It is always a pleasure when a client decides to commission an artwork. Some clients have a very clear idea of their requirements, whilst others need assistance.  I have spent over 30 years of working to commission and enjoy deciphering what is really desired. This blog post is to simply explain the process, so you know what to expect.

Here's a list of things to consider when considering commissioning an artwork:

1. Budget - it is helpful to have some idea of how much you want to spend at the start. Realistically, this can change as the commission is discussed and options are taken. Don't be concerned about raising financial issues - it's a discussion, not a contract at this stage.

2. Schedule - is there a specific date that you need the artwork for eg. a birthday/anniversary etc. or is just as soon as possible?

3. Subject matter and style of execution. 

4. Materials

5. Size - if you're not sure what size would work best, then experiment with paper cut to size.

6. Location  - where in a room is the best place to showcase the artwork?

7. Light sources - is there natural light, is the work likely to fade, do I need specialist lighting etc?

After all the points above have been discussed - a plan is agreed. 

It is important to have a simple agreement drawn up to make the process straightforward and transparent.  Below is a summary of the process.

The basic commissioning process

1. We agree a brief, cost and timeline.

2. A non-returnable deposit is required to schedule the work - usually 50%.

3. The materials are ordered.

4. The painting/drawing is researched and executed.

5. The finished work is shown to you for feedback.  Any alterations are made. The painting/drawing/plate or photo of the revised final picture is shown to you.

6. The work is then framed if relevant.

7.  On completion, we will agree a convenient collection date and location.

8.  The balance of the fee is required at completion.

Commissions vary widely in size and content - a recent one was quite specific, so I was delighted when the client emailed this to me,

"It's beautiful. I love the light on the horizon and the movement in the waves - you have captured exactly what I wanted but was having difficulty articulating."

Seascape - 'The Best of Days' encaustic painting for client Dr. W.

If you would like to discuss commissioning a piece of art,

then please get in touch.

Being Home Collection

A Collection of Original Oil Paintings by Jac Scott.

An antidote to fast living.

The domestic space has long held a fascination with many artists. Whatever the medium, to transpose the enigmatic and the mundane of home, is an enduring focus. Often drawing our attention to the small and overlooked elements, these still life works form narratives on our way of living.

Here Scott is preoccupied with the celebration of the joy of home comforts and the reflection of her feelings that these simple objects bring. By painting atmospheric vignettes, she focusses our gaze on a few items that capture the essence of the subject.

Her own country home forms the canvas for this unique collection with her love of old crockery, antique books and flowers emanating throughout the paintings. The casual, contemporary format of the compositions, the painterly style of the brushwork and the saturated colour palette, create an inviting window into the artist's world.

"I want to create pictures that are colour baths to wallow in and to soak up the warmth. The cosy style should feel like a wall-based hug".

"I want to enjoy wobbly towers of pretty vintage teacups, rows of mis-matched tea plates, (maybe a butterfly has landed on one?) clusters of quirky old tea and coffee pots, worn squashy sofas, and stacks of well-read books."

The Home Collection is an evolving body of work, so expect nuances and surprises along the way.

Plated Collection

I have had a passion for antique white plates for many years and collect reticulated ones - they make a lovely display on the wall with unusual shadows through the holes. My collection is not extensive as good ones are hard to find and those with chips or cracks are not of interest. Displaying them in groups makes a strong statement. So it was this love of old white plates that ignited the idea of collecting interesting vintage white plates. They have to speak to me in some way.  Painting original still lifes on them hopefully makes them covetable again.

It's fun to do and I enjoy the immediacy of it. My drawings and paintings take so long to do, whilst the plates are relatively quick - although of course the oil paints still take weeks to dry.

I confess I only paint subjects that interest me and those that seem to 'sit happily on a plate'. That expression is hard to define but see if you agree.  Beautiful vegetables and fruits, some picked from my own garden, glistening fish and antique cutlery are first to be captured. These simple still lifes look great on their own or even better in a group. Building a plate-scape is simple as I sell them ready to hang with a brass plated hanger (with protective ends) and a wall fixing, so super quick and easy to attach to your wall. Alternatively, you could place the plate on a special stand. It's fine art on a plate only - don't ever use them for eating or put them in your dishwasher!

Artists throughout history have been drawn to designing plates - strange but true. Even Picasso in the 1940s embraced the art form, creating unique pieces as well a limited edition designs with a local pottery.  In the 1970s Julian Schnabel and Judy Chicago famously harnessed the power of the humble plate to send their eloquent messages. But does this question the traditional hierarchy of the art world - is it subverted?  How delicious.  Does the fine art element diminish - is it of less value because its on a plate - does the association of domesticity devalue it? What do you think?

To find out more about the history of painting on plates click on this link

https://www.artspace.com/magazine/art_101/art_market/artist_designed_tableware-51836