Author: Custom Artist

Commissioning a painting can be a major investment. Therefore, it is crucial that you choose the right person to render your photograph or creative vision into an good piece of art. Custom Artist has spent almost five years whittling our artists down to a handful of only the most talented people. Here is what we have learnt about recruiting artists through costly trial and error.

1. Look for somebody with an extensive portfolio. When it comes to perfecting the art of painting, we look for someone with experience above all else. Painting is a skill that improves gradually over time, there is no other way around this. Of course, we would all like to give younger talent a chance and we always look for evidence of an apprenticeship or examples of exceptional work before choosing an inexperienced painter.

2. Ask for a draft before you commission the painting. Having a painting changed after it has been commissioned is almost impossible and will ruin the final look of the work. Ask for a draft and keep asking for changes until it meets your expectations. An oil painting is a bespoke product, once it is commissioned, there is no going back. So we implore you to check your draft thoroughly, take some time to think it through, before you ask us to render it as an oil painting.

3. Make sure that the artist you choose specialises in the style that you want. This is a part of the process that we take care for you. However, if you’re choosing an independent artist, make sure that their previous work reflects your style. Each artist is unique and caters to different people. Some prefer high fidelity realistic copies of their photographs and others prefer their photographs to be rendered in a specific artistic style, make sure that your artist has the correct type of experience. Each painter is unique.

4. Beware of quick turn around times. Each work of art takes time and patience to perfect. Be very wary of companies that offer to complete works in the space of 12 days. Oil painting involves layering of paint and much patience, please be patient. Ideally, you should allow for 30 days or more for a work to be completed, depending on its complexity.

5. Agree on all aspects of the price. Before commissioning a work remotely, make sure that you are aware of any charges regarding amendments, deadlines, packaging, framing and postage. Remember that major works are a big investment and you should treat the process with due diligence. An unsatisfying piece of work is bad for you and the reputation of your artist.

One of the aims of this blog is to provide professional advice to art buyers. We will use our expertise and hard won experience to illuminate the pitfalls and benefits of the art market. Our contributors are all professional buyers, curators and artists.