Commissions and Custom Paintings
- Did you see a print of a painting that’s sold, but really want to buy an original?
- Would you like to have a painting of a specific place that’s special to you?
- Have you seen my body of work, and want a painting in my style, but don’t see just the right piece available now?
- Have you found a painting of mine you like, but wish the dimensions would fit the space you have in your home better?
If so, perhaps you’d like to commission me to paint something for you that will fit.
There are a few guidelines I’ve set:
I price all my work, including commissions, based on square inches. The pricing for commissioned work is 30% more than my regular price. Extra expenses (such as travel to a location to take photographs) may also be reflected in the price.
As a general rule, I only paint from photos I’ve taken. I have painted from photos others have taken while I was present, and I would consider painting from a photo of a place I am familiar with, but when I am painting I am conjuring a memory of being at its place, so I prefer to have the experience of being there. If it’s near Victoria, I could likely go and photograph the place, which would be included in the price of the commission.
If any other reference image is used, I need to know that the copyright owner has given me permission to use it.
I’ll need to be assured that the original copyright owner has agreed that I can use it. This is often a less daunting process than it sounds like, if you’ve found a photo but don’t know the photographer. For one commission, I used reverse image search on Google to find the original photographer of a photo my customer wanted me to use, and we negotiated an affordable royalty to be paid to the photographer, which I included in my price.
I will take a 50%, non-refundable deposit before commencing the painting process. Once a reference photo, size, and price are agreed upon, I will send an invoice (payable via credit card online) for 50% of the price and applicable taxes. This non-refundable deposit will cover the creation of the painting. Once I deem the work is complete, you will then have the option to own the painting for the second 50%. You are under no obligation to pay the second half if you aren’t satisfied with the painting, but the deposit will not be refunded.
Revision requests will be considered, but I will not not be obliged to make them. I will ask that you become familiar with the body of my work before we start. To retain my artistic integrity, I cannot guarantee I will make any changes or incorporate any ideas from any suggestions once I’ve deemed the commissioned painting complete.
After the painting is completed and you’ve paid the price in full, you will own the original painting, but I will retain copyright of the image. This means you own the painting itself, but I will retain the exclusive right to create reproductions of the image, including for promotional use, or selling cards or prints of it.
If you’d like me to get started on a commissioned work for you, please get in touch via email at mike@thefeelingoftheplace.com, or by phone at (250) 813-0599.
One last thing: I’m open to negotiation if your idea can’t meet these guidelines. I’d be more than happy to talk about your vision, even if it doesn’t fit into these criteria!