How to Commission a Painting or Artwork: A Complete Guide

How to Commission a Painting or Artwork in the UK

Commissioning a painting or an artwork is a brilliant way to bring something personal into your home or workspace. Whether you're after a bespoke portrait, a landscape that reminds you of somewhere special, or a beautiful piece that completes a room, knowing how to commission art confidently can make all the difference.

This guide explains exactly what it means to commission a painting, how to get started, and what to expect along the way. If you’re thinking about a painting commission or want to commission an original piece of artwork but aren’t sure how it works, this article walks you through it clearly.

Outline

1. What does it mean to commission an artwork?

2. Why commission a painting instead of buying existing art?

3. How do I commission an artwork that fits my space?

4. Where do I start when commissioning art?

5. How do I approach artists about a painting commission?

6. What should I include in the initial brief?

7. How long will it take to commission a painting?

8. What are the typical commission prices and payment terms?

9. How involved can I be in the creative process?

10. What happens once the painting has been completed?

1. What does it mean to commission an artwork?

To commission a painting or any artwork means you're asking an artist to create something specific for you. Instead of buying an existing piece, you’re having a one-of-a-kind artwork made to your brief. This is known as an art commission.

Commissioning art has a long history. In fact, many of the great works from the history of art were commissioned pieces. Today, it’s a more personal process. You might commission an original painting for your home, your office, or as a gift.

When you commission an artwork, you're working directly with the artist. You agree on the size, subject, style, and price. You may also agree how much creative freedom the artist has. It’s a relationship, not a transaction.

2. Why commission a painting instead of buying existing art?

Commissioning a work of art lets you shape the piece from the start. You’re not restricted by what’s available in a gallery or shop. If you want a painting that matches a particular colour palette, or has sentimental value, a painting commission is ideal.

You might want to:

• Mark an occasion with a personalised artwork.

• Fill a specific wall space with the right size and tone.

• Choose original art that reflects your personal story.

When you commission a painting, you’re not just buying something to hang on the wall. You’re creating a connection with the artist and bringing a unique commission to life.

3. How do I commission an artwork that fits my space?

If you’re looking to commission artwork for a specific room or wall, size is the first thing to consider. Measure the space and think about how much impact you want the piece to have. A large wall art commission makes a bold statement, while a smaller piece can be more subtle.

Think about:

• The size and shape of the wall.

• Lighting conditions in the room.

• What colours or mood you’d like the artwork to reflect.

You can provide the artist with reference photos of your space. This helps them get a clear idea of where the final artwork will be displayed and how to tailor the piece.

An interior designer or art consultant can also help you commission artwork that complements the rest of your space, especially if you're building a collection.

4. Where do I start when commissioning art?

The process usually begins with an initial contact. You get in touch with the artist, often via email or social media, to check if they accept commissions. Many artists also have forms on their website where you can explain what you’re looking for.

When considering commissioning a painting, be prepared with:

• A general idea of subject, style, and size.

• When you need the finished painting by.

• A budget, or at least a ballpark figure.

If the artist accepts, you’ll usually pay a non-refundable deposit so they can start work. This is a standard part of commissioning art and secures your slot in the artist’s schedule.

5. How do I approach artists about a painting commission?

Approaching artists doesn’t need to be formal. Most artists are open to discussing a commission if they have time. Just be clear, respectful, and honest. Tell them you’re looking to commission a painting and share a few ideas or reference images.

Start the conversation with:

• A short intro about yourself.

• What you’d like them to create.

• Any practical info, such as deadlines or framing needs.

It helps to follow the artist’s usual process. They may have FAQs or commission guides on their site. Respecting their workflow and payment terms sets the tone for a smooth project.

6. What should I include in the initial brief?

Your initial brief is where you explain what you’d like the artist to make. This doesn’t have to be perfect, but the clearer your idea, the easier it is for the artist to price and plan your commission.

Include in your brief:

• Subject matter (e.g. landscape, portrait, abstract).

• Preferred medium (e.g. oil paintings, acrylic, watercolour).

• Size or aspect ratio.

• Colour palette preferences.

• Any meaningful details or themes.

Reference images or sketches are useful, especially if you're after something specific. The artist may offer suggestions too, based on their style. Having a shared understanding of what you want helps get the best end result.

7. How long will it take to commission a painting?

A painting commission can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It depends on the artist’s availability, the complexity of your idea, and how large the artwork is.

Most painting commissions take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete. Some artists offer progress updates, so you can see how the piece is developing. Others may prefer to focus without interruption.

Be clear about any deadlines from the start. If it’s a gift or needed for a certain date, the artist needs to know during the initial contact. It’s not always possible to commission art last-minute, so build in plenty of time.

8. What are the typical commission prices and payment terms?

Commission prices vary depending on the artist’s experience, the size of the piece, and how detailed the brief is. As a rough guide:

• Small paintings may start from £200–£500.

• Medium works might be £500–£1,500.

• Larger or detailed commissions can exceed £2,000.

You’ll usually pay a deposit at the start. This can be 25% to 50% of the total cost. The artist will often request the balance once the final artwork is complete. Some may offer a staged payment schedule for bigger works.

Check the payment terms up front. Are there extra charges for framing? Will delivery be included? It’s important to know what’s covered before the artist begins.

9. How involved can I be in the creative process?

This depends on the artist. Some artists are happy to give regular progress updates and take on client feedback as they go. Others prefer more freedom to interpret the brief without interruptions.

At minimum, you can expect:

• A chance to discuss your ideas and reference images.

• A stage where the artist confirms the brief before they start.

• An option to see a sketch or concept before the full painting begins.

It’s usually not possible to make big changes once the painting has started, especially with oil paintings. So any creative changes are best made during the early stages of commissioning art.

The best results often come from a balance of clear guidance and creative freedom. Trusting the artist to create a piece in their style is often part of why people choose to commission art.

10. What happens once the painting has been completed?

Once the painting has been completed, the artist will get in touch to share images of the finished work. You’ll usually pay the final balance at this point. Some artists may allow you to view the work in person if you’re nearby.

Make sure you ask the artist:

• Whether the piece is framed or unframed.

• How it will be delivered or collected.

• If they offer care tips for the artwork.

You might receive a certificate of authenticity for the piece of art. In some cases, the artist may also release limited edition art prints based on the work, if this has been agreed in advance.

Once the commission is complete, it’s yours. A beautiful original painting that you helped bring to life.

Summary: Key Points to Remember When You Commission a Painting

• Commissioning art means asking an artist to create a specific, one-of-a-kind piece.

• You can tailor the artwork to your style, space, and story.

• Start with a clear brief and reference images if possible.

• Get in touch with the artist early, especially if you have a deadline.

• Most commissions require a non-refundable deposit.

• Prices vary, but a medium-sized painting might cost £500–£1,500.

• Be open to the artist’s style and creative process.

• Agree payment terms, delivery, and any extras like a frame upfront.

• Finished paintings are usually shared as images before final payment.

• A commission is a collaboration - and the result is an artwork that’s truly yours.

Thinking about getting started? Whether you're looking to commission an artwork for yourself or as a gift, now is a good time to ask the artist what’s possible. What would you want your commissioned painting to say?

Portrait by Zoe Star Hilton