Commission Procedure

• Artistic Considerations
  • Who to portray
    The very first question you want to think about.
  • Reference photo
    Unless you specifically want the artist to work from life, we will need a good reference photograph, preferably a few more.
    Do you already have one? If not, you will have the choice of shooting one by yourself, or have the artist do it for you. The second choice is not always possible especially if you are geographically remote from us. For this, we provide detailed instruction and tips on how to take good reference photos. We will also provide individualized assistance for your particular situations.
  • How to portray
    What is the characteristics of the person you want to have potrayed?
    We do not want you to get bogged down with this, but it would certainly be better if you could give us an idea. If you already have a specific reference phogoraph in mind, then it might give us the answer.
• Practical Considerations
  • Size of the piece
    We regard 18"x24" (approx. 45cm x 60cm) the standard size. It is a good size for a one-man (or one-pet) portrait; the model can be comfortably fitted into the size, from head down to shoulders. In addition, since it is the maximum paper size in which prepared paper comes, it helps to keep the cost low.
    However, if it is a group portrait of more than one person, or if you want to have more than head and shoulders of the model, it is desirable to use larger paper from the artist point of view.
    Oftentimes, however, there is another practical aspect you have to make a careful trade-off with: A 18"x24" piece looks good in a frame of the size 24"x30" (approx. 60cm x 75cm) or larger. It is rather big. If the piece is larger than 18"x24", the frame needs to be even larger accordingly. Do you have a space to hang a frame of that size? Please think in advance where the piece is eventually hung.
    24"x30" is usually the maximum size of ready-made frames you can get on the market. If the frame needs to be larger than this, you will probably have to have the piece custom-framed, which will cost you some extra money than a ready-made frame.
  • Material of the support
    Support is what artits paint on. In the case of pastel paintings, it is usually a sheet of paper, but it does not have to be so. We often use specially treated paper boards, because they can take a lot of beating. The photo on the right shows the surface texture of the paper board treated with marble dust.
    However, boards are not an option if you would like to eventually have it shipped and keep the shipping cost to the minimum. In that case, we have to use sheets of paper that can be rolled up in a tube. See a separate document on packaging for details.

After the Piece Itself Is Done

• Matting and Framing
  Besides the minimum protection, the piece will be delivered by itself unmatted and unframed. Upon request, however, it can be just matted, or both matted and framed, for a fee. We provide general information on matting and framing elsewhere.
• Shipping
  If you cannot come pick up the piece at our studio, it will need to be shipped. We will not be held responsible for the damage during shipment. Please calculate the risk and determine the appropriate amount for insurance.