How to Commission a Painting
A commissioned painting is made for one specific wall and the person who will live with it. Instead of choosing from finished work, you work with an artist on the size, the colors and the feeling of the piece, so it fits your room from the start. This guide covers how to measure your space, what to send an artist and what to ask before you begin. If you would like to see how it works with Tia Bowman, start on the commissions page.
What commissioning a painting means
Commissioning a painting means asking an artist to create an original work for you rather than buying a piece that already exists. You and the artist agree on the size, the palette and the mood, and the artist paints it for your space. The result is one of a kind. Buying a finished painting is a different path, and it suits people who already know exactly what they love. If that is you, you can browse original abstract paintings in the shop. A commission suits people who have a wall in mind and want art made for it, in a size that fits it. Because the painting is made from scratch, plan ahead if you have a date in mind, such as a move or a gift.
Start with the wall
Before you contact an artist, look closely at the wall. Measure its width and height, and measure any furniture that will sit beneath the painting, since a piece usually looks best when it relates in scale to the furniture below it. Note where the light comes from and how it changes during the day. Look at the colors already in the room: the sofa, the floors, the curtains, the other art. Take a few photographs of the wall from across the room, straight on and at an angle, so the artist can see the space the way you do. It also helps to decide roughly how the painting should feel in the room: a statement piece that anchors the whole wall, or a quieter piece that sits comfortably above the furniture. None of this needs to be exact. Rough numbers and a few clear photos give an artist a strong place to start.
Choose an artist whose finished work you love
The best sign that you will love a commission is finished work you already love. Look through an artist's completed pieces and pay attention to the colors, the texture and the scale. If you want something large, ask to see work at a similar size, because a painting can feel very different at sixteen inches and at sixty. A commission brings out the artist's own way of working, so choose someone whose style you would happily live with. Reading about an artist's background tells you whether their experience fits what you want, and a clear, prompt reply to your first message is often a good sign of how the project will go. Tia Bowman paints large-scale abstract florals, and two of her larger originals, Vanilla Sky and My Bleeding Heart, show how she handles scale and texture.
What to send the artist
A clear first message saves time for you and for the artist. It helps to include:
- The measurements of the wall and the space available
- Photographs of the room
- Colors you love and colors you want to avoid
- How the room is used and the mood you want
- Any deadline, such as a move or a gift date
A short note about the feeling you want is as useful as a list of colors.
How a commission usually runs
Every artist works differently, so treat this as the general pattern rather than a set of rules. It usually begins with a conversation or an inquiry form about your space and your ideas. You and the artist then agree on the size, the price and a timeline. Many artists ask for a deposit before starting, though practices vary. The artist then paints, often sharing progress photos along the way. You approve the finished work, and it is delivered or shipped to you. Ask each artist how their own process works, because the details differ from one studio to the next.
Questions to ask before you begin
Clear answers at the start make the whole process easier for both sides. Consider asking:
- What does the price include?
- How long will the painting take?
- Is a deposit required, and how much?
- How are changes handled?
- Is framing offered or recommended?
- How will the painting be packed and shipped?
Commissioning a painting from Tia Bowman
Tia Bowman is an artist based on Shelter Island, NY, known for large-scale abstract floral paintings. Her commissions draw on her combined expertise in fine art and interior design, and each one is made for someone looking to fill an empty wall with a custom piece of art that fits their personality and interior perfectly. Her commissions page describes them in her own words: "Zero extra cost. Thoughtfully designed for your space in any size you want."
Two clients describe the experience:
“Tia worked with us on placement, frame suggestions, and overall aesthetics.”
Liz C
“The finished work exceeded our expectations and was perfectly personalized for us.”
April V
You can read more about Tia, or tell her about your space and the piece you have in mind on the commissions page.