Over the years I've been commissioned to paint a lot of pieces. I'm often asked the same questions and wanted to make this process as easy as possible for you. Whether your an established art collector or a first time collector, this guide will inform you on what to expect. Purchasing a piece of custom art is an investment and something you want to spend time researching. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process, cost determination, and what to expect if you want a commissioned knife painting.

*For information on ordering portraits click here. 

2. Color Palette
Do you plan to leave the piece in one room long term to display or will you be moving it around? Will you be passing the painting on as a family heirloom? Choosing paintings to match your furniture can actually backfire if you like to change and redecorate often. Black and White is a very popular color palette for a reason. It's versatile. Select a color scheme that will work for your style and surroundings and keep in mind all of these factors when you're deciding. 

3. Size
Stretched Canvas comes in standard sizes or you can have it custom stretched to your size requirements. Canvas's comes in different wrap widths. A gallery wrap, or wider stretched canvas can be hung directly on the wall without a frame and still display very beautifully. A lower, standard profile wrapped canvas should be framed. If you will be framing the piece, I recommend using a standard canvas size with a lower profile. It is easier, and less expensive to find frames in the standard sizes. *I don't recommend glass over the paintings.

Standard sizes are typically, 8x10, 11x14, 12x12, 12x16, 16x16, 16x20, 20x20, 20x24, 24x30, 30x30, 28x36, 40x40, and 36x48.  

As you are deciding on a size and wrap option, I recommend buying a roll of blue painters tape, and outlining the desired size on the wall of where you plan to hang the painting. This will help you decide whether to commission a larger or smaller painting. *Don't forget to include the additional frame/mat dimensions if you're going that route.  

4. Deposit
Once you have decided on the subject, color palette, size, and wrap, we can discuss the purchase of your piece. Send the details to Trisha@theknifepainter.com. Once the price of your piece has been established, a deposit of 1/2 the total price is required to begin. The balance is due upon completion.

5. Pinterest / Sketching
For more complex paintings, I recommend you start a private Pinterest board and invite me to it. You can find me here: https://www.pinterest.com/Knifepaintergirl.  I will use those images to complete a sketch. If you're not on Pinterest, you can also email the images directly to me. Before I begin painting I will provide a basic sketch for your approval. 

6. Time
How quickly you need/want the painting helps me determine what kind of mediums (added goop I mix with the paint) I should use. Some mediums help the paint dry faster but take away a little bit of the shine/paint reflection. While some additives bring out a chalky, muted, and faded appearance, using 100% oil paint (with no added mediums) leaves an unmistakable vibrancy, but could take years - yes, years to dry. Palette knife paintings are no joke in the paint department. 

6. Dry
Once the painting is complete, I will send you a picture of the work. This is the hard part. Waiting. Depending on your medium selection, it could take a few weeks or a few months for your piece to be ready to ship. I will deliver local commissions when they are wet if requested. 

7. Delivery
This is when we discuss how we get your one-of-a-kind piece to you. Shipping and handling are additional however, I pass the exact amount on to my collectors. I don’t mark up shipping costs. I’ll include the receipt when I ship it. *Insurance is required for all shipping.

That's it. 

You will then be a new collector of your own, one-of-a-kind palette knife painting. 

-t.