A guide to commissioning a horse portrait with equestrian artist Emily Johnson.
For many clients commissioning a piece of art is a new experience. This blog post has been written to help you understand how simple and enjoyable the process is with me. The commissioning process can be broken down into three simple stages. Preparation, Production and the Reveal!
Preparation
– Initial consultation.
We have an informal discussion about what you have in mind. The subject, size and medium are all discussed, an opportunity for you to share any photographs and ideas that you have. I very much enjoy receiving input from clients. Some clients are full of ideas and know exactly what they are looking for, while others have no idea what they want and are excited for me to come up with some options.
– Meeting with the client
Wherever possible I like to visit you in person, meeting the subject myself in real life and getting to know a bit more about you. This is an important opportunity for me to take my own photographs and carry out some initial sketches of the subject. Most importantly while I am doing this I gain a huge insight into the character of your horse, this is then what will shine through into your finished painting.
I do understand that a visit isn’t always possible. In these cases, I ask for as many photos of your horse as possible and love to hear a few stories giving me insight into their character.
– Mock Up
From ideas discussed during my visit I will then produce digital ‘Mock Ups’ to illustrate initial concepts for your painting. I can show the composition, the colours for the background and which photo I will mainly be working from quickly and easily. Then together we can go back and forth until we have every detail ironed out before every putting brush to canvas.
The ‘mock up’. A photo I have digitally edited to produce a visual representation of what the client’s painting might look like.
• Production
– Creating your piece
Once the mock-up has your approval, I will begin work producing your bespoke piece of artwork! I usually ask clients to allow 8-12 weeks from this point, however depending on the size, complexity and medium this can vary.
I usually do not need to communicate too much during this time, getting back in touch with you at the later stages of the painting process.
• Reveal
Finally, the moment you have been waiting for! You get to see your piece in its’ final stages!
It is at this stage I will send you some photos of your piece and we can discuss any finishing touches or alterations. I have found that allowing the client in on the process at the final stages ensures they are nothing but delighted with the finished piece.
I have an incredible framer I work closely alongside who can then ship directly to you, or I am more than happy for you to collect or deliver to you unframed.
Fee Schedule
Quotes for bespoke pieces are unique to each individual client. Fees range from £1500 – £15,000 depending size, medium and complexity.
The process
• A small refundable deposit will be taken at the beginning of the process to secure your place on my commission’s list.
• Once we have finalised all the finer details of the brief, your deposit will be taken up to 50% of the total price of the piece enabling me to make a start on your painting.
• The remainder of the balance will be taken when you have seen and have approved the finishing touches of your piece.
Let’s get the ball rolling, I’d love to hear what you have in mind!