A recent commission. ‘Always Summer, acrylic on canvas, 2400 mm x 1200 mm
You have remodelled your home, built new, or just feel like an immediate uplift. Perhaps you’ve found an artist whose work you love. Maybe you’ve seen their work on social media or met them at an open studio event or exhibition. Perhaps you’ve been introduced to their work through a gallery and have never met them but their work speaks to you.
Maybe the artist mainly works in a smaller format and you have a large rectangle piece in mind, or there is a particular palette you want, or a reference to a favourite place that holds so many happy memories. There can be an infinite array of reasons to want a bespoke piece of work made to your taste and this is where you might consider commissioning a painting rather than purchasing an artwork that is already made.
it starts with a chat…
My recent artwork, ‘Always Summer’ was commissioned by a beautiful family who saw some of my smaller works on a Facebook post and visited me in my gallery. “Do you take commissions?” they asked me.
They told me they wanted a statement piece to celebrate their soon-to-be completed renovations. The creative brief was to invoke the feelings that it is always summer even when the storm clouds hover and the rain lashes outside during the notorious tropical downpours we experience here in the Bay Of Islands.
Expect to pay the same for a commissioned painting as if you were to buy a similar-sized painting from a gallery. If you have a budget in mind, speak to the artist to see what that will buy you. The size, materials, and framing considerations all impact pricing. Very often, with some creative out-of-the-box thinking you can come to a win-win quality deal.
You may be asked to pay a deposit once a price has been agreed, usually around 30-50% of the total price. Some artists reserve the right to add costs for amendments to the work so make sure that is also agreed up front too.
Again, it all begins with a conversation...
I trained as an interior architect and I have a background in colour consultancy and counselling. So often the conversation with my commissioning clients centres around their favourite colours, how they want to feel, and which of my pieces (sold or available) speaks to their heart the most.
The painting Always Summer is a love story inspired by nature. The colour palette embodies joy, happiness, and the pleasure of a shimmering blue sky, heat-hewn summer clouds, the heat of the rejuvenating sun, the caress of grounding grass beneath bare feet, swims in the sea, canoeing on lakes, memories of happy summer holidays… and more❤️
Usually when asked to work to a certain size, I might buy 3 or 4 canvasses of that size and work on them all at once. Then I will offer the client a choice of all 4 of the works to pick from with the remaining works being made available for sale or going out to galleries. I find this takes the pressure off trying to get it right the first time and means I can maintain the free, inspired and love-inspired emotion in the creation. Sometimes I create tiny versions of the painting in a variety of styles and a clients chooses their favourite or co-creates in the design.
Tanya and Pete’s painting was so bespoke, beautiful (and expensive) that I had one shot at getting the vibration right! You can watch this video to see the work in progress and learn more about my creative inspiration. There were a few hiccups along the way and that ended up being so perfect! I actually had to start the painting again after the company stretching it on the support frame ripped it and told me the work couldn’t be saved.
It turned out so well and the clients were so happy they purchased a second-piece, one that was being exhibited in a gallery—Festival of Colour!
This video is about my inspirations, my love of colour and why I love creating commissions and the pleasure I gain from sending my love-inspired paintings out into the world. In this video, I share a variety of sources where I gain and share creative joy, passion and purpose. Thank you to Peter Heath for the outstanding video montage.
I’m looking forward to the successful installation of the commission later this month. It will be super exciting to see ‘Always Summer’ on the newly installed wall.
I know this loving family are aching to move out of their temporary lodging’s and enjoy the fruits of their hard-earned and visionary renovations. It has been an absolute joy creating a bespoke statement piece for them.
Follow all my creative adventures on Instagram or Facebook (links below). Feel free to ask questions below and let me know what part of the episode was most helpful to you. If you like this video, please give me a thumbs up. This helps me understand what types of videos I should create. Also, subscribe to my channel so that you’re notified of new videos. Sign up for my email list and receive a free gift: http://eepurl.com/bEArfT
Thank you for reading! I hope you find my blogs inspiring and love my work.
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ps. you may like to join my new FREE group for encouragement and insight – https://www.facebook.com/groups/22370… A relaxed, comfortable and joyful place to grow in your Artistic Journey. Writing, drawing, painting, mixed media tutorials by award-winning artist and best-selling author Cassandra Gaisford. With 25 years of creativity coaching, art teaching experience and a love of encouraging others to discover the joy and power of creative expression, this is a place to learn and discover the fun of making art from your heart
ps. you may like to join my new FREE group for encouragement and insight – THE JOYFUL ARTISTS A relaxed, comfortable and joyful place to grow in your Artistic Journey. Writing, drawing, painting, mixed media tutorials by award-winning artist and best-selling author Cassandra Gaisford. With 25 years of creativity coaching, art teaching experience and a love of encouraging others to discover the joy and power of creative expression, this is a place to learn and discover the fun of making art from your heart
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ABOUT CASSANDRA
I am an artist, storyteller, intuitive guide, mentor and Reiki master. All my creations are infused with positive energy , inspiration, and light. I believe in magic and the power of beauty, joy, love, purpose, and creativity to transform your life. My greatest joy is helping your realize your dreams. That makes my soul sing!
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