The Process: Commissioning a Custom Piece of Artwork with Parnell Gallery

Commissioning a piece of art is an exciting and rewarding way to collaborate with an artist and create something unique, tailored specifically to your vision and space. At Parnell Gallery, we work with you and the artist while making the process straightforward and enjoyable, facilitating the commission from initial concept to final delivery.

1. Initial Contact and the Gallery’s Role

If you are considering a commission, and are curious about what the process might be for an artist you’re interested in, the first step is to reach out to us at Parnell Gallery. Not all artists offer commissions, and those who do have their own unique approach (this individuality being part of what makes each artist so brilliant)! We can help facilitate communication and confirm whether your chosen artist is open to creating a bespoke piece, along with what the process will involve.

Working with the gallery allows you to share your ideas and preferences – whether it’s what you’re drawn to most, aspects you may be uncertain of, or elements of an artist’s work that don’t resonate with you for your commission – without feeling like you have to filter your feedback. We act as the bridge between you and the artist, ensuring your vision is communicated clearly and positively. 

Our established relationship with the artist means we can present your ideas in ways that complement their individual creative process, making sure the entire experience is seamless and comfortable for both you and them. This thoughtful approach ensures you’ll receive a piece that meets your expectations, while working within the artist’s methodological preferences.

2. Clarifying Your Vision

One of the most important steps in the commission process is clarifying your vision. While some clients come to us with a very clear idea of what they want, others begin with just a basic concept. Both approaches are perfectly fine, and we’re here to guide you through whatever stage you may be at. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the outset — we help you shape the project by asking the right questions.

Consider the following as a starting point:

• Size: Think about the space where you’d like the artwork to live. What dimensions would fit best?
• Colour Palette: If you have a specific colour scheme in mind, let us know. This ensures the piece will complement its surroundings.
• Budget: Having a budget in mind can be helpful. To get an idea of costs, we recommend looking at the artist’s current works in a similar size to what you have in mind. We’re also happy to assist and can typically provide a rough price guide with your initial enquiry.
• Examples: Having one or two previous works by the artist in mind is helpful but certainly not necessary, this is something we can discuss and refer to through the consultation process. It’s worth keeping in mind that artists wouldn’t replicate a previous original work, however they are usually happy to create something in a similar vein, carrying through particular elements like the colour palette or composition into your commission. 

Commissions often begin with a very open discussion, and once we have the size and general outline of what you have in mind, we will consult with the artist and confirm a cost and timeframe for completion of the artwork with you. From there, if you would like to proceed, we refine your vision into a clear Commission Outline that is signed off by you and the artist before they begin. Further details on what’s involved in confirming a commission are below in ‘Confirmation and Deposits’. 

4. Addressing Concerns

A common question we receive is, “What if I don’t like the final piece, or it’s not what we discussed?” This is why we prioritise clarity right from the outset. By thoroughly discussing your vision and exploring any details you may not have considered, we ensure that everyone is aligned before the artist begins work. Our role is to facilitate communication between you and the artist, so the final piece matches your expectations.

4. Confirmation and Deposits 

Once the brief is set and you’re happy to proceed, a deposit of 50% of the commission cost will be required before the artist begins work. This confirms the purchase, secures your commission, and allows the artist to plan for its creation within their studio timeline. For the majority of commissions, we would confirm the size, cost, and timeframe before requesting the deposit. However, for more complex projects, we may request the deposit earlier to ensure commitment before the artist invests significant time and work that may be required to provide a brief. Be assured that in this instance, you will be provided with enough detail to confidently move forward before a brief is refined. 

After the deposit has been made, the artist can begin working on your artwork. At this point, we’ll often provide a full Commission Outline, with details for the project, which is shared with both you and the artist to ensure everyone is on the same page. This helps keep the project organised, transparent, and avoids any misunderstandings.

While the deposit secures the artist’s time and commitment, it remains with the gallery until the artwork is complete. This ensures we can manage the process fully, offering reassurance should anything unexpected arise that leads to a commission being unable to be completed.

5. Progress Updates

Before proceeding, we’ll help set expectations around progress updates. The majority of artists don’t typically send progress photos at different stages due to their individual creative processes. While some may provide detailed drafts and updates as they complete specific sections of the painting or sculpture, others work in layers and stages, meaning progress images might not feel reflective of the final outcome.  

For this reason, we don’t promise progress images upfront but handle this on a case-by-case basis. If updates are important to you, let us know so we can discuss what’s feasible and ensure the best approach for your commissioned piece.

6. Completion, Framing and Delivery

Once completed, we’ll send you an image of the finished piece to ensure it aligns with the brief. It will then be delivered to the gallery, where it will be photographed for your documentation, including the Certificate of Authenticity.

The remaining balance is due upon completion, and we’ll send through your invoice before collection or delivery. If you prefer, you’re welcome to make instalment payments for the balance throughout the process.

From there, we arrange for your commission to travel to its new home. Depending on your location, we can either arrange a quote to ship, deliver, or have it packaged and ready for you to collect from the gallery. Should your artwork require framing, we are delighted to offer a framing service and can arrange a consultation and quote. 

If you have any further queries around the commission process, or if you would like to discuss an artwork you have in mind, get in touch. We welcome enquiries and look forward to hearing from you. 

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At Parnell Gallery, our goal is to make commissioning a piece as smooth and fulfilling as possible. By acting as the intermediary between you and the artist, we ensure clear communication, manage expectations, and provide you with progress updates to make the experience seamless and enjoyable. Our long-standing relationships with artists mean we understand their process and can guide you to the best results.