How to Commission a Painting: A guide to commissioning a bespoke painting with Emily Hadley
- Emily Hadley
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 24
The Magic of a Bespoke Masterpiece: Commissioning Your Next Painting!
Owning a piece of art that was created just for you is something truly extraordinary.... While browsing a gallery and falling in love with a finished piece is a thrill, commissioning a painting is an entirely different journey, one that transforms a blank canvas into a personal narrative.
One of the common misconceptions that I'd like to bust straightaway is that a commission is going to be more expensive. This is absolutely not the case and commissions are priced in the same way as non-commissioned works from that artist. Now we've got that barrier to entry out of the way, let's continue!
As an art advisor, I’ve seen first hand how a commissioned work becomes the heartbeat of a home. Today, I want to share the unique joy of this process and highlight four incredible artists I work with… Hannah Rollings, Polly Luce, Abi Wason, and Kevin Hadley. Each of whom brings a different kind of magic to the easel.
Meet the Artists
When you commission a painting, you aren't just buying a product; you are collaborating with a creative mind. Not all artists are prepared to offer commissioned work as it is a different way to working and not everyone's cup of tea. Here are some artists who do offer commissions (depending on availability) whose work consistently brings soul and character to the spaces they inhabit:
Hannah Rollings: Based in the Surrey Hills, Hannah’s work is a sensory exploration of nature. With a PhD in ‘picturing trees’, her vibrant, expressive landscapes bridge the gap between abstraction and representation.
Polly Luce: If you want to capture the feeling of the British countryside, oil painter Polly is your artist. Her semi-abstract landscapes are deeply intuitive, focusing on the emotional experience of being outdoors. Her use of rich textures and seasonal palettes brings a joyful, sunny energy into any room.
Polly Luce Abi Wason: Based in West Cornwall, Abi’s abstract works are built from memory and instinct. She treats layers of paint like archaeological digs, scraping back colour to reveal hidden stories. Her vibrant, colourful pieces are perfect for those looking for something ethereal, bold and deeply personal.
Kevin Hadley: Kevin’s work is a masterclass in capturing everyday joy. His tablescape and still-life paintings are particularly special. Inspired by long lunches, Friday debriefs, and chats around the dinner table, these pieces, like his popular Making Plans or his Perelló olive studies, bottle the essence of good company and shared moments. A commission from Kevin can transform your favourite morning coffee ritual or a memorable family meal into a vibrant, loose-styled masterpiece.
Why Commission a Painting?
A Perfect Fit: Whether it’s a specific size for a tricky alcove or a colour palette that ties your room together, a commission ensures the artwork fits your space perfectly.
Emotional Connection: You are part of the story. Whether the piece commemorates a special place, a memory (like a favourite meal), or a particular feeling the finished work will resonate with you on a deep level.
Supporting the Arts: You become a modern-day patron, enabling these talented artists to continue their craft.
Shared Vision: Trusting the Process when you Commission a Painting
It is important to remember that a commission is a unique balancing act. While the piece is deeply special to you, often inspired by your favourite memories or specific spaces, it remains a work of art born from the artist’s distinct creative vision.
When you commission a painting, you aren't just buying a service; you are inviting an artist to interpret your world through their lens. Being prepared for this means embracing the artistic soul of the work.
The most successful commissions happen when there is a foundation of trust, allowing the artist the freedom to include those spontaneous marks and intuitive choices that made you fall in love with their style in the first place.
How I Can Help?
I know that the idea of approaching an artist to commission a painting can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Where do you start? How do you talk about budget? How do you describe what’s in your head?
That is where I come in. My goal is to make art collecting accessible and stress-free. As your art advisor, I handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy the creative spark:
Artist Selection: If necessary, I’ll help you decide which artist’s style best aligns with your vision.
The Brief: I act as a bridge, helping you articulate your ideas and colour preferences and framing options.
Logistics: From managing budgets and timelines to arranging specialist couriers (or even local delivery if possible) I ensure the process is seamless.
Ready to bring a new story into your home? If you’ve been dreaming of a bespoke piece by Hannah, Polly, Abi, Kevin or if you'd like to explore my wider portfolio of artists to commission a painting, I would love to chat!
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