Commissioning
In addition to the work he exhibits for sale, Andy also undertakes private commissions. These have generally been of clients’ houses and gardens, or of particular places or scenes that may have been important to them. Notes about the commissioning procedure and scale of charges are set out below.
If you are interested this and wish to inquire about availability and prices, please contact him:
62 High Street,
Gatehouse of Fleet,
Castle Douglas,
Kirkcudbrightshire
DG7 2HP
E-mail: andrew@andrewmckeanarts.co.uk
Commission Procedure
Initial Interview
This provides an opportunity for the Artist and Client to meet for a preliminary discussion of the client’s proposal, and will usually take place on the client’s home ground. The artist will need to ascertain the full scope of the commission; its inspiration and purpose; how and where the painting will be displayed; whether it will be reproduced; and the timescale. He will also explain the procedures, charges and conditions for the commission.
Research
Some types of commission may involve initial research by the artist into the subject of the painting, depending on the particular requirements of the client. The scope of any research work will be agreed beforehand: if extensive, this will be reflected in the fees and expenses charged.
Preliminary Sketches and Photographs
The artist will then prepare preliminary sketches indicating alternative approaches to the design and composition of the painting, such as different viewpoints or foreground features. The artist may also take photographs of the subject at this stage, particularly to record lighting conditions, colours and details. Although the sketches and photographs are prepared for discussion with the client, they become part of the artist’s working tools and are normally retained by him.
Presentation of Costed Proposal
The artist will present a detailed proposal, based on the sketches and photographs, and will seek decisions from the client to form the basis for execution of the final painting. The proposal will be costed on the basis of the scale of charges set out below.
Agreement and Main Conditions of the Commission
Following discussion of the sketches and costed proposal, an Artist’s Agreement to deliver the painting, summarising the main terms of the commission, will be submitted to the client. The agreement will specify the chosen sketch design, the size and orientation of the final painting, the agreed delivery date, any requirements for reproduction, whether the painting is to be mounted and framed, and the cost. The agreement will also explain that the artist retains full copyright. The artist will commence work on the final painting following receipt of an advance, normally 25% of the full fee.
Execution and Delivery of the Painting
During the actual painting process, the client will be afforded an opportunity to view progress at least once. The client will also be consulted about any mounting/framing requirements. On completion, the painting will normally be delivered to the client in person. Once the client has agreed to accept the final painting, ownership will be conveyed by the artist, in writing, upon receipt of the remainder of the fee.
Scale of Charges
The fee for the commissioned work is based upon the area of the painted surface. This varies according to the size of the painting: the larger the painting, the smaller the cost per unit area. For example:
for a painting 50 x 40 cm, 25 pence per sq cm, giving a basic price of £500;
for a painting 35 x 28 cm, 35 pence per sq cm, giving a basic price of £350;
for a painting 25 x 20 cm, 45 pence per sq cm, giving a basic price of £225.
These rates apply to the unframed final painting alone and exclude reproduction or copyright.
Mounting and framing are charged as an extra (typically around £60, depending on size and choice of mount and frame). Reproduction would be subject to separate agreement with the artist. Travel costs beyond a 10 mile radius of the artist’s studio are also charged separately: this would apply to any research or site visits as well as to meetings with the client.