48FW Commander Portrait

Painting Commissions

The vast majority of my work in recent years has been in the form of commissions from air force and other units, airlines and other companies, galleries and individuals across the world. This directly involves the clients in a combined effort of imagination and learning in order to arrive at the paintings they have in mind and is the most challenging and interesting way to work.

Aviation paintings range from relatively straight-forward representations of particular aircraft to the highly exacting depictions of complex historic scenarios. But whichever part of the spectrum they lie on high accuracy and artistic and excellence are always my top concern. The following outline of steps reflects this focus:

  1. Think carefully about what you want in your painting. Note down any special features you wish shown or emphasized. It may be a fairly generalized scene, in which case you may leave much of the decisions to the artist. If, on the other hand, it is a highly specific kind of situation, then it is important that every circumstance is taken into account: time of day, weather, altitude, terrain, heading, etc.and etc. Everything. Allow at least a couple of months for the painting to be done.
  2. Draw a sketch or diagram if you can – it tends to save a lot of words. It doesn't matter if it's not very artistic (although I'm often pleasantly surprised) – that's my job. Get together photographic and other supporting references and send them to me along with the sketch.
  3. I will quote you a price for the work. The "standard" size is a 20 x 30 in. canvas (approx 25 x 35 in. framed). Officers' Messes/Clubs often request larger sizes for their walls, such as 24 x 36 ins (approx 30 x 42 ins framed).
  4. I will interact with you via e-mail using drawings in order to visualise and arrive at the best possible solution for the painting. Once the concept finalized I will be ready to commence with the canvas. At that point there will be a down payment of approx 25% of the agreed price.
  5. You will be kept updated on the progress of the work. Your active cooperation is very important to the outcome. When the work is near completion I will send digital images of the painting for your final approval. The remaining payment is due at completion.
  6. Delivery or collection of the finished painting by special arrangement. This may involve further costs which may need to be considered, such as for shipping/air freight overseas. But we'll face that when we get there.

There is no quicker way to make back whatever money you pay the artist than to follow on from the commissioned work by investing in a series of fine art prints! If you belong to a squadron or wing there is also no better way to put yourselves "on the map" than by producing a good quality print from your painting …which as well as selling at air shows, etc. is convenient for decoration, presentations, gifts and so forth. The number of repeat customers proves the point.

For more information on painting commissions and prints please contact me.