Commission a Painting
Commissioning a custom painting is an act of trust, curiosity, and presence. As a contemporary abstract artist, I approach each commission as a dialogue — not a transaction. Whether you’re seeking an artwork that transforms your home, anchors a corporate space, or celebrates a deeply personal memory, this process is a journey of collaboration and discovery. My work does not depict literal images; instead, it distills emotion, atmosphere, and story into color, movement, and texture. In this guide, I share what to expect when commissioning an abstract painting, from our first conversation to the moment the piece arrives in your space. Here, you will find clarity on timelines, investment, and process — and an invitation to create something truly unique together.
Bring Your Vision to Life Through Contemporary Abstraction
Commissioning art is a beautiful, collaborative process — a quiet dialogue between your vision and my practice as a contemporary abstract artist. Over the years, I’ve worked with collectors seeking something deeply personal, site-specific, and emotionally resonant. My commissions are not about realism or representation; they are about capturing the essence of a feeling, memory, or space through my abstract lens.
Each painting I create is a conversation between color, form, and intuition. If you’re considering commissioning a piece, here is what to expect — so our journey feels inspiring, transparent, and aligned from the very beginning.
What to Expect When Commissioning a Painting
1. Abstraction Is a Dialogue, Not a Blueprint
When you commission a piece from me, you’re not ordering an exact replica of something you’ve seen before. My process is improvisational, intuitive, and responsive. While we can discuss colors, mood, scale, and inspirations, the final painting will unfold through an organic dialogue between canvas, gesture, and emotion. This is part of the beauty of abstract art — it invites the unexpected.
2. We Begin With Conversation, Not a Contract
Before any paint hits the canvas, we start with a conversation. We’ll discuss:
Your space: dimensions, lighting, existing art, and architectural context.
Emotional tone: what you want to feel when you see the work — calm, energy, mystery, expansion.
Inspiration and references: personal stories, palette preferences, or existing artworks you’re drawn to.
This is not about creating a rigid checklist; it is about establishing connection, trust, and a shared intention.
3. Trust the Process — and the Unknown
Commissioning abstract art requires embracing a degree of surrender. While I will share progress images and invite your reflections at meaningful milestones (around 30% and 70% completion), part of the magic comes from allowing the work to evolve freely. Many collectors tell me the final piece surprises them — and often, that’s where the most meaningful connections emerge.
4. It’s Personal — But Not Literal
Even if a commission is inspired by a memory, landscape, or relationship, my work expresses those feelings through color, form, and texture — not through representational images. Abstract art invites presence, contemplation, and emotion without needing to explain itself. The painting becomes a mirror, offering layered meaning over time.
5. It Will Be Uniquely Yours
Every commissioned painting I create is a one-of-a-kind journey. You will receive not just a finished work, but the story of its making — including notes, progress images (if you wish), and a certificate of authenticity. This is more than a transaction; it’s a shared experience that results in a living presence, meant to evolve with you.
The Commission Journey: Step by Step
Conversation and Space Audit
We begin with a 30-minute video call and a photo walkthrough or in-person studio visit. Here we assess dimensions, lighting, color schemes, and emotional goals for the piece.
Moodboard and Material Alignment
I request digital moodboards, fabric swatches, or artworks you admire. This informs choices of substrates (wood, canvas, resin) and techniques, including my signature Organic Movement series.
Progress Reviews and Final Reveal
Two checkpoints occur at approximately 30% and 70% completion, with high-resolution images and videos. The final studio reveal—virtual or in-person—precedes varnishing, framing, and shipment.
Pricing, Payments, and Practicalities
Investment Range
Commissions typically begin at $10,000, depending on size, complexity, and materials. I provide tailored estimates after our initial conversation.
Payment Structure
Payments are divided into milestone deposits, often including:
Deposit (concept approval)
Midpoint payment (materials/initial build)
Pre-shipping payment (final review)
Final payment (delivery and installation prep)
Payments can be made via escrow, wire, or credit-card with fraud protection.
Living Brief
We co-author a living brief: a one-page dynamic document covering vision, size, palette, and logistical needs. This evolves as the work unfolds, with reviews refining rather than rewriting intent. Any changes affecting cost or timeline are formalized via brief addendum.
Preventing Pitfalls: Scope and Satisfaction
Scope Creep and Decision Fatigue
Uncontrolled expansion of requirements is mitigated by capped revision rounds and tiered change fees. We streamline decisions with swatch limits and preset texture options.
“What If I Don’t Love It?” Safeguards
My process is deeply collaborative from the outset. If you are unsatisfied despite the agreed process and milestones, I will work with you to find a resolution, which may include studio credit towards a different work. Refunds are rare but handled case by case with mutual respect.
“Ritu’s commission process felt deeply collaborative — like a co-created masterpiece.” — Curator, San Francisco
Global Shipping, Installation, and Provenance
Paintings are professionally crated and shipped with full insurance coverage from studio to your door. For large-scale works, I recommend bonded art installers, and I can coordinate referrals in major US cities. International shipping is available with climate-controlled carriers upon request.
All commissions include certificates of authenticity, archival labels, and detailed provenance documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom commission take?
Most commissions take between 8–14 weeks, depending on size, complexity, drying time, and framing requirements.
What is the investment range for a custom painting?
Commissions typically begin at $10,000, varying based on dimensions, materials, and logistics.
How does the commission process begin?
We start with a conversation to discuss your space, desired mood, inspirations, and any personal stories you wish the piece to reflect.
Can I request a painting that matches my room’s colors?
Yes — but the goal is not to “match decor,” rather to create a work that elevates and resonates within your space.
Do I see progress updates during the process?
Yes. You receive updates at key milestones (around 30% and 70% completion).
What if I don’t love the final painting?
If unsatisfied despite the collaborative process, I offer solutions including studio credit towards a different work.
Do you create realistic or representational commissions?
No. As a contemporary abstract artist, my commissions translate your vision into abstraction, felt through color, form, and texture.
Can I commission a painting as a gift?
Absolutely. Start at least three months in advance. A digital certificate can be provided if gifting before completion.
What materials and finishes do you use?
Professional-grade oil paints, acrylics, mixed media, and epoxy resin, all archival quality with UV-protective finishes.
How is the artwork shipped and installed?
Crated with full insurance coverage. Large works may require professional art installers, with referrals coordinated upon request.
Do I own the copyright to the painting?
You own the physical painting. Copyright remains with me, but image licensing can be discussed for commercial use.
Start the Conversation
If you feel called to explore a commission, reach out today. Let’s discover what might unfold together on the canvas.