A number of years ago I was asked if I would paint a particular kind of painting on commission. The purchaser was a well known architect and I was very flattered to be asked to create a work of art for his home. We had several conversations about what was required and we came to an understanding about the price and the specifications of the painting. He had recently purchased a one of a kind rug that he planned to use as a wall hanging. What he wanted me to do was to design a large painting that would hang on the opposite wall from the rug. The painting should have a similar or complementary color scheme and be in the style he knew I was working in at the time. Also, the size needed to be a very specific size, six feet square.
I immediately began to draw a number of small sketches that would give him an idea of the way I was thinking about this project. We agreed verbally that I should go ahead and create the painting. Well I was full speed ahead on this project and began the work of building the stretchers, and laying out the new canvas. The actual painting took a number of weeks and it was very stimulating to be working on this project.
This was my first experience with having art commissioned. I was very naive and ignorant of the way business works so I agreed to the project on the basis of trust and a handshake. I now know that is not enough. I had not asked for a down payment when I began the project because it didn't even occur to me to do so.
When the painting was finished I called my client and he and his wife came to my studio to see the painting. And there's where the first mistake showed up. His wife was not involved in the purchase and when she saw the painting, she didn't like it. She liked my work, but she didn't like the painting. I believe she was angry at him because he hadn't included her in the decision making. She had the veto power, and unfortunately, I was the one it was aimed at.
When it turned out that the painting was rejected, I immediately offered to sell them another painting from my studio at the same price. They agreed so all was not lost. The only problem was that I was now in possession of a painting that was so specific that it would be hard to sell it to someone else.
Several years later I sold the painting to another collector but the experience I gained from my first commision taught me a lot. I now know that I need a written contract and a down payment on the price agreed upon as well as a schedule of payment as the work progresses. I also know that all parties involved in the purchase need to be on board.
