Commissions
So you are interested in Commissioning a Painting
I love to hear your ideas and visions for your painting and will work with you to create a painting which measures up to your initial “vision”. I achieve this by producing watercolour studies in advance and agreeing on both size and the colour palette. It is wonderful to produce work which compliments the colour scheme of your home, something only a bespoke work can achieve.
An original artwork can take up to two months to create, so please contact me well in advance of any special occasion or date.
"Saunton Sands, Devon"
private commission
Working with Sam to create this view of Saunton Sands was great fun. Saunton is her favourite beach and place to walk her three dogs. First a studio visit to gather ideas. A second visit to her home so we could agree on the size and proportion of the finished painting also enabled me to meet her dogs and learn a bit about their characters. Alfie loved chasing birds, Pippin would trot rather than run so it was important to include them doing this in the painting. Details like these make it such a joy to work with a client and ensure the finished painting is exactly as they imagined.
"The Rifle Butts, Riddlesdown"
private commission
“I spent a couple of years without success trying to find the right painting for the room in my house that I spend the most time in. It had to be a natural landscape with great light and depict a place that I know either by inference or literally".
I had seen Melanie’s work and approached her about commissioning the painting. I have never done anything like this before so it was great that Melanie explained the process clearly, took the time to understand my needs, provided costing up front and involved me every step of the way as the concept and painting developed.
Now I have a beautifully lit painting of Riddlesdown Rifle Butts that I look at every day and delivers what a purchase from a gallery couldn’t; a personalised view of a place I love.”
Penny Hill Park Hotel & Spa,
Commercial commission
This was an interesting project working for Russell Sage Studio, the interior design company leading a major refurbishment project at Pennyhill Hotel and Spa in Bagshot. I really enjoyed being part of a larger team, co-ordinating with the end client to ensure everyone was happy with the two paintings I produced to sit opposite each other in the main entrance to the new "Water Iris Suite".
Commissioning a Painting - Things to Consider
Scene/Location
Is there a particular scene or viewpoint that you would like painted? I specialise in painting the beaches and landscapes, particularly those of Devon and Cornwall as well as West Wittering and views over the Surrey Hills and Downs. I am happy to paint any natural landscape.
Colour palette & Mood
Would you like your painting to be cool and calming? Or perhaps energetic and invigorating? The colour palette can influence the mood of a painting, as can the use of brush strokes and use of texture. In landscapes, the weather conditions have a huge influence on the mood of the piece.
Size
If you have a wall ready for hanging your painting, please take measurements so you have an idea of the canvas size. If you’d like to frame your painting bear in mind the additional space this will take up. Photos of where the painting will be hung are helpful, but not a compulsory requirement. If you are local to me, then I may be able to visit you to see the space for myself.
Initial contact
I am happy to discuss your ideas and requirements on my personal mobile 07970 432348, or you can email me if you prefer. The process begins by planning what you would like me to paint for you, I aim to produce at least two watercolour studies to show you my ideas and colour options, so that we can agree the actual composition and colour palette in advance. It is only once everyone is happy, that I then ask for a 30% non-refundable deposit and agree the deadline for delivery.
Watercolour studies can be purchased in addition to the finished painting (at additional cost). Some clients like to do this as a memento of the whole process.
On Completion
Your painting will be delivered ready to hang, complete with hanging cord and white painted edges. I deliver commissioned pieces unframed unless we have included framing within the agreed commission. If, for whatever reason you decide not to accept the painting, then there is no cost beyond the 30% deposit, but of course, I shall retain the painting. You only pay the balance once the painting has been delivered and you are happy with it.
Authenticity and Copyright
Every painting is accompanied by a signed “Certificate of Authenticity”. Purchasing a painting does not include transfer of copyright. However, after completion you will have the opportunity to order cards and/or prints of the work for friends and family. Please ask for prices.
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