Commissions
Would you like a unique piece of art to remind you of a special experience?
A gift for someone to mark an event or anniversary?
Do you have something particular you would like captured on canvas?
The type of commissions I accept
I am delighted to accept a commission if the subject requested is similar to my body of work –
- Realistic paintings of still life food
- Floral paintings
- Paintings on Gold leaf
So if you are a keen gardener and love flowers; a foodie; a wine buff; appreciate antiques and beautiful objects; or want a present for someone who is, I should be able to help and produce a bespoke painting.
The commissioning process
- A discussion with the client either face to face, email or phone about their ideas for an commission, including theme, colours, size, timing and framing (if appropriate).
- A confirmation email from me outlining what we agreed at the discussion and an outline of timings and costs.
- Once this is agreed by both parties the buyer pays 50% of the painting costs to cover materials.
- Once the work is completed I send photographs of the painting and we discuss framing, if needed, and delivery.
- I also give the client the shipping costs and size and weight of the package.
- The client completes payment for the commission plus any shipping, insurance costs and local taxes if outside the UK before the painting is shipped.
- My oil paintings normally take 3 months to dry and be varnished, although they can be delivered before this and varnished later.
Here are some examples of commissions I have done:
Red Peony on Gold – This client found me through my website and wanted a painting to fit in with her bedroom decor of greens and reds. She liked my original Red Peony on Gold painting which was based on a peony I had painted during my residency at Spetchley Park Gardens. I had kept the original painting in my own collection I was happy to produce a larger copy.
Catherine from Bristol writes about her experience:
“I saw Nicola’s work on her website and instantly loved the Peonies on Gold painting. I was delighted when Nicola said she could produce a larger version of the painting for me and we worked together (via email) to choose the most suitable frame for the painting and my home decor. Nicola gave me a realistic time scale and kept me regularly updated and provided me with photos of the finished product which was promptly dispatched. The painting was even more beautiful than I had envisaged and I enjoy looking at it every day. Thank you Nicola for a very enjoyable experience in commissioning you to produce a painting for me.”
Hellebores and Pansies on Gold– This client and her husband had their Golden Wedding during lockdown and wanted to mark the occasion after the pandemic. As a keen gardener she wanted me to produce a piece on gold leaf of the winter flowers in her garden. We discussed the commission and I used my residency at Spetchley Park Gardens to study the appropriate flowers.
Marion from Derbyshire writes:
“We are delighted with our beautiful picture, we were able to choose the flowers that have special memories for us and Nicola helped us with suggestions for the composition, and kept us informed and updated throughout the process. The picture is a wonderful way to have a lasting memory to share with family and friends.”
Rainier Cherries with a Jug – Cherries, satsumas and lemons are popular requests for commissions. They usually result from a client seeing a painting at an exhibition and finding it already sold. If you view my paintings on social media, at exhibitions, or through this website and they are sold or part of my own collection, I can adapt a design and produce a similar one if the fruits and flowers are in season.
Prices for commissions 2026
Prices for commissions are similar to those of my paintings in exhibitions. The price depends on size, content, materials, travel/research (if necessary).
These prices are for the painting without a frame and shipping costs.
8x8 inches £300-£450
8x10 inches £300-£500
9x12 inches £350-£500
12x12 inches £400-£500
14x11 inches £450-£600
16x20 inches £600-£1,000
Larger painting individually quoted for
Extra for metal leafing or 23 carat gold leaf background.