Commissions

Commission a Painting

To be inspired daily, surrounded by meaningful art that was created especially for you is the best kind of investment in your home, or work space.    

Let’s collaborate to create the painting that is a perfect blend of ideas and inspiration— yours and mine. If you’re inspired by one of my paintings, but perhaps need a different size, or some adjustments in color or composition—we can do that. If you have your own photograph that conveys a special memory or experience, let’s talk about creating a piece that brings those feelings to life.

I paint in oils in an expressive-impressionistic style, which is also a part of commission pieces. Capturing the essence or feeling of my subjects is what interests me— that glow or “aliveness” in a reflection that I want to infuse in a painting and that I want you to feel as well. That is what I hope for in my art. The idea of reflections may also have to do with telling your story through the use of paint.  

I don’t paint from copyrighted photographs, or attempt to replicate an existing painting exactly. I do not do portrait commissions. I am available for a limited number of commissions throughout the year. Email me for possible start dates—see the form below 

Process and Pricing

We’ll begin the process by talking and collaborating about your vision for this commissioned painting. I’ll quote your price which will be based on size and possibly other factors. I’ll give an estimated timeframe to begin and for completion.

I require a 50% deposit to start the painting, and an agreement signed by both you and me.

I’ll then begin the painting, and will show you progress at midpoint, and again just before completion. We can discuss any possible adjustments at that time, and then I’ll complete the work. The remaining 50% plus agreed upon shipping is due upon completion and final approval of the painting. 

I’ve never had a commissioned painting be declined, but I want you to be 100% happy with your painting. So, even though the deposit is non-refundable, (due to the amount of work involved in a commission)—in the case that you’re not satisfied, your payment can be used as a credit to purchase a different existing painting.

One of the benefits of commissioning a painting is ordering the specific size that works in your space, and fits with the composition.

There is a 10% up-charge for figures in a landscape. I don’t do portrait commissions.

I use professional grade oil paint and finish with varnish for the beauty and protection of the piece. 

Commission Inquiry

Please send any further comments, questions, or inspo photos to studio@mariannebarrattart.com

What’s Next?

  1. Once I receive your application, I’ll take a peek at my schedule and send you a note about next steps. We will discuss until we’re both on the same page about your vision for the commission.

  2. You’ll sign the commission agreement & pay a 50% deposit by credit card. Deposits for commissions are nonrefundable.

  3. This is where the magic happens – work begins on your piece! We’ll connect in the early stages of work to make sure the preliminary sketch lines up with your expectations. Commissions will take approximately 8 to 12 weeks from start of the painting process to include drying time (for oils) and varnishing. This timeline depends upon size and complexity of the piece.

  4. Once the painting is complete, I’ll send out photos for you to give final approval. Extensive edits may result in a 15% fee.

  5. Your painting is ready to come home with you! You’ll pay the 50% balance plus shipping. We can also set up a pickup if you are local to the Twin Cities metro area.

  6. Enjoy your original artwork that will last a lifetime.

Past Commissions

This is my most recent commission, a 40”x 30” painting based on another water lily painting of mine called Heart Song (view in the Art Shop). My client loved Heart Song, but needed a slightly different size and color palette, and was very pleased with the outcome.

This painting was commissioned by a lovely woman I met on a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She contacted me months later, from her home in Canada, and sent me her reference photo with a request that I paint this 16” x 20” piece as a surprise for her husband for Christmas. The figures in the painting are her and her husband, along with their travel companions.

These paintings were commissioned based on the subject of nature – specifically water and trees – in this particular park along the river in Stillwater. My client had seen a smaller painting I had done of this area, and requested that I create a pair of 30” x 24” pieces based on that painting that would work being placed on either side of the fireplace.

I also facilitated the framing and installation for her, since she is local. Check out how stunning it turned out!