ALL WORKS © 2007 WILLIAM G. SMITH

ABOUT COMMISSIONS

Most artists actively avoid working with an actual client to create a work of art -- they feel that it somehow "limits their creativity". I enjoy working directly with my clients on commissioned paintings, and meeting a client's particular requirements. In fact, rather than limiting creativity, I think this direct collaboration actually demands more!

When doing commissioned work, we'll begin by establishing a contract to specify exactly what we're going to do, when, and for how much. We'll create a beginning description of your idea of the final product. Some of my clients know exactly what they want before we start, others do not. Some want to be deeply involved in the creation of the work, others turn me loose with only a rough idea. Either way, together we'll develop an image that will be exactly what you want. This beginning specification will describe as accurately and completely as possible what the desired product is to look/be like (purpose of the work, subject matter, size, color, mood, medium, etc.), and then we'll begin the actual work of creating it.

The process usually begins with one or more black and white charcoal or pencil compositional drawings sufficient to obtain your approval. I may then do one or more color studies for review and approval before the final product is started. I like my clients to be very involved throughout the process, with several of these checkpoints, to ensure that we're successfully homing in on the desired result.

I enjoy painting any subject matter. Most of my commissioned works are oil portraits (people, beloved pets, horses, etc.), wildlife (all north American species), sporting scenes (fishing, hunting, skiing, climbing, hiking, camping, etc.), or landscapes of a particular area, which are meaningful to the client. I particularly enjoy doing portraits, and guarantee an accurate likeness of the subject. It is helpful to work from life, but often due to the client's time constraints or distant location, it will be necessary to work from photos. I prefer to take my own reference photos, but will consider working from yours (pictures you've taken on that vacation last year, etc.) if taking my own is impractical or impossible. Before we begin, I'll review your reference photos, and give you an honest assessment of the likelihood of producing a great painting from your photos.

If you have that special image in your mind's eye that you've always wanted on the wall, or you've seen a "sold" work on this site that you'd like to have, please contact us to discuss a commissioned painting. We'll work together to ensure that you get just what you desire!