What Is an Art Commission? (And How the Process Works)
One of the questions I’m asked most often is surprisingly simple:
“What exactly is a commission?”
Many people imagine it’s something formal or complicated - a large painting requested by a serious collector who knows exactly what they want.
In reality, it’s much simpler than that.
A commission is simply a piece of artwork created around a place, memory or idea that means something to you.
Some of the most meaningful pieces I’ve ever created have started with a simple conversation about a favourite beach, a special moment, or a place that feels like home.
‘Mawgan Porth Memories’ commission
Where Commissions Begin
Most commissions begin with a place.
A coastline walked for years.
A wedding day by the sea.
A stretch of water tied to a family holiday or a life-changing moment.
From there I spend time studying the location - walking the shoreline, observing the tide and textures of the landscape, sometimes capturing aerial references or collecting small natural materials that might find their way into the final piece.
Because the coastline is always shifting, every piece becomes a new exploration, even if it’s a place I’ve painted many times before.
‘Polly Joke Moments’
What Makes My Commissions Unique
My work is built through layers of reclaimed textiles, paint and found materials.
Vintage fabrics, surfboard fibreglass offcuts, salvaged fibres and shoreline elements are embedded into the surface of the painting, creating sculptural textures that echo the movement of the ocean.
These materials carry their own histories, transforming something once discarded into something lasting.
Sometimes clients also choose to incorporate meaningful materials into the work:
fabric from a special piece of clothing
elements collected from a beach
ribbons or textiles connected to an important moment
These details quietly weave personal stories into the artwork, making each commission completely unique.
‘Swell offshore Repurosed Surfboard’
Commissions Can Take Many Forms
Many people assume a commission means a traditional canvas painting, but in my studio the possibilities are much wider.
A commissioned piece might be:
• a textured shoreline painting for a living space
• a large statement artwork for a hallway or stairwell
• a repurposed surfboard transformed into wall art
• a wearable artwork such as a hand-painted jacket
• a bespoke piece designed for a hotel, workspace or hospitality setting
Some collectors commission a single personal piece, while others create collections that evolve over time.
There are no fixed rules, the work is shaped around the story, the space and the feeling you want it to hold.
‘Fistral Shoreline’ Handpainted denim jacket
The Process
Every commission begins with a conversation.
You don’t need to know the exact size or have everything figured out. Most people simply start with:
“I love this place…”
From there we talk through:
the location or story behind the piece
where it will live in your space
scale, colours and overall feeling
I guide you through the rest of the process, often creating visual mock-ups so you can see how a piece will sit within your space before work begins.
Because the paintings are highly textural and built in layers, each piece takes time to develop, but that slow process is what allows the work to feel rich, considered and deeply connected to the place it represents.
‘Drop Sails, Knot Nets’ commissioned drinks display at Adam Handlings The Ugly Butterfly
Why I Love Creating Commissions
Commissioned pieces are some of my favourite work to create because they connect art directly to people’s lives.
They hold memories of:
weddings
favourite coastlines
family holidays
places that bring a sense of calm and belonging
Over time these pieces often become something more than just artwork — they become quiet reminders of the places and moments that matter most.
Lusty Glaze wedding commissioned painting and hand painted shoes
Thinking About Commissioning a Piece?
If you’ve ever looked at my work and wondered:
“Could you create something inspired by my favourite beach?”
The answer is almost always yes.
You can explore more about the process or start the conversation here: