The Clowns
Commissions Welcome
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Devon Artists Network (DAN)
I am proud to announce that I am now a member of DAN (Devon Artists Network). Find me here
How To Commission A Painting
The first things your Artist needs to know.
Black and White or Color? Decide if you want your commission to be in black and white or in color. Choose black and white for making a dramatic statement which can be very detailed at a small size. This isn't to say that it won't help the artist to know what color things are. Blue eyes are a different value than green.
Color lends a depth and reality to an image. It also conveys a broader range of emotion better than black and white. In general, we relate to, and "feel" color images more. If you want something very subtle or very over the top, then choose color.
Background or no background? Not every image needs to have a background. This is especially true of portrait work whether it is black and white or color.
Another option is to add a graphic image in the background that relates to the subject. It could be a flag behind a political figure for example or a a pair of crossed swords behind a knight. It could also be a pattern that is either simple of complex.
But all that being said, there is something complete and wonderful about a painting with the subject in an appropriate environment.
What size? Aside from complexity, size is the most influential factor when determining the price, and the reason is the same for both.
Time. The larger a piece is, the longer it takes to do. Likewise, the more detail and the more "stuff" that you want included in your piece, the more time it takes to do.
Not all pieces look good small, and not all pieces look better large. The subject, and the effect you are after, will often suggest the best size. A portrait destined for an opera house ought to be large while a miniature portrait's small size is far more intimate.
Framed or unframed? All commissions that you have done should be framed. This can be done by the artist or the artist's framer. These two people have the biggest stake making you happy. The frame should be an extension and a complement to the painting.
The only time this is not true is when you yourself are a framer or if a finished piece is being shipped. Especially overseas where the extra weight can make the cost prohibitive.
Receiving a piece framed alleviates the delay of hanging which isn't good for the art and devalues your investment. Wasn't showing it off to everyone the idea in the first place.
The budget. As you have seen, there are many factors that effect the price of a piece. One approach is to tell the artist how much you are willing to spend. The artist will manipulate the size, complexity, etc. so that you can get a quality job within your budget.
Another approach is to tell the artist everything you want to see in the commission and ask for a quote with your "want list" and see what comes up. The artist will usually give you a quote with a variety of sizes to choose from. You can pick one or you can ask the artist for suggestions on how to get the price in a range where you feel comfortable.
For example, you can get the cost of a piece down by changing a full figure image to a waist up image keeping the same size. Or you could keep your full figure and simplify or eliminate the background. Or you could keep everything and just go to a smaller size.
Don't be afraid to ask if you can make installments on expensive commissions. It is a common practice. But be prepared to pay at least one third of the total up front, one third half way through and the final third when it is complete unless the two of you agree to another plan.
An installment plan is a regular monthly payment for as long as it takes you to complete the transaction. The art is shipped once payment is complete.
The time factor. Imagine writing your name on a piece of paper that is 8 x 10 inches. No problem right? It's quick and easy and looks good without making a fuss.
Now write your name on a piece of paper the size of a postage stamp. This takes a little more planning, more effort and more attention to make it look good.
For a more relevant example, let's say that you want a special ring on the finger of your subject's portrait commission. If the piece is an 18 x 24 inch piece, this will not likely be a problem. If you want it done on an 8 x 10 inch piece, it's another story.
The solution? Let's say that the 8 x 10 quote is in the budget, but you really want that ring seen clearly. You can have the figure done at a closer view (from the waist up as opposed to a full figure from head to toe), or you could have the ring done as a graphic in the background. As we saw earlier, with creative inventiveness, there is almost always a way to get the job done within the budget.
The thing to remember is to know what the most important elements of the piece are and set your priorities so that you can relate to the artist what must be in the picture, what can be modified and what can be dropped if necessary.
Now your ready. With this information at hand, you are ready to contact your favorite artist with confidence and say I would like a commission.
Let me know if you would like a commissioned painting either by :-
Phone 01752 313645
Email sandy_wager@msn.com
Via my website http://www.artbysandywager.com
Post 94, Lancaster Gardens, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 4AE, UK
The above text was copied from (by Melissa A Benson re:- Squidoo http://www.squidoo.com/artcommission#module12411555)
Black and White or Color? Decide if you want your commission to be in black and white or in color. Choose black and white for making a dramatic statement which can be very detailed at a small size. This isn't to say that it won't help the artist to know what color things are. Blue eyes are a different value than green.
Color lends a depth and reality to an image. It also conveys a broader range of emotion better than black and white. In general, we relate to, and "feel" color images more. If you want something very subtle or very over the top, then choose color.
Background or no background? Not every image needs to have a background. This is especially true of portrait work whether it is black and white or color.
Another option is to add a graphic image in the background that relates to the subject. It could be a flag behind a political figure for example or a a pair of crossed swords behind a knight. It could also be a pattern that is either simple of complex.
But all that being said, there is something complete and wonderful about a painting with the subject in an appropriate environment.
What size? Aside from complexity, size is the most influential factor when determining the price, and the reason is the same for both.
Time. The larger a piece is, the longer it takes to do. Likewise, the more detail and the more "stuff" that you want included in your piece, the more time it takes to do.
Not all pieces look good small, and not all pieces look better large. The subject, and the effect you are after, will often suggest the best size. A portrait destined for an opera house ought to be large while a miniature portrait's small size is far more intimate.
Framed or unframed? All commissions that you have done should be framed. This can be done by the artist or the artist's framer. These two people have the biggest stake making you happy. The frame should be an extension and a complement to the painting.
The only time this is not true is when you yourself are a framer or if a finished piece is being shipped. Especially overseas where the extra weight can make the cost prohibitive.
Receiving a piece framed alleviates the delay of hanging which isn't good for the art and devalues your investment. Wasn't showing it off to everyone the idea in the first place.
The budget. As you have seen, there are many factors that effect the price of a piece. One approach is to tell the artist how much you are willing to spend. The artist will manipulate the size, complexity, etc. so that you can get a quality job within your budget.
Another approach is to tell the artist everything you want to see in the commission and ask for a quote with your "want list" and see what comes up. The artist will usually give you a quote with a variety of sizes to choose from. You can pick one or you can ask the artist for suggestions on how to get the price in a range where you feel comfortable.
For example, you can get the cost of a piece down by changing a full figure image to a waist up image keeping the same size. Or you could keep your full figure and simplify or eliminate the background. Or you could keep everything and just go to a smaller size.
Don't be afraid to ask if you can make installments on expensive commissions. It is a common practice. But be prepared to pay at least one third of the total up front, one third half way through and the final third when it is complete unless the two of you agree to another plan.
An installment plan is a regular monthly payment for as long as it takes you to complete the transaction. The art is shipped once payment is complete.
The time factor. Imagine writing your name on a piece of paper that is 8 x 10 inches. No problem right? It's quick and easy and looks good without making a fuss.
Now write your name on a piece of paper the size of a postage stamp. This takes a little more planning, more effort and more attention to make it look good.
For a more relevant example, let's say that you want a special ring on the finger of your subject's portrait commission. If the piece is an 18 x 24 inch piece, this will not likely be a problem. If you want it done on an 8 x 10 inch piece, it's another story.
The solution? Let's say that the 8 x 10 quote is in the budget, but you really want that ring seen clearly. You can have the figure done at a closer view (from the waist up as opposed to a full figure from head to toe), or you could have the ring done as a graphic in the background. As we saw earlier, with creative inventiveness, there is almost always a way to get the job done within the budget.
The thing to remember is to know what the most important elements of the piece are and set your priorities so that you can relate to the artist what must be in the picture, what can be modified and what can be dropped if necessary.
Now your ready. With this information at hand, you are ready to contact your favorite artist with confidence and say I would like a commission.
Let me know if you would like a commissioned painting either by :-
Phone 01752 313645
Email sandy_wager@msn.com
Via my website http://www.artbysandywager.com
Post 94, Lancaster Gardens, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 4AE, UK
The above text was copied from (by Melissa A Benson re:- Squidoo http://www.squidoo.com/artcommission#module12411555)
Buy My Art!
I now have a shop where you can buy my art as prints, greetings cards and other items here at Fine Art America
If there is an artwork on my website that you would like to purchase but is NOT currently in the shop please feel free to let me know and I will gladly add it to the shop for you to purchase.
All items are very reasonably priced and are of a very high standard via http://fineartamerica.com/index.html. For all orders/purchases outside the USA please allow approx 2 weeks for delivery. All terms and conditions of purchase are stated on the Fine Art America website.
If you would prefer an original or commissioned artwork please let me know via my email address at sandy_wager@msn.com
I have personally shopped here and an highly recommend this company. If you are ordering from the UK or other European countries please expect your order to take 2 weeks.
If there is an artwork on my website that you would like to purchase but is NOT currently in the shop please feel free to let me know and I will gladly add it to the shop for you to purchase.
All items are very reasonably priced and are of a very high standard via http://fineartamerica.com/index.html. For all orders/purchases outside the USA please allow approx 2 weeks for delivery. All terms and conditions of purchase are stated on the Fine Art America website.
If you would prefer an original or commissioned artwork please let me know via my email address at sandy_wager@msn.com
I have personally shopped here and an highly recommend this company. If you are ordering from the UK or other European countries please expect your order to take 2 weeks.
My 2010 Art Calendar
My 2010 Calendar is my 1st to be published and on sale. For this 1st calendar I only released 10.
For 2011, I will make a new calendar, but will limit the numbers for sale to approx 50. Prices and final numbers for the 2011 release will be announced later this year.
If you would like a 2011 calendar please let me know so that I can reserve one for you.
For 2011, I will make a new calendar, but will limit the numbers for sale to approx 50. Prices and final numbers for the 2011 release will be announced later this year.
If you would like a 2011 calendar please let me know so that I can reserve one for you.
Plymouth & Devon Artists on FaceBook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48971463458&ref=ts
Click this link above if you would like to join my other FaceBook Artists Group.
This group is for the promoion of artists in the Plymouth and Devon county in the UK.
In this group I release my latest art works. I also inform members of this group of the latest an upcoming exhibitions and Calls for Artists in Devon. Lots of help and advice links here for artists.
Click this link above if you would like to join my other FaceBook Artists Group.
This group is for the promoion of artists in the Plymouth and Devon county in the UK.
In this group I release my latest art works. I also inform members of this group of the latest an upcoming exhibitions and Calls for Artists in Devon. Lots of help and advice links here for artists.
Art By Sandy Wager FaceBook Group
I run a FaceBook Arts group aimed at artists world-wide. I give free promotion to members who are artists. I also search and publish Calls to Artists all over the world.
This group is pretty much like an art magazine where I publish art competitions, Gallery News, Exhibitions etc.
This group is pretty much like an art magazine where I publish art competitions, Gallery News, Exhibitions etc.
Plymouth Twestival
Plymouth Twestival
Twestivals are being held all over the world to raise money for different charities. Click on the link above to find out more!
I submitted an artwork titled 'Run From Fear', 9th March 2010, to be auctioned in aid of this years charities.
Martin Bush an awsome Abstract Artist,was very kind to accept this painting to be added to the auction. Martin has his own gallery at the Royal William Yard, Plymouth.
My inspiration for this particular painting came from the horrific results of the recent earthquake in Haiti and the floods of Madeira.
I deliberately painted the horses with textured paint to represent the crumbling of these beautiful countries and to show a sense of cold, stark reality and of a harshness of what should be beautiful.
I hope someone who attends this Twestival will fall in love with this painting and bid high!
Celebrity auctioneer Graham Barton to host Plymouth Twestival auction
This will be an awsome event so please tell your friends and come along!
My artwork donation 'Run From Fear' SOLD!
See the Plymouth Twestival video highlights here!
Twestivals are being held all over the world to raise money for different charities. Click on the link above to find out more!
I submitted an artwork titled 'Run From Fear', 9th March 2010, to be auctioned in aid of this years charities.
Martin Bush an awsome Abstract Artist,was very kind to accept this painting to be added to the auction. Martin has his own gallery at the Royal William Yard, Plymouth.
My inspiration for this particular painting came from the horrific results of the recent earthquake in Haiti and the floods of Madeira.
I deliberately painted the horses with textured paint to represent the crumbling of these beautiful countries and to show a sense of cold, stark reality and of a harshness of what should be beautiful.
I hope someone who attends this Twestival will fall in love with this painting and bid high!
Celebrity auctioneer Graham Barton to host Plymouth Twestival auction
This will be an awsome event so please tell your friends and come along!
My artwork donation 'Run From Fear' SOLD!
See the Plymouth Twestival video highlights here!
Flora an Fauna Exhibition
I recently exhibited a small selection of my art from 13 March - 18 April 2010
This open exhibition shows local and regional artist’s response to the theme Flora and Fauna. An eclectic and diverse range of artwork that was on display from colourful acrylics of bright blousy flowers, meticulous observational studies of plant life to delicate and sculptural jewellery
http://www.cornerstone-arts.org/CornerstoneArtsCentreDidcot/EXHIBITIONS/36901.id
This open exhibition shows local and regional artist’s response to the theme Flora and Fauna. An eclectic and diverse range of artwork that was on display from colourful acrylics of bright blousy flowers, meticulous observational studies of plant life to delicate and sculptural jewellery
http://www.cornerstone-arts.org/CornerstoneArtsCentreDidcot/EXHIBITIONS/36901.id
Association of British Naive Artists (ABNA)
Back in September 2009, I was accepted as a member of the Association of British Naive Artists (ABNA)
What a huge honour!
This is a very small and special group of artists in the UK who paint in the Naive style. Beryl Cook painted in the Naive style if that helps!
http://www.britishnaives.co.uk/ Here you will see some wonderful art by Naive artists.
What a huge honour!
This is a very small and special group of artists in the UK who paint in the Naive style. Beryl Cook painted in the Naive style if that helps!
http://www.britishnaives.co.uk/ Here you will see some wonderful art by Naive artists.
Art By Sandy Wager
My name is Sandy Wager and I am a visual artist with disabilities. I live in Plymouth, Devon, UK
I only began to paint at Christmas 2007 when my hubby gave me the wonderful gift of an art set.
The year before this was a miserable year as I had been medically retired and had to give up my Housekeeping business. I felt quite depressed during this year, not knowing what to do, how to keep myself occupied, etc
I soon began playing in a virtual world, no, not second-life, and before I knew it I was playing this game for up to 18 hours a day. I never went out and I had totally lost interest in real people.
The art set woke me up and gave me a feeling of exitement and a need to explore and test my skills.
My very 1st painting, 'A Day At The Seaside' received many wonderful compliments.....motivation kicked in at a speed of knots!
All I want to say is, if YOU are in a rut or feeling depressed , go get yourself an art set or some colouring pencils and fresh new paper and make some marks or drawings. I know you may say you cannot draw for toffees but find your own style and keep trying. Keep all the sketches etc somewhere safe and look back at them in a few months time and see your own progress. Look at art sites on the web and see what other people are painting. Believe that you are as good or even better than them!
Art is my medicine because it now encourages me to venture out to the local art galleries and to get involved with other local artists. I have a new lease of life all because of my hubby's Christmas gift!
In this moment of my life I now run 2 FaceBook art groups. One for my local art friends and the other for world-wide art friends. I have also been accepted as a member of the Association of British Naive Artists!
I spend at least 25 hours a week painting and another 25 hours a week marketing my art and marketing other artists artworks.
I have my own website and I submit my art to as many galleries/exhibitions as I can. Yes, I get turned down a lot but that will not stop me from trying again.
I only began to paint at Christmas 2007 when my hubby gave me the wonderful gift of an art set.
The year before this was a miserable year as I had been medically retired and had to give up my Housekeeping business. I felt quite depressed during this year, not knowing what to do, how to keep myself occupied, etc
I soon began playing in a virtual world, no, not second-life, and before I knew it I was playing this game for up to 18 hours a day. I never went out and I had totally lost interest in real people.
The art set woke me up and gave me a feeling of exitement and a need to explore and test my skills.
My very 1st painting, 'A Day At The Seaside' received many wonderful compliments.....motivation kicked in at a speed of knots!
All I want to say is, if YOU are in a rut or feeling depressed , go get yourself an art set or some colouring pencils and fresh new paper and make some marks or drawings. I know you may say you cannot draw for toffees but find your own style and keep trying. Keep all the sketches etc somewhere safe and look back at them in a few months time and see your own progress. Look at art sites on the web and see what other people are painting. Believe that you are as good or even better than them!
Art is my medicine because it now encourages me to venture out to the local art galleries and to get involved with other local artists. I have a new lease of life all because of my hubby's Christmas gift!
In this moment of my life I now run 2 FaceBook art groups. One for my local art friends and the other for world-wide art friends. I have also been accepted as a member of the Association of British Naive Artists!
I spend at least 25 hours a week painting and another 25 hours a week marketing my art and marketing other artists artworks.
I have my own website and I submit my art to as many galleries/exhibitions as I can. Yes, I get turned down a lot but that will not stop me from trying again.
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