What is a commission?

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The word commission simply refers to an artwork created especially for you, based on a story, a character, a memory or sometimes an idea that is still a little difficult to put into images.

Every commission begins with a conversation. You may come to me with something very precise, or with only a few elements, an atmosphere, some symbols, perhaps a mythological figure with whom you have a particular relationship. I then take the time to understand what truly matters in your project and to find a way of translating it through my own visual language.

A commission remains a meeting between your idea and my work. It involves a certain amount of interpretation and artistic freedom on my part, and works particularly well when you already enjoy my world and would like to discover how I might give form to your subject.

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How does a commission work?

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During our first conversation, we discuss the subject, the format, the elements you would like to see in the artwork and the budget you have available. I can then suggest several possibilities and prepare a precise quote.

A 50% deposit is required to book the commission and allow me to begin the research and preparatory drawing. I will then send you a sketch of the composition. One reasonable round of changes is included at this stage, so that we can make sure the overall direction feels right before I begin the watercolour.

Once the sketch has been approved, I move on to the painting and gilding. My use of watercolour is fairly unorthodox. I work through successive layers and saturate the paper with pigment to achieve very vivid colours, with a great deal of depth and texture. I mainly use Schmincke Supergranulation colours on Magnani 1404 paper, or an equivalent high-quality cotton paper, then add gold, silver or copper leaf depending on the artwork.

Once the painting has begun, significant changes are generally no longer possible. The remaining balance is due when the artwork is finished, before it is posted or collected in person.

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Indicative prices

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These prices are for an original artwork on paper, unframed and intended for private use. They include our conversations, any necessary research, the sketch, materials, painting, a reasonable amount of gilding and the finishing work.​​​

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20 × 20 cm: €275 to €350

23 × 31 cm: €350 to €450

30 × 30 cm: €400 to €550

26 × 36 cm: €450 to €625

31 × 41 cm: €600 to €800

36 × 51 cm: €800 to €1,050

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The exact price depends on the complexity of the composition, the level of detail, the amount of gilding and the time required. A recognisable portrait, several figures, prominently featured hands, particularly detailed clothing or a complex narrative background will naturally place the commission towards the upper end of the range

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Framing and delivery are not included. Commissions intended for a book cover, a game, a publication or any other commercial use will also require a separate quote and an appropriate licence.

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Art for everyone

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It matters to me that my prices honestly reflect the time, materials and years of work behind each artwork. At the same time, I also believe very deeply that financial hardship should not prevent people from having access to beautiful things, or mean that original art is reserved for only a few.

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If you love my work and would like to entrust me with a project, but your budget does not match the prices shown here, please do not hesitate to write to me. There is no embarrassment in speaking openly about money. There are always options we can explore.

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Simply tell me what you have in mind and the budget you are working with. We can look together at what might be possible.