Commissioning an Artwork at The Little Gallery in 3 Easy Steps

Have you ever thought about commissioning an artwork but were just not sure how to go about the process of doing so? At The Little Gallery we offer a commission service to ensure you can always take home your perfect piece of artwork. To make the process simple for you, we’ve put together this handy guide!  

What does it mean to commission an artwork?

To commission an artwork is to order a bespoke piece tailored to your requests. It also means that you can have a greater input into an artwork, resulting in a piece that balances your needs with the artist's unique vision. Not simply restricted to paintings, you can also commission sculptures, jewellery, pottery and glassware!

Why you might consider commissioning an artwork

At The Little Gallery we pride ourselves on the diversity of artwork we exhibit and always endeavour to have something for everyone! However, sometimes that painting you love is just not quite the right size for where you would ideally like to hang it, or you love the style of a piece but the colours do not fit with your home’s palette. We understand that art is personal and that finding the perfect artwork for your space is important; this is why we offer a commission service. Most of our artists at The Little Gallery are very happy to accept commissions, and are able to work with you personally to create your own bespoke piece.

You may also have something very specific you want in mind, such as a Coromandel landscape painting in the style of Liz Hart. Perhaps you love Kirsty Black’s abstract paintings but her works currently in the gallery are the wrong colours or size for the space you are looking to decorate. If it’s jewellery you’re after, perhaps you love Dhyana Muir’s crystal necklaces but you want a special crystal that has significance to you. If you’d like to get to know more about our artists, the styles they offer and who might be the best fit for your vision, please browse through our artist’s profiles here!

No artwork is too small or big and we are always happy to take requests or inquiries for commissions in any form and for any work. For many clients, commissions are the best solution for decorating a specific space. Of course, your finished piece is an original and unique for you, as no two original pieces an artist creates will ever be the same!

'Paku': A commissioned painting in progress by Lyndy Wilson

Three Steps to your Perfect Artwork

Step 1: Vision

Envisage your desired piece of artwork. What styles do you love? What size does it needs to be – a large statement lounge piece, an intimate piece for a bedroom, or something in between? If it’s a painting you’re after, what medium would you prefer – acrylics, oils, water-colours or mixed media? Practicalities such as whether you like stretched canvas or would rather have it framed are also important considerations.

With imagery, you may have something very specific in mind, or have a general idea – our artists are happy to work with almost anything! Try browsing our online artwork gallery for some inspiration. The more details you have about your ideal commission, the easier it is for the artist to understand and deliver the final outcome that you hoped and dreamed for.

Step 2: Communication

Contact us! Send us a message or give us a call to discuss your options. We will then get in touch with the artist requested and fine-tune the details, so they are well-informed about what they need to work towards. Following discussions with the artist, we will provide you with a quote for your finished bespoke piece. For commissions we require an initial 50% deposit, with the remaining 50% to be paid upon completion of the work. 
 

Step 3: Completion

Our artists will work their magic to bring your vision to life! Completion times will vary depending on the complexity of the piece commissioned, the artist’s schedule and the artist’s location, but you can expect your piece to be completed within three months of the consultation date. We can then arrange for you to collect your piece from our galleries in Tairua or (from 1 November) Whangamata (or even our back-office in Auckland), If collection is not an option, we are always happy to arrange shipping at your cost.

If you have any further queries or would like to request a commission, get in touch here or visit us at The Little Gallery and we will be more than happy to help.

We always love to see the final homes of our artists’ works so feel free to send us images of your custom artwork in its new home!

Enjoyed this article? Sign up to our newsletter below and be the first to hear about our latest Art Chat posts!