildlife, through closeup animals in their environment or a broader vista the animal habitats.

I also enjoy painting still life’s of cherished rifle’s, loved by their owners.

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Pricing

Below you will find an overview of my pet oil painting pricing.

The pricing depends on three factors: the size of the painting, the number of pets in the painting, and additional background elements desired for the portrait. I am not limited to the sizes listed—If you are interested in a size not listed, simply contact me for a quote.

 A second pet is an additional $300-$600 depending on the size of painting and full body or head only. 

Prices below are Portraits with a painterly background.

Pricing Guide (Without Framing)
8x8 $525
8x10 $660
9x12 $890
12x12 $1,188
11x14 $1,270
12x16 $1,584
16x20 $2,640
20x24 $3,960
24x36 $7,128
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What Else to Consider

Please note: creating a painting takes time. If you are thinking about commissioning a painting, please allow a minimum of 2 months before you can receive it.

Then it’s carefully packaged to travel from USA to your destination safely.

Still interested?

Fill in the form to outline what you have in mind.
The initial conversation is without obligation.
I look forward to hearing from you.

I'd Like to Commission a Painting