You do not need to know every detail before sending an enquiry. A few basic decisions can, however, make the direction much clearer.
Start with the recipient
The first question is not the size or colour of the painting, but who it is for.
Do they generally prefer calmer or stronger colours? Is there already art in their home? Is the interior mainly neutral or more colourful? Is there a place, photograph, memory or subject that has particular meaning for them?
These observations can help establish a useful direction even when the recipient is not involved in the ordering process.
A photograph can be a starting point
If the gift is connected with a particular person, moment or memory, a photograph can provide the starting point.
This does not automatically mean that the finished painting must be an exact copy of the photograph. The image can also provide reference information from which the overall direction of the painting is developed.
Turning a photo into a painting – what to consider when commissioning a painting from a photo
How to choose a photo for a commissioned painting
You do not need a complete idea at the beginning
The person ordering the gift does not need to determine the entire composition, colour palette and every detail in advance.
Useful information includes: - who the painting is for; - the occasion; - whether a photograph or another idea is the starting point; - an approximate size; - any important colour, mood or element.
Do you need a clear idea before commissioning a painting?
Consider the dimensions
If you know where the recipient may place the painting, that information is useful when choosing a size.
A painting for a large open wall and one intended for a smaller room may require very different proportions.
If the future location is unknown, avoid making overly specific assumptions about the recipient's interior.
How to choose the size of a commissioned painting
Check the price guide before enquiring
The website's price guide provides an initial overview of commissioned painting prices.
The prices are indicative, and the final price depends on the dimensions, format, complexity and details of the work.
View the commissioned painting price guide
If there is a defined budget, it can be mentioned in the enquiry. This can help determine which size or direction may be realistic within that range.
Ask about timing early
A commissioned painting is not a standard ready-made product that can always be delivered immediately.
If the gift is intended for a specific birthday, anniversary, wedding or another fixed date, include that date in the enquiry from the beginning.
The schedule needs to be confirmed for each commission separately.
Should the gift be a complete surprise?
That depends on the situation.
With a complete surprise, the person ordering the work needs to make more of the decisions about size and direction.
Alternatively, the recipient can be involved in selecting some of the details.
What to include in the enquiry
A useful first enquiry does not need to be long.
Include, where relevant: - who the painting is for; - the occasion or required date; - approximate dimensions; - a photograph if the painting may be based on one; - a short description of the idea; - important information about colours or general mood; - preferred timing.
A clear starting point matters more than having every detail decided
A commissioned painting does not have to be fully planned before the first enquiry.
It is more useful to provide enough information about the person, idea and intended context.
Size, format, price and other details can then be clarified.