Commissions: Procedures
I frequently do commissioned work and to date (6/21/23) have completed over forty commissioned paintings. I thoroughly enjoy the process and the personal interaction with those who commission the painting. The plan is to work together in a collaborative process to create something for you that you will enjoy for a long time.
I prefer to work closely with those commissioning a piece so that when the project is finished, everyone will be happy with the outcome. So, I would like to check with you and get an OKAY for each step of the process using email if you don't mind. I would like your input on pretty much everything from the design, to the color choices to the frame I will make for it. If, when it is finally done, you find that you do not like it, then there will be no obligation to buy it, but since we will be working together step by step, this really shouldn't happen. So please be 100% honest when giving me feedback and don't be afraid to tell me what you like and/or dislike before the next step. I hope this sounds OKAY so far.
Next, and I actually hate this part, we must talk price. I base my pricing on the size of the piece, so obviously, the larger the piece, the more I must charge. I base this on the size of the painted surface but not including the frame (there is no extra charge for the frame, but it is not calculated into the size determination). Once I know the exact measurements of the piece you want, then I will calculate the price and see if you want to proceed with the project. You can always look at paintings of a similar size on my website to get a ball-park idea of cost.
As for style, again assuming that you've seen my work before or on my website, you have a good idea of my design style. It is, I think, a very unique and personal style based on a Northwest Coast Native formline foundation and incorporates elements from Celtic and Japanese design. Japanese influences typically are incorporated in the composition, and I prefer asymmetry and unpainted areas (ma), etc. The fact that I am not a Western Art trained painter limits what I can do. Also, I paint with acrylics on cedar--no oils on canvas. As it is wood, of course the grain will show, and it will have knots and other blemishes (those I will try to either use in the composition or hide so as to make the best effect). If you are OKAY with that, then we can proceed. I just want to be up front and as honest as I can be and don't want to promise anything I can't do.
So here is what I need from you:
1. The measurements for the painting. The very first thing I need from you is to tell me approximately how big you want it to be (H x W) including its frame. From that I will be able to see what I can make in terms of the cedar I use. I have access to cedar boards with three different widths: 11.25, 7.25, and 5.5 inches. I can glue pieces together to get as close as possible to the desired width we will need. The lengths will not be a problem. After you tell me the size, then I can determine what wood I will use and then what the price of the finished work will be. I will tell you the price, and then you can decide if you want to continue, modify, or drop the project.
2. Subject Matter. Once you okay the size (and price), I need to know what you want the painting to show. I love painting birds, and through my love for Rinpa School art, I am very fond of water as well. However, I have painted a wide range of subject matter, but all are tied in one way or another to the natural world. One thing that may help you to decide is to visit my website at https://www.ggiovane.com/ and take a look at various paintings I have done (don’t neglect to look on the “Sold” page as well). If you see something that you like, please let me know the title. I never do more than one painting each, so I can’t do an exact copy, but I can do something that incorporates the elements that you like. I just want to ensure that the painting you want will be the one that you get in the end. So be thinking about this as it is the most important step
Wow--sorry about writing a book--I hope I thought of everything we need to address before starting. Please, if you have other questions, don't hesitate to email me.
I am excited to do these projects and am honored to be asked.
I prefer to work closely with those commissioning a piece so that when the project is finished, everyone will be happy with the outcome. So, I would like to check with you and get an OKAY for each step of the process using email if you don't mind. I would like your input on pretty much everything from the design, to the color choices to the frame I will make for it. If, when it is finally done, you find that you do not like it, then there will be no obligation to buy it, but since we will be working together step by step, this really shouldn't happen. So please be 100% honest when giving me feedback and don't be afraid to tell me what you like and/or dislike before the next step. I hope this sounds OKAY so far.
Next, and I actually hate this part, we must talk price. I base my pricing on the size of the piece, so obviously, the larger the piece, the more I must charge. I base this on the size of the painted surface but not including the frame (there is no extra charge for the frame, but it is not calculated into the size determination). Once I know the exact measurements of the piece you want, then I will calculate the price and see if you want to proceed with the project. You can always look at paintings of a similar size on my website to get a ball-park idea of cost.
As for style, again assuming that you've seen my work before or on my website, you have a good idea of my design style. It is, I think, a very unique and personal style based on a Northwest Coast Native formline foundation and incorporates elements from Celtic and Japanese design. Japanese influences typically are incorporated in the composition, and I prefer asymmetry and unpainted areas (ma), etc. The fact that I am not a Western Art trained painter limits what I can do. Also, I paint with acrylics on cedar--no oils on canvas. As it is wood, of course the grain will show, and it will have knots and other blemishes (those I will try to either use in the composition or hide so as to make the best effect). If you are OKAY with that, then we can proceed. I just want to be up front and as honest as I can be and don't want to promise anything I can't do.
So here is what I need from you:
1. The measurements for the painting. The very first thing I need from you is to tell me approximately how big you want it to be (H x W) including its frame. From that I will be able to see what I can make in terms of the cedar I use. I have access to cedar boards with three different widths: 11.25, 7.25, and 5.5 inches. I can glue pieces together to get as close as possible to the desired width we will need. The lengths will not be a problem. After you tell me the size, then I can determine what wood I will use and then what the price of the finished work will be. I will tell you the price, and then you can decide if you want to continue, modify, or drop the project.
2. Subject Matter. Once you okay the size (and price), I need to know what you want the painting to show. I love painting birds, and through my love for Rinpa School art, I am very fond of water as well. However, I have painted a wide range of subject matter, but all are tied in one way or another to the natural world. One thing that may help you to decide is to visit my website at https://www.ggiovane.com/ and take a look at various paintings I have done (don’t neglect to look on the “Sold” page as well). If you see something that you like, please let me know the title. I never do more than one painting each, so I can’t do an exact copy, but I can do something that incorporates the elements that you like. I just want to ensure that the painting you want will be the one that you get in the end. So be thinking about this as it is the most important step
Wow--sorry about writing a book--I hope I thought of everything we need to address before starting. Please, if you have other questions, don't hesitate to email me.
I am excited to do these projects and am honored to be asked.
Just a few of our 2022-23 Commissions
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Gary Giovane
La Conner, WA
gioart13@yahoo.com
La Conner, WA
gioart13@yahoo.com