Commission Paintings

Each year, I take on somewhere between ten and twenty commission works. I absolutely love commissions — they give me the opportunity to explore places and ideas that I wouldn’t have necessarily found on my own. Potential clients approach me with an idea (or a few ideas!) and we get right to work. These ideas range from specific photographs that they took, to specific color schemes or imagery that inspires them, to vague concepts for an image that is yet to be seen! All of these are exciting. Together, we collect inspirational photos from any and all sources, and we discuss what we like or dislike about them until we settle on something that feels right to both of us. This phase is also the time for both myself and the client to feel each other out and figure out if we are a good match.

Next, we discuss budget. Because the client’s budget can dictate everything from size to materials to concepts, I like to establish this from the start so that no one is surprised later on in the process. It is rare that we are unable to find agreeable terms at this stage. With such a wide range of options when it comes to materials and sizes, there is usually a way to make it work. That said, sometimes it is just not meant to be, and that is okay! I enjoy maintaining some level of accessibility — art is for everyone! — but I also feel that it is important for potential art buyers to know how much sweat and love and energy goes into producing one-of-a-kind work.

If budget is unknown, we discuss sizing. I then provide a price range for the desired size. Depending on materials and choices we make about the commissioned piece, the cost usually falls between $1.90 and $2.85 per square inch.

Once sizing and budget is agreed upon, the fun begins! I use the images and notes from our discussions to put together a rough sketch. We talk about the time of day, angles, and any important details (logos, names, insignia, symbolic features of the image). Creating a sketch allows myself and the client to be absolutely sure that we are on the same page before paint ever touches canvas. Some commissions allow for a lot more creative freedom, and do not require this phase. Thank you to all my past and future clients who have granted me their trust!

Finally, I require a 20% downpayment to cover additional materials or resources that I may need to purchase, and to be sure that the client is as invested in this future piece of artwork as I am. This is the green light to get started! I usually estimate 6-8 weeks for completion unless we have discussed otherwise.

If you have any additional questions about this process, or would like to request a commission of your own, please feel free to reach out to me through the Contact tab above, OR email me directly at chelseyfrostart@gmail.com. I can’t wait to work with you!!

Additional information about canvas options:

I paint on canvas, which comes in a variety of sizes. Occasionally, I will custom-build a canvas for a client's specific need. Usually, however, we are able to find a standardized frame size that works, which keeps the cost down. In addition to dimensions, there are options regarding canvas widths.

- The thickest canvases are 1.5" deep. These are high quality and have the nicest edges (where the canvas wraps around the the frame), making them ideal for the client who is hoping to hang the canvas directly onto the wall, without a frame. There are also many options for framing the canvas (I do not provide frames, but can direct you to some reputable online resources). Their versatility and quality make them the style I work with most often.

- Many canvases come at a depth of 0.75". These can also be hung directly onto the wall, but generally look better framed.

- Finally, there are canvas boards, which are effectively flat. I paint on these when I have a picture frame that I want to use. Once the glass is removed, there is [usually] enough room for the canvas board. These are cheapest, but have a very limited availability in sizing.

- On framing: Canvases are framed in what is called a "floating frame," meaning that the painting is mounted on a backboard and the frame "floats" around the outside of it, with a varying amount of space between the frame and the artwork.