COMMISSIONED ART
A commission is a custom piece of artwork made by Aparna, just for you! Please send me an email directly if you would like a commissioned piece, and I will get back to you.
I love to create special custom artwork for home owners, art consultants, designers and architects. My keen eye for detail, knowledge of color and design, and ability to stick with deadlines helps make the process go smoothly.
I can work from your inspiration photos, ideas, or references to other pieces of mine. I don't "NEED" a photo of yours to work from to make a commission happen, but I am happy to receive one if you have one! A lot of times, I have clients come to me telling me which pieces of mine they like (and why), and then tell me exactly what they'd like me to change to make it their own special piece. For example, a client can look through my portfolio and see the painting "Stepping Out" and decide they LOVE it, but they'd rather it be a blue color scheme rather than grey- we can do that! I can add and subtract from other paintings I've done in the past that you love most and create you a whole new custom piece.
THE PROCESS
STAGE 1: MEET AND GREET
Whether it’s virtual or in person over a cuppa coffee, I always like to meet with the client before starting a commission to make sure we are the right fit for each other. Sometimes a client will have an exact image in their mind of that they want, while others have only a vague idea (and either way is fine!). We will use this time to refine the piece’s theme/image, and talk about where the painting will be hung because that often impacts the commission details. Then we will move on to talking about colors, size etc. Don’t worry if you are not sure about the size of art that is perfect for your space or the color palette that will suit your decor. I can help you navigate both those decisions by giving you color options that will go with your room decor and also showing you the right art size for the room.
STAGE 2: contract and deposit
The client and I will both sign a Commission Agreement Contract that outlines the ownership rights, painting detail and delivery date. At the same time, the client will pay their 50% deposit. (the final 50% is due in full before the delivery of the artwork). Once that’s taken care of, it’s time to start painting!
STAGE 3: THE STUDIO SKETCH
A studio sketch is a small version of the painting, usually done in my sketchbook, that happens before I put paintbrush to canvas. This gives the client an idea of what they can expect for the full-sized version and lets them refine the piece as needed. If the client has any suggestions or things they want changed this is the stage to do it! We can tweak, alter and improve the design until it’s perfect. Sometimes we will make a few changes, other times they are happy with it right away.
As a creative, no two pieces are complete reproductions of each other, but i do make several small paintings for instagram ( ) and often clients will seek inspiration there and ask for larger commissioned art for their home with a similar feel/vibe.
STAGE 4: PAINTING & SHARING DETAILS
This is the stage where I hit the studio and work away at the painting until it’s complete. I use the studio sketch as my guide throughout the whole process. I love the creativity and meditative feel of this stage. Focusing on a painting and seeing it from start to completion is very rewarding. When the painting is close to completion, I will share the details of the piece from various angles and, if necessary, incorporate minor revisions. After that, final photos will be sent for approval.
STAGE 5: COMPLETION & Delivery
When the final painting is complete, I’ll set a time to deliver the painting to the client. This is also when the client delivers the second (and final)payment for the piece. Depending on where they are located, the piece will either be shipped or delivered in person.
STAGE 6: FOLLOW UP
The commission isn’t over once the painting is delivered. Creating a commission is such a fun, collaborative and rewarding process for me (and hopefully the client too!). Often times I will end up forming a relationship with the client throughout the process. I love to stay in touch with them over time, check in on how the painting is doing and meet up for a drink!