Commissioning a painting

If you would like to commission your own original painting. Below is information about my process to create a custom painting for you.

On this page I try to make sure you know what to expect. Commissioning a painting requires clear communication. The more information I have, the better I can meet your expectations of your custom art piece.

You can also see a selection of the commission work I have done here.

I am very particular about the images I work from. From over a decade of working from my images and client images, I know what works with my style, I will not accept projects that I know will not work with my painting process.

Starting point:

Many of my works are commissioned art pieces, there are a variety of ways to go about the process. Here is a few ways clients have requested their painting:

  1. The client gives me a photo to work from.
  2. The client gives me multiple photos to work from and I select the photo I think will work the best.
  3. The client requests a specific view or location, but they do not have the photos. I go to the location (usually in the Vancouver area) and take photos to paint from.
  4. The client would like a specific painting I have already done and wants a similar original piece or of a specific size to go in their space. Most often I have multiple reference photos from a particular location when I work on a painting, so I can vary the size of a painting.

Process:

  1. Email me to start the discussion. 
    • It is very helpful for me to know which pieces in my portfolio caught your eye and resonated with you.
  2. Once the image to paint and the details are agreed upon, I formalize it into a proposal/contract document that I email you by pdf, this includes:
    • composition, size, expected timeline, price, delivery method
    • 50% non-refundable deposit to begin
  3. Deposit is paid.
  4. I start working on your painting
  5. If I use your photos, I will request a photo release to allow me to use the artwork in my portfolio
  6. Most often I will not share the painting in progress, but I will give you timeline updates so you know that your painting is in progress.
  7. Sometimes the client wants to be surprised and see the painting in person. I will discuss with you ahead of time whether to show you digital images of the finished painting OR if you want to wait to see the piece in-person.  

Deposit:

 If we move forward after initial discussion & proposal, I request a 50% non-refundable deposit before I begin painting. I cannot imagine anyone not loving the art in their home, so if you are not satisfied with your final commission, the deposit can go towards other original work on my site. The only time that I have had a commission returned has been when I agreed to paint a subject that did not work with my style. This is why I may turn down your project initially if I know it will not be successful.

Materials:

My paintings are acrylic paint on canvas or on panel. When the painting is complete, I use an isolation gel coat followed by varnish (the sheen will be discussed in the proposal – I mostly varnish using a satin finish these days). I sign the front of the painting J.Hastie in paint and I sign, date and title the painting on the back. I can also recommend a hardwood frame if that is interesting.

Works on Canvas:

The canvas I use is most often mounted on 1.5" stretcher bars. I paint around the edges so the painting can be hung framed or unframed.

I paint on a variety of sizes of canvas. At this time, I use standard size canvases. If you want a custom size, extra cost and time may be added to your project.

 

Painting Timeline:

It depends. One of the most challenging parts of a commission for me is timeline. I know you are excited to have your new custom art. Often commissions take longer for me as I am working up to your expectations. This timeline does not include shipping.

For some projects, I paint a small sketch on paper before going big. These planning stages are critical for taking on extra large canvas paintings. Thanks for your patience if I spend more time developing the artwork.

 

Delivery:

I wrap the painting in plastic, cardboard and bubble wrap. I use Canada Post to mail the paintings. I can also negotiate pick up based on your location. This can be negotiated in the proposal.

Shipping timeline is not included in the painting timeline.

Pricing & Dimensions

Material

Size (in)

Area (sq-in)

2023 Prices (CAD)*

Canvas

12 x

12

144

 $ 1,000

Canvas

12 x

16

192

 $ 1200

Canvas

16 x

16

256

 $ 1,300

Canvas

18 x

24

432

 $ 1,800

Canvas

24 x

24

576

 $ 2,200

Canvas

22 x

28

616

 $ 2,300

Canvas

18 x

36

648

 $ 2,400

Canvas

24 x

30

720

$ 2,600

Canvas

30 x

30

900

 $ 3,000

Canvas

24 x

48

1152

$ 3,700

Canvas

30 x

40

1200

$ 3,800

Canvas

36 x

36

1296

 $ 4,100

Canvas

36 x

48

1728

 $ 5,200

Canvas

48 x

60

2880

 $ 8,300

 

Standard canvas sizes are in inches and once beyond 36" tend to be rounded to the nearest foot (12").

*These prices are based on a typical project and are subject to change if the project requires more work than expected.

 *These prices exclude taxes and shipping. All projects will have additional taxes and shipping charges based on project. 

 

Questions or comments:

If you have further questions or would like to start the process. Please email me: Joanne Hastie at joanne@joannehastie.com