Bespoke Oil Painting Commissions – Terms

A Personal Artwork, Crafted with Intent

Each commission is a carefully developed oil painting, created to capture more than a likeness. The aim is to interpret your subject with depth, atmosphere and presence, resulting in a piece that feels considered, timeless and entirely your own.

The Commission Journey

Initial Consultation

We begin with a conversation to understand your vision. Reference images, composition, scale and overall feel are agreed at this stage.

Commission Agreement

A fixed price is confirmed based on size and complexity. A 30% - 50% deposit secures your place in the schedule and allows work to begin.

Creation & Review

The painting develops through structured stages:

  • Foundation: Composition and underpainting for initial approval

  • Development: Form, colour and depth established

  • Refinement: Final details and finishing layers

Two review points are included to ensure alignment, with up to three considered refinements accommodated.

Completion & Delivery

Once complete, the painting is left to stabilise, varnished for protection, and carefully packaged for delivery.


This Agreement covers the creation of a bespoke oil painting.

  • Subject Matter: [Description, e.g., Portrait of a family member, landscape of a specific location]

  • Dimensions: [e.g., 60x75cm]

  • Medium: Professional-grade oil paints (including Michael Harding handmade oils) on stretched linen.

  • Reference Material: The Client will provide high-quality reference imagery. The Artist agrees to interpret, enhance, and translate these images into an original artistic work, rather than a direct photographic replica.

Timeframe

Quality oil painting requires patience.

Typical completion:

7 to 13 weeks or longer, depending on scale and complexity.

  • Project Commencement: Work begins upon receipt of the deposit.

  • Timeline: The Artist provides an estimated completion window of weeks/months from the start date.

  • Updates: The Artist will provide 2 updates during the process to ensure the painting aligns with the Client’s vision.

This reflects a layered process where each stage must settle before the next begins. The result is a work built to last, not rushed to finish.

Investment

Each commission reflects:

  • Time-intensive craftsmanship

  • Professional materials

  • A considered, iterative process

  • Total Fee: agreed upfront

  • Deposit: A 30% - 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure the commission slot and cover the procurement of high-quality materials.

  • Final Payment: The remaining 50% - 70% is due upon completion and approval of the final work, prior to shipping or collection.

Ownership & Usage

The physical painting becomes yours to enjoy.

The intellectual property remains with the artist.

This means:

  • The artwork is supplied for personal enjoyment only

  • Commercial use is not permitted without prior written agreement

This includes reproduction, resale of images, branding, or promotional use.

Should you wish to explore commercial usage or licensing, this can be arranged separately.

The artist may document and share the work for portfolio and exhibition purposes.

Shipping & Presentation

  • Paintings are supplied unframed, allowing the Client the flexibility to select a frame that suits their personal interior style.

  • Packaging is done personally by the artist to ensure it is in the best possible condition for the client.

  • Shipping will be agreed with the client depending on the destination. Charges may be incurred if outside the UK. UK shipping is free and the artist will cover shipping insurance.

Cancellations

Due to the bespoke nature of the work:

  • Deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced

  • Work completed to date will be chargeable if a project is halted

Acceptance

  • By paying the initial deposit, the Client agrees to the terms and artistic process outlined in this Agreement.

A Final Note

This is a collaborative process, but not a mechanical one. The goal is not to copy an image, but to create a painting with presence and longevity.

If speed or exact replication is the priority, this may not be the right fit. If you value craftsmanship and a more thoughtful result, you’re in the right place.