This page offers advice about requesting a wildlife art painting commission.
Making a Commission
If you would like a special piece of artwork to remind you of an experience or as a gift for someone with a particular interest. Please read this section and contact me to discuss any ideas that you have.
dolfi.stoki@gmail.com
Progress updates:
Clients are sent emails containing updated pictures on the progress of their commissions.
Important Considerations:
* Subject * Design (communicate any specific ideas you have) * Dimensions (if it needs to fit a particular space) * Budget * Time scale (whether there is a deadline for the completion of the painting)
Prices:
Prices are slightly above those of my existing originals. As a guide look at some of my paintings that fall within your budget as a basis for your expectations. My commissions start at around £500 or $US1000, and prices vary according to a number of factors explained below.
Guide to Commission Prices
Please note prices vary according to the following:
* the size of the painting * the extent of fieldwork and research preparation required * the complexity of the design * the amount of detailed brushwork * the required completion date * any extra expenses likely to be incurred * the demand for the subject matter
My aim is to fulfil the client's expectations, which includes working within the budget but please note that on completion of a commissioned painting I reserve the right to offer it at a price that I judge reflects the work that has been done. There is no obligation to purchase any commission that ends up over budget. Any advance payments would be refunded if the client decided not to proceed.
Two-way agreement
You may be excited about commissioning a painting, but it is equally important that I too feel positive about the idea.
I ask myself the following questions when considering a proposal:
* Am I inspired?
* Can I create a worthy result? (Is the subject matter familiar to me or will I be able to study it or find helpful source material?)
* Am I provided with a suitable time scale to accommodate my existing commitments?
Creative Decisions
My reputation is built upon my personal method of working and it is essential I feel comfortable with my creations, therefore I reserve the right to make the final decision on the design.
Commissions with general appeal
If a commission is accepted and the subject matter is not too specialised I would complete the painting and show it to the client for approval. If a direct viewing were not possible, a quality e-mail image. If upon viewing the painting it did not meet the client's requirements there would be no obligation to purchase. If you chose to buy the painting my normal terms of business would apply.
Commissions of specialist subject matter
However if your commission is of a more specialist nature a deposit would be required before commencing work and full payment for the painting upon completion. The deposit and payment of the balance would be non-refundable as long as it kept within budget. Staged progress payments may be required for large commissions.
Please note that the painting I produce will never be exactly the image that you are visualizing, but I aim to please.
Insurance
The work is fully insured until delivery to the purchaser. In the event of loss the insurance proceeds will be used to recommence the making of the work or if preferred offer a refund of all money that has been paid.
Copyright
Unless a separate agreement is entered into all rights of reproduction and all copyrights in the work, the preliminary design and any incidental works made during the creation of the work are reserved by the artist.
Direct Correspondence to:
Dolfi Stoki c/o Rock Solid Africa
118 Marimba Road, Matsheumhlope Bulawayo, Matabeleland
Zimbabwe Tel: +263 772126621
