denise rich -

Commission a Painting

Where do you get your ideas for paintings from?
I work from photographic reference to create original oil paintings and drawings. My original oil painting offerings use my own original photographs as reference.

I see you paint cows and buffalo, can you paint a dog, cat, person etc?
Although Cows are my focus, I accept commissions of any subject. This slide show will give you an idea of the variety of artwork I have done in the past. Also, be sure to view the Commissions category on the artwork page.

What are the prices for your artwork, and why don't you have them listed on the site?
There is much debate among artist circles and their advisors whether or not the prices should
be listed on an artist's website with the artwork. One camp says it's an absolute crime to do so, tacky if you will. The other insists that it makes the work difficult to purchase, and that without prices and buy it now buttons people will assume it's just too expensive and move on, never to inquire for price. I've tried both presentations over the years off and on, and have concluded that it really does look cleaner and 'nicer', maybe classier? without the price and a buy it now button! Therefore, I encourage you, if you see a work you like, even if you are merely curious about the price and not serious about ever purchasing it, click the "inquire about this piece" link and ask away. I do not expect you to purchase a piece simply because you inquired about the price.

There is no obligation to purchase when simply
inquiring about the price of a painting or commission.
All I ask is after I reply with a price, is that you please respond even
if you are not interested in a purchase at the present time,
this is the only way I know you received my email. Beside that
I enjoy keeping in contact with those who respond to my work. Thanks!

If you are interested in commissioning a painting:
The Commission Process

If you have a photo that you feel would make a great original oil painting...
Send it to me along with any details and the approximate size you are interested in through email or snail mail for a no cost evaluation. If there is a special story behind the photo I am very interested in hearing about it. Working on a commissioned painting is more than just painting a photograph to me, it's capturing a moment in time, a mood, and when done right there is always a strong emotional reaction when the final product is received. Having insight into your emotional connection to the photo gives me that emotional background on which to draw while working on the piece and helps me to connect on my end too. You should also let me know everything you are thinking about how you see the finished painting.

Once I know what it is I will be painting and what size I will give you a price quote. If this is accepted a deposit will secure your date and I will begin the project in the order it was received.

To begin I will do a composition sketch directly on the canvas so you can see exactly where everything will be placed. It is very easy to change things at this point, so your input and approval here is important. Once you have approved the composition I will begin to work on your painting. If needed I will do a few sketches, especially if you are debating about composition or color. I will send you regular emails with high resolution photo updates of your painting so you can see your work progress to completion.

Once a final photo of your painting meets with your approval the balance is due. When you receive your painting I personally guarantee that you must be completely satisfied that it looks as good or better than it did in the email photographs or I will buy it back from you.

If you know what you want to commission, but do not have a photograph...

If you have a specific thing you would like a painting of but do not have a photograph I can either acquire photo reference locally or with travel expenses acquire the reference anywhere.
Often I am commissioned to paint a specific breed of cattle using my own photo reference.
If you are interested in commissioning a painting using my photo reference, please contact me to discuss the options. I do have a vast number of reference photos of cows and can get more if I know what you are looking for. All steps for commissions from my photo reference are the same as those for paintings from a clients photo reference.

I schedule commissions on a first come, first served basis. Please be sure to reserve your place as soon as possible, especially if it's for a specific occasion. A deposit received within 30 days of a price quote guarantees that price even if prices have gone up during that time.