Commissions!

Painting Commissions

My home studio

     Since this summer, my painting time has primarily been dedicated to painting commissions--custom pieces painted specifically for clients.  This seems to be a very appealing idea and I have had more and more people ask about getting onto my schedule to have a painting created  for them. Below is the overview I created to allow people to see how my commissions work.  If you are interested in a piece, please contact me and we can discuss it!  (I will tell you upfront that my biggest limitation is time...and I have a full schedule of commissions, currently.  As it mentions below, once I receive your deposit I will schedule you into the calendar.)

 

Commissioned Artwork Overview

Initial Meeting:

     The first step in the commission process is to arrange a time for us to meet and talk about what you are looking for.  We will discuss the size of the piece, the colors and style that interest you, and the timeline for completing the piece.  It is helpful for me to know if there are particular paintings of mine that resonate with you.  This gives me an idea of how I will approach your piece.  Images of previous work can be seen at my website (www.mollycourcelle.com) and on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/mollycourcelle/my-own-paintings/).  Please know that I can try to emulate previously painted pieces, but it is impossible to recreate a painting.

     We will also go over my pricing format.  I charge by size and have a fixed price for most standard sizes as I like to keep things consistent among all of the places where my work is sold, including my galleries, studio, and commissioned work.  I have been able to offer a slight discount to designers in the past, however, custom paintings cannot be discounted.

     I often paint about Biblical themes and love expressing spiritual ideas in my work.  If you have a special verse or theme that has particular meaning to you, I am happy to try to incorporate it into the painting.  My website and blog can give you an idea of some of the things I have painting about previously. 

     At this initial meeting I will take a non-refundable deposit of $200.00.  It will go toward the total price of the piece, the balance which is due upon completion.   This secures your place on my schedule.  Unfortunately I am usually “booked” and am not able to paint something for you right away.  I can usually give you a ball park idea of when I will get started on your painting.  I allow three to four weeks for each painting. 

Next Steps:

   Next I will write up a proposal for you to review and to sign.  This will go over all that we discussed in the first meeting and will make sure that we are understanding each other as best as we are able.  Clarifications can be made at this point as well as along the way.

Painting Process:

     As mentioned before, I allow myself three to four weeks for each commissioned work.   My process is very spontaneous and reactionary which means that my pieces go through major transformations as I paint them.  (I plan to have a blog post about this soon.  I have been taking photos lately of my pieces as they are being painted to show how radically they transform along the way.)  Because my paintings change so much it is not helpful for you to see the work until it is nearly complete.  I have found that it can be very confusing to see the painting too early…I may be able to imagine it finished but you may be alarmed at how it looks.  I will reveal the piece at a nearly completed stage and we can discuss it then.  It is best to see it in person.  Photographs are often misleading…especially in regard to color and scale. 

      Hopefully at this point you will love the painting and we can plan a time for you to pick it up.  If small changes are to be made I will do my best to make them quickly and without changing too much of the overall painting.  Large changes are tricky.  Since the piece had been almost completed and is approaching a finished stage it is best for me to begin again if there are major changes instead of sacrificing a painting.  This second work will need to be completed at the next available space on my painting schedule.  If it does not work out at this point you may decline it and I will keep the deposit.

Receiving the Painting:

     The last step in the painting process is to glaze it and let the glaze dry.  Unfortunately oil paint takes about a week to dry. (I use water soluble oils which help speed the process.  Traditional oils take longer.)  You may then come to pick up the piece. J If you live in Asheville I can deliver it to you.  Delivery outside of Asheville may be done for a small fee or perhaps will be shipped.  Shipping will be added to the bill.  The balance of the bill is paid in full, either by check or credit card.  The painting then becomes yours!

At Home:

     Seeing the artwork hung is a joy…and often more effective than I even imagine as I paint the piece.  I would love to have a photograph of your painting installed at your home.  I have started a page on my website of installed paintings and it would be a blessing to be able to add your home to the collection!

Questions:

     If you have any questions about the process, my work, my schedule, etcetera, please feel free to contact me.  I have tried to go over most of the important parts of the commission process on these pages without being overwhelming. 

     Thank you for your interest!