PAINTING - Commission Painting

Yikes! You want me to paint your cat?! But, but, but……

Yeah, seems if people find out you are a decent painter, they may ask you to paint something dear to them like their pet. This has happened to me several times now and at first I was scared to death. What if it doesn’t look like their pet? How much should it cost them? What options do I offer them (ie. size, acrylic, oil, quality of materials, and what changes, if any to the original paint, etc..), what time frame, how long for drying time, frames? Well, to be honest, give them a few choices, sizes/price, and tell them what to expect and basically how long it will take, and they are good. Oh, also, if you can, keep them up to date on the work in progress (text or email them the painting) so if they have any changes they can let you know before you finish.

Luckily, all of my commissions have been very successful and the patrons have loved them. One has had me paint her daughter’s cat and dog as gifts for her . I think I like commissions because it helps me decide what to paint next. Since I haven’t ‘found’ myself yet, it helps in that area I think. —stephen