Commission a Watercolour Painting
Firstly, I am a watercolour artist, so all my commissions are watercolour paintings. A personal watercolour commissioned painting is a lovely unique gift for someone special. Hours of care and attention go into each of my paintings to provide you with a special highly detailed beautiful painting.
For ease I have split the commission information into five subject areas:
If you are looking for a specific commission that isn’t covered by the above subjects i.e. book illustrations or a corporate commission, then please feel free to contact me by email with details of your commission idea.
A commissioned painting is a very special personal gift that can be treasured for many years. My watercolour painting commissions are created using only quality archival materials, which means your painting, carefully looked after, will last for generations.
First and foremost, working on your commission is a collaborative process, between you and me. So, therefore, it’s important that we have great communication, that’s why I’ll keep you informed throughout the whole process. If you have any questions at any point then please feel free to contact me and we can discuss over the phone or by email any questions you may have. At the end of the day we both want you to be happy with your exquisite commissioned painting. I take pride in providing a friendly professional service and love to connect with new and returning customers.
Commission Painting Process
Please get in touch if you require any help and I’ll be happy to guide you through the commission process.
Stage 1 Commission Prices
For commission prices, please visit the Commissions shop and click the type of commission you’d like to see standard sizes and prices. If you’re thinking of something specific, with a bespoke size, then please email your photos and requirements to me and I’ll create a tailored quote specifically for you.
Stage 2 Deposit Payment
Before I begin painting your commission, I require a 50% payment of the overall fee. You can pay this by clicking the type of commission you’d like in my Commissions shop. Once this payment has been received you will go into my calendar schedule, so you will have booked your space for your commission. I work on a first come, first served basis, and can be very busy with commissions. So, therefore, you need to plan ahead. If you’re thinking of a gift commission for someone special and you need it soon, I do offer gift vouchers of various values which provide a great alternative.
Stage 3 Sending Photographs
Firstly, I will create your commission mainly from one photograph, but I will need other photos of the subject(s) to gather more information and detail. This helps in creating your wonderful watercolour commission. Once you have sorted through your photographs you can email them to me with the details of your commission.
Good photographs are very important, and you can learn more about the type of photographs I need and also how best to take photographs on my Photography Tips page.
Pet Portrait Photography Tips
Portrait Photography Tips
Landscape Commission Photography Tips
Wildlife Commission Photography Tips
Architectural Photography Tips
Stage 4 Initial Composition of your commissioned painting
Once you have emailed your photographs and explained the type of commission painting you want, including size and how many subjects, I will create a simple drawing of the potential composition of your painting. Sometimes I will use Adobe Photoshop to design the layout of your commission, using the photos you send. It all depends on what you want, as to how I create the initial drawing layout.
Then I email the proposed composition to you, for your feedback. Please note the pencil layouts I send have my watermark across them, this is not in the painting I create for you. These compositions are meant as a guide and a maximum of three amendments can be made to the sketch. If you require more amendments an additional charge will apply.
Once you are happy with the composition, I can begin your painting. I can keep you informed of the progress of your commission or if you prefer, I can keep it a surprise for you. Quite a few customers like to have a surprise reveal of the final painting!
Stage 5 Optional Framing
Generally, I leave framing up to you, but if you would like me to get your painting framed, then this is something we can discuss. I use a Fine Art Trade Guild framer, who offers archival museum grade framing if required. Framed commissions that have glass, instead of acrylic, need to be collected from my studio, based in Shropshire.
Stage 6 Completed Commission Painting and Final Payment
I will contact you on completion of the painting and will issue an invoice for the final payment.
Stage 7 Packing and Shipping
You can collect your painting if you prefer, otherwise all painting commissions are sent flat packed. Accompanying the painting will be a certificate of authenticity, confirming the title of the artwork and date of completion.
Gift Vouchers
I am very busy with commissions, so if you’re looking for a special commission and time is short, I would advise purchasing my gift vouchers. They’re available in different amounts and can be used towards a commission painting or to buy any of my lovely art in my shop. If in doubt, you can always get in touch and I’ll see what I can do.
Giclée Prints available
All my watercolour paintings are professionally photographed. Therefore, you can order fine art giclée prints of your commission. They can be a great idea for a commemorative event commission, or as a beautiful gift for family and friends. These are archival giclée prints and so have a long life. If you would like to know more, please contact me.
Worldwide Shipping
I can send your commission direct to whoever your special painting is for, including any special note you wish to send. Let me know what you would like, please feel free to get in touch and we can have a chat by phone or email. Please see my shipping charges for more information. All my watercolour paintings can be shipped worldwide.
****Please note all artworks undertaken including commissions are the copyright property of Helen Parry ****