Commission Process - Step by Step
So you’d like to memorialise a place with a custom piece of ink and watercolour art! And you’re wondering how it’ll all work? Well You’ve come to the right place ;) Here’s a detailed step by step guide to the process so you know what to expect and how we can both ensure the highest quality artwork possible for you!
1. Fill out the Commission form on this website here. It is essential that you upload high quality photo reference of the scene you’d like me to paint - and almost just as important that the painting is well lit. Here are some pointers for taking good photo reference for a painting:
Nice morning or late afternoon/evening light and notable shadows will help me add so much more realism and depth to the artwork. A photo of your building during a grey, overcast day with no shadows is still workable - it just means many more artistic liberties will have to be taken with how the scene is painted.
Consider the angle you’d like the scene to be painted from. An image of your building from a slight angle could be advantageous - as opposed to a very 2D, front-on view. My personal style leans more towards having elements of perspective to a scene to add more depth and interest.
Feel free to send me many photos with different angles, framing and lighting conditions, the more information and detail I can gather the better the result!
2. Once the form is sent through, I’ll make contact with you to further clarify any points and settle on a deadline. I’ll send you a written agreement to be signed by you and will ask for a 50% deposit. The agreement will go over the finer points to ensure we’re both on the same page about the process.
3. I’ll send you at least one small, pencil thumbnail(s) to confirm the general composition of the painting you’re after.
An example of a good reference photo. Good shadows showing clear distinction of light & dark areas, lighting that highlights key parts of the scene, a sense of perspective, capturing all desired elements by the client.
Example of a rough thumbnail to confirm proportions, compositions, placement of specific requests.
4. Once you have approved the rough thumbnail, I’ll do a pencil sketch of your artwork on the requested size paper and send it to you for final approval. Now is a good time to request any minor or major changes, as once ink or watercolour is applied - there’s no going back!
5. A waterproof ink sketch is done over the pencil drawing. I may also send you some ‘colour tests’ to ensure we’re happy with the palette that will be used. From now on I’ll send you photo or video updates each major step of the way in the process.
Example of waterproof/archival ink being applied over an approved pencil sketch.
5. First washes of watercolour are applied to block in the colours!
Example of the first layers of watercolour being applied.
6. Shadows are added to the scene. This is when the painting really starts to gain a sense of depth and liveliness!
Example of shadows being applied to the entire scene on top of the base watercolour layers.
7. Many minor details are added and enhanced. For example: highlights, finer building and vegetation detail, scene minutiae, power lines, surface textures, retracing lines with ink and organic looking ink splashes.
Final piece signed, titled, and all the extra details added.
8. Once you’re all happy with the final painting, I’ll subtlety title and sign/stamp the artwork.
9. Optional: I can also frame the work for you, ensuring a frame that will compliment the artwork! Extra costs do apply and will vary depending on the size of the work. I will send you a quote for this ahead of time if you are interested.
10. Once the grand total of the money is paid, I’ll ship or deliver the painting to you.
If you’d like to have a place of meaning to you or a loved one memorialised, feel free to hop over to the Commissions page and send in a request!
