We handle a lot of commissions here at the gallery and each one tends to be a little unique. A commission almost always comes from someone saying, "Oh I wish...." Either oh I wish that was my daughter or oh I wish that painting was a little bigger or my favorite, oh I wish that was an elephant and a cupcake...
Every artist and gallery has their own way of handling commissions, but here’s a general overview of how we do it:
1. Initial Discussion and Concept Agreement
The process starts with a conversation. We’ll talk through your vision—size, subject matter, colors, mood, and any reference materials you may have. Once you and the artist are aligned on the concept, we’ll provide a quote based on size or budget.
2. 50% Deposit to Begin
To secure your place in the artist’s schedule and begin work, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. This payment allows the artist to begin research, planning, and the initial phases of the painting.
3. Work in Progress and Final Review
Once the piece is nearing completion, we’ll send you an image for review. At this stage, minor adjustments may be possible depending on the artist's style and the stage of the work.
4. Final Payment and Delivery
When the artwork is complete and approved, the remaining 50%—plus any applicable shipping fees and state sales tax—is due. (Note: Sales tax is only applied for in-state shipments; out-of-state buyers are not charged tax.)
Once payment is received, we carefully package and ship the piece to you.
Popular Artists for Commission Work
Two of our most sought-after artists for commissions are Nathan Durfee and Megan Aline, each offering a distinct and imaginative approach to custom artwork:
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Nathan Durfee is known for his whimsical, narrative-rich paintings that often feature quirky characters in surreal settings. His commissioned pieces are ideal for collectors who want something playful, symbolic, and full of storytelling. Whether you bring him a theme, a character, or just a spark of inspiration, Nathan has a talent for turning ideas into charming visual tales.
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Megan Aline creates evocative portrait silhouettes filled with serene, layered landscapes. These pieces blend human form with elements of nature in a way that’s both striking and deeply personal. Megan’s work is particularly meaningful for those seeking a symbolic representation of a person or memory, often drawing on themes of identity, place, and emotion.
If you're unsure which artist might be right for your vision, we’re happy to help you explore options and match you with the right creative partner.
Pros of Commissioning Artwork
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Personalized and Unique: You’re not buying a pre-existing piece—you’re getting something that’s tailored specifically to your preferences, budget, and your space.
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Collaborative Experience: Many clients enjoy being part of the creative process and developing a relationship with the artist.
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Meaningful and Memorable: Commissioned pieces often carry special significance, making them cherished heirlooms or gifts.
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Support for Artists: Commissions directly support working artists and allow them to create work they may not have pursued independently.
Potential Challenges to Consider
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Timeframe: Custom work takes time. Depending on the artist’s schedule and the complexity of the piece, turnaround can range from a few weeks to several months or more.
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Less Immediate Gratification: Unlike buying a finished work, there’s a waiting period during the creative process.
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Creative Interpretation: While you’ll provide input, artists still work in their own style and medium—so the final piece may not be a photo-perfect representation of your idea, but rather an interpretation through the artist’s lens.
Final Thoughts
Commissioning art is a special opportunity to create something one-of-a-kind with an artist whose work you admire. With clear communication, a shared vision, and a structured process, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to collect art. If you’re curious about starting a commission, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to guide you through the process.
