I know many artists who wouldn't ever do a commission. They have in the past, and they really didn't enjoy the experience. Here are some of the reasons I heard:

• The client can be so picky and hard to please
• We never have the same idea in mind so the process is frustrating
• I don't like to take direction when I create
• It usually isn't something that I actually want to do, so it is a painful process
• I don't usually charge enough and the process isn't worth it

On the other side, many art lovers are afraid to commission paintings and here are their reasons:

• What if I don't like it in the end?
• What if I change my mind after I see it?
• How do I properly describe what I am looking for?
• How do I negotiate price?
• What if the artist takes longer than they promised?
• What if the artist disappears or doesn't deliver the work at all?

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These can all be true! Commissions are difficult - they require some careful communication and negotiation. Don't be afraid to ask for the amount of money you need to do the project, and if you are a client- don't be afraid to negotiate.

I have done a few commissions over the years. I look forward to doing a multiple painting commission project one day! Here is the process that has helped me:
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1. Ask the potential client what paintings of yours they like and what they like about them. Take some time to get specific so you can see that the client understands your work and they actually want something very similar! I was on the phone with this client and we talked while he was looking at my website.
   1. Client - make sure you have studied the artist's work!
2. Ask them to describe the painting they hope you can create for them. What feeling are they after? What is the reason for the painting? Where will it be hanging? This was a painting for his wife and it was where they had their first dates - romantic! He wanted to capture that time - at night, in late fall
   1. Client - if you don't know specifics, then be ready for the client to take more liberty
3. Get details: size, subject, colours, finish (coating, framing, hanging). He had a specific spot for it and that determined the size.
4. Collect photos - yours or theirs. The client budgeted for me to go and take photos. This worked out well because I suggested a different view point then he originally had in mind.
   1. If the commission is in reference to a real place or person.
5. Do some sketches and send them to the client. Make sure you are both on the same page. Listen to any concerns they might have and talk about them. 
   1. Client - look at the sketches and ask questions if you have any. This is the time to make changes, not later once the painting has begun.
6. Do the painting and send updates to the client in terms you both agree on - it is great when the client is positive and encouraging!
   1. Client - be positive and encouraging - nothing slows an artist down like criticism. Ask questions if you aren't sure of the direction.
7. Before I sealed the painting with Resin, I sent a photo to the client. I would hate to make any changes, but it would be impossible after the final coating.
   1. Client - this isn't the time for any big changes, but perhaps a small detail or two
8. Charge enough for your time and energy! Commissions are more expensive because it is a collaborative process. It takes some energy and time to make sure you capture what the client has in mind. 
   1. Client - be prepared to love your piece forever and to reward the artist for their hard work and attention to your needs.

Here is a glimpse into how I created this painting:

Saturday 12 - 5pm. &  Sunday 1 - 5pm  Oct 24-25, 2020
​Cost: $195 - includes most supplies.
Yes!! Our second Cityscape workshop. The first one was a big success. Everyone was amazed at the outstanding work they created during the workshop. City scenes launch our paintings because they can include so many different elements. Buildings, trees, transportation, skies, people... your imagination is the limit. What is most important is to experiment and play with form, colour and layering. You will create a painting starting with the sketch of a city scene, using markers, collage and photo transfer to complete your painting by the end of Sunday. 

I love this workshop because everyone's results can be different from each other. Some want to draw an exact replica of a scene, while others want to work from a fantasy place. Following your creative desire is encouraged.

During the last workshop, some students brought ipads or laptops in order to work from a picture they like. Other's worked from a printed photograph from their own collection. I will have some city scenes available that are both inspiring and accessible for all levels. YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DRAW to enjoy this workshop.

I always work on board - never canvas. If you want to work on gallery quality birchboard canvas please bring these to class. I will be providing small boards for experimenting. 

Please bring a sketchbook, felt pens, pencil and sharpener/eraser and apron. The rest of the supplies will be included. 

• To register please send full name, address and phone number to: jakejoyartist@gmail.com.  
• Refer someone else to the workshop who signs-up and receive one of my signed prints at the workshop!
• Once I receive your payment, I will send you a receipt.
• It is fully refundable if 5 days notice are given. After that there will be a $25 fee kept to cover extra supplies purchased for your spot. If the workshop is cancelled, then 100% will be refunded. ​

($40 discount for previous cityscape workshop participants who also bring their own paints & Acrylic medium)

Join us in the brand new MONA LIST ART SALON for the first inaugural workshop!! This space is absolutely breathtaking! It will inspire your creativity. There is plenty of room for each participant to paint and express themselves. 

The workshop includes assistance with:

• composition
• sketching
• perspective drawing
• color mixing
• color planning
• making the big city view manageable
• how to incorporate mark-making and collage
• prepping a birchwood canvas

A painting in the sketching stage - @jakejoyartist Instagram

We use fluids and inks in this class, plus charcoal sticks, pens, pencils - basically anything that makes a mark. We will also use Acrylic Matt Medium. Some bonus supplies will be available, but you will have a full supply list once you sign up. 

Cost: $175.  (Free GOLDEN acrylic apron to the first 6 registrants)
YOU CAN SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE ON EVENTBRITE

location:
Mona Lisa Art Salon - 1510 7st. S.W. Calgary, Ab.  located in the heart of 17th Ave. S.W. at Just three doors down from Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials 
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Register:
in-person @Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials - 1518 – 7th Street SW
Phone: 403.228.3618
​Email: monalisa@nucleus.com

Creating a commission painting is a long process and a road which many artists refuse to embark on. Why? Well there are a few reasons why artists often don't like doing commissions:

1.  it is difficult to really pin down exactly what the client is looking for.
2. Clients often start to express changes once they see the painting in progress.
3. Clients sometimes change their mind about wanting to spend their money once it comes time to paying for the final product.
4. You have to be able to communicate well and often with the client. 
5. It can be difficult to get negative or critical feedback

Most of the time, I really enjoy the challenge of a commission. I try to mitigate some of those above issues by:

1. Making sure that the client is looking at your current work and is saying things like, 'can you make me something very similar to this?'
2. I ask a lot of general questions in the beginning: Why do you want this? Who is it for? What motivated you to contact me? How much time do you have? How much do you want to spend? 
3. After those are answered, we start to talk about the details of the painting. What are you looking for exactly?
4. After those questions and answers, we both know weather I am the right artist for their vision or if they should keep looking.
5. Then I explain my terms. 40% down and this is non-refundable. I will do my best to honour or agreed upon date, but the more changes you ask for the longer the painting will take to complete. 
6. I will send photos of the painting. 'Are we good with this?' If they want to make a small change at this point, then I can usually accommodate them without too much trouble. 
7. By the completion of the painting the client has seen and approved of the progress along the way and they are not faced with too many surprises. OF course, there are always last minute decisions that an artist has too be able to make in order to keep the integrity of the painting - but it isn't crazy different. 
8. The final step is the delivery of a professionally finished painting in exchange for a well-earned payment. 

Yes, it is a lot of work to do a commission. More bother than most artists want to attempt, but there is something really satisfying about working on a painting that is already sold!

The library is one of my favorite places in any city or town and so when I am asked to teach a workshop at the library, I always make the time. This year i facilitated a workshop at the Crowfoot Library and the subject was CITYSCAPE painting. Below are some images of the class and a one participant and her beautiful painting!

I am in an apartment at the bottom this hill. I come up here often to see the view, to run, to relax, to meditate, to take photos and now to draw.

I carried this birch canvas up the hill along with a little tin of watercolours, one paint brush, pencil, charcoal and a little stool. I sat on my little fold out stool, put on my headphones and I listened to Cindy Lauper while I took in the scene. It isn't always Cindy Lauper. This is absolutely my favourite activity - drawing plein air. You know, on location. I have drawn from this view point before, although a different scene.  Here is a video of a painting I did from this hill 6 or 7 years ago! I am happy to revisit the location, but with a new approach. All is fresh, but familiar. It is a nice feeling. 

I'm working on a new body of work. Cityscapes for a show at Arton9th scheduled for Mid September. This work is a combination of phototransfer, acrylic paint, oil paint and encaustic. New directions in my work has me very excited!  Here is a little peak.