Over the past year, one of the most common questions I receive is about my commission process. Collectors and design enthusiasts ask how they can get a custom painting made specifically for their home or office. This guide covers everything: why commission, what the process looks like, how to prepare, and what to expect from start to delivery.
Table of Contents
- Why Commission a Custom Painting?
- What I Create on Commission
- How to Prepare for a Commission Conversation
- Getting the Size Right
- Working with Color
- The Commission Process, Step by Step
- Timeline and Pricing
- Working with Interior Designers
- Who Commissions Custom Art?
- After Delivery: Caring for Your Commission
- FAQ
- Start Your Commission
Why Commission a Custom Painting?
A commissioned painting offers something no ready-made artwork can: a piece created entirely for you, for your space, at the exact scale you need. More and more collectors want work that is uniquely theirs, not just something beautiful, but something made with their colors, their dimensions, and their vision in mind.
Commissioning tailor-made artwork is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice. I get to know some truly remarkable collectors, and I get to create paintings that are completely unique, designed for a specific person, a specific space, a specific feeling.
- Perfect fit — custom dimensions designed for your exact wall space
- Your color palette — colors chosen to complement your interior
- Unique to you — no one else in the world has the same piece
- Collaborative process — you are part of the creative journey
- Investment value — a commissioned original holds lasting significance and provenance
- Personal meaning — art created with your story and space in mind
What I Create on Commission
My custom paintings follow the same geometric abstract language as my existing collection: bold forms, intentional color relationships, and a meditative quality that brings calm and sophistication to any space. Within that framework, I work with you to create something that feels personal and specific.
Commissions are available across my full range of subjects and approaches, including geometric mountain compositions, coastal abstracts, and more purely formal geometric work. If you want to understand the thinking behind these different bodies of work before commissioning, Beyond Shape: Creating Life and Tension in Geometric Abstract Painting gives a clear picture of how I approach the work and what drives each series.
Commissions are available in any size, from intimate works on paper to large-scale statement canvases. Whether you need a painting for a living room, bedroom, home office, or corporate space, I can create something that fits perfectly.
How to Prepare for a Commission Conversation
The more context you bring to our first conversation, the better the outcome. Here is what helps most:
- Wall dimensions — measure the wall and note any furniture below or beside it
- Room photos — a photo of the space in natural light is more useful than a description
- Color references — paint swatches, fabric samples, or photos of your existing palette
- Works you respond to — pieces from my collection or elsewhere that give me a sense of your taste
- Timeline — if you have a deadline (a move, a gift, an event), let me know upfront
If you are unsure about size, the Wall Art Size Guide gives room-by-room measurements and the principles I use to determine the right scale for any space. I also work through this with every commission client as part of our initial conversation.
Getting the Size Right
Scale is the most common source of uncertainty for collectors, and it is the most important decision in a commission. A painting that is too small for its wall disappears. Too large and it overwhelms.
The two-thirds rule is a reliable starting point: a painting should span roughly two-thirds of the width of the wall or furniture it relates to. For a standard 84-inch sofa, that means a painting 56–63 inches wide. For a queen bed (60 inches), aim for 40–48 inches above the headboard. For living room commissions specifically, see Abstract Art for the Living Room for guidance on scale, placement, and what works best in that space.
For detailed room-by-room guidance, see the complete Wall Art Size Guide. Before committing to a size, I recommend the tape method: use painter's tape on the wall to mark the exact dimensions and live with it for a day or two.
Working with Color
Color is where commissions become genuinely collaborative. I work with your existing palette, whether that means matching paint colors, pulling from fabric swatches, or working within a general temperature range (warm, cool, neutral).
My approach to color is informed by decades of study and practice, including the influence of Josef Albers' work on color interaction and perception. If you want to understand how I think about color before our conversation, How Josef Albers Shaped the Way I See Color gives a clear picture of the principles I work from.
A few practical notes on color for commissions:
- Bring paint chip codes or swatches rather than describing colors verbally
- Consider how the room's light changes throughout the day, as color reads differently in morning vs. evening light
- Trust the process: I will share color studies or progress photos before the painting is complete
The Commission Process, Step by Step
The process is collaborative, transparent, and designed to be enjoyable from start to finish.
- Initial conversation — we discuss your space, vision, color preferences, and timeline. This can happen by email, phone, or video call.
- Proposal — I share ideas, dimensions, color direction, and a price quote for your approval. No obligation at this stage.
- Deposit — a 50% deposit secures your commission and begins the process. The balance is due upon completion.
- Creation — I create your painting, sharing progress updates along the way. You will see the work developing before it is finished.
- Review — you review the finished work before final delivery. I want you to love it.
- Delivery — your painting arrives carefully packaged, framed, and ready to hang.
To understand what happens after a painting leaves the studio, including packaging, shipping, and installation, see What Happens After You Buy a Painting?
Timeline and Pricing
Most commissions are completed within 4–8 weeks from deposit. Rush timelines can sometimes be accommodated — just ask upfront.
Pricing is based on size, medium, and complexity. Commissions are priced comparably to similarly sized works in my existing collection. A detailed quote is provided as part of the proposal, before any commitment is required.
Payment plans are available for larger commissions. If budget is a consideration, mention it in our first conversation and we will find an approach that works. You can also read more about how I have made collecting original art more accessible through flexible payment options.
Working with Interior Designers
I frequently collaborate with interior designers on commissioned works for their clients. I can provide digital mockups showing how the artwork will look in a specific space, making it straightforward to present options to clients with confidence. I have spoken about the relationship between art and interior design at Design Week Rhode Island, and that conversation shapes how I approach every designer collaboration.
If you are an interior designer working on a project that calls for custom geometric abstract art, I am happy to discuss trade pricing and project timelines. Reach out directly at shiloratner@gmail.com.
For designers who want to understand the full range of my work before reaching out, the complete guide to collecting geometric abstract art covers the breadth of my practice and what distinguishes my work from decorative production.
Who Commissions Custom Art?
- Homeowners seeking a statement piece for a specific wall or room
- Interior designers completing a client's space with bespoke art
- Corporate clients furnishing offices, lobbies, or conference rooms
- Gift givers looking for a truly unique and meaningful present
- Collectors who want to expand their collection with a personalized work
- Hospitality spaces seeking custom art for hotels, restaurants, or spas
After Delivery: Caring for Your Commission
A commissioned original is made with archival materials and built to last. A few guidelines for caring for it:
- Hang away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Maintain stable temperature and humidity
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Use UV-protective glass for works on paper
- Insure the work at current market value
- Keep the provenance documentation I provide with the painting
For a full overview of caring for original art, see the caring for your collection section in the guide to collecting geometric abstract art.
FAQ
How long does a commission take?
Most commissions are completed within 4–8 weeks. Rush timelines can sometimes be accommodated — just ask.
Can I choose the colors?
Absolutely. I work with your existing palette, fabric swatches, or paint colors to ensure the painting complements your space perfectly.
What sizes are available?
Any size, from small intimate works to large-scale pieces. We discuss what works best during our initial conversation. The Wall Art Size Guide is a useful reference before we talk.
Do you ship commissions?
Yes. Commissions are carefully packaged and shipped to collectors across the United States and internationally.
Can I see progress before the painting is finished?
Yes. I share progress updates during the creation process so you can see the work developing.
What if I don't love the finished painting?
I share the finished work for your review before final delivery. My goal is for you to love it, and I build in a review step specifically for this reason.
Is a commission a good investment?
A commissioned original carries provenance, uniqueness, and the full context of a serious practice. For more on what makes original art a meaningful investment, see the guide to collecting geometric abstract art.
Start Your Commission
If you have been thinking about a custom painting for your home or office, I would love to hear about your project. The conversation is free, there is no obligation at the inquiry stage, and it is one of my favorite parts of this work.
Learn About Custom Art Commissions
Follow along on Instagram for studio updates and commissions in progress.
