Commissioning Artwork
Discussion
Art is an immensely personal thing - doubly so for the sort of occasion your friend is looking at.
I presume that there's a certain 'style' that his wife likes (on the assumption that if he thinks she'll appreciate a piece of art, she'd have a modicum of appreciation in art itself...rather than just something nice to hang on the wall).
I would advise the first step is to go and talk to a few local gallery owners. They will know who's out there and put you in touch with those artists whose style matches what you're after.
Fiver might be worth a look but I'd suggest this is more likely to yield 'illustrators' than artists.
I presume that there's a certain 'style' that his wife likes (on the assumption that if he thinks she'll appreciate a piece of art, she'd have a modicum of appreciation in art itself...rather than just something nice to hang on the wall).
I would advise the first step is to go and talk to a few local gallery owners. They will know who's out there and put you in touch with those artists whose style matches what you're after.
Fiver might be worth a look but I'd suggest this is more likely to yield 'illustrators' than artists.
Why do you need a 'platform'?
Just google local art galleries, go down have a look at some and contact the artist you like the style of. Art is not something that should be done online. My unle commissioned some artwork, portraits of family , it was really good, ended up being exhibited in the local gallary.
Just google local art galleries, go down have a look at some and contact the artist you like the style of. Art is not something that should be done online. My unle commissioned some artwork, portraits of family , it was really good, ended up being exhibited in the local gallary.
The joy of commissioning artwork, is the commissioning. Why not let her commission something herself?
Alternatively why not let her be part of it by modelling?
This guy is good. The straight portraits are a bit nouveau, but the more abstract ones are fun. Just as the men tend to do cars/bikes, the women tend to opt for 'pin up' and a lot more riske (not included on his website!).
Doesn't have to be him, but the wider point being that it also doesn't have to be a piece of art commissioned by her husband and given to her
https://www.james-paterson.com/portrait-commission...
https://www.james-paterson.com/adverts
https://www.james-paterson.com/pin-ups
Alternatively why not let her be part of it by modelling?
This guy is good. The straight portraits are a bit nouveau, but the more abstract ones are fun. Just as the men tend to do cars/bikes, the women tend to opt for 'pin up' and a lot more riske (not included on his website!).
Doesn't have to be him, but the wider point being that it also doesn't have to be a piece of art commissioned by her husband and given to her

https://www.james-paterson.com/portrait-commission...
https://www.james-paterson.com/adverts
https://www.james-paterson.com/pin-ups
Thesprucegoose said:
...Just google local art galleries, go down have a look at some and contact the artist you like the style of. Art is not something that should be done online...
+1.My wife commissioned a painting for my big birthday. We happened to already own 2 paintings by a local artist that were purchased from a local gallery (so it was a given that we both liked the artist's style). Wife got in touch with the artist directly and asked her to produce a work showing our 2 teenage kids. She (the artist) came round to our house, interviewed the kids at length, took samples of their clothing, photographs and sketches.
The resulting mixed media, paint & collage, is fantastic. Captures the kid's personalities & likeness perfectly, and is full of ancillary detail that includes elements of where they have come from, their interests and where they will be going. I love it and it's my most treasured procession. It measures 1.5m x 1m, was framed by the artist and cost about £650 - I think she seriously undercharged.
OP, to repeat Spruce Goose's point, find a local artist who produces work that you like.
Both of us are pretty creative - OH is an artist herself, if abstracts.
For Christmas, I commissioned a local guy who is a retired comics illustrator (we're both also massive geeks!) to do a comic style family 'portrait' with her as the main focus. Combining all the things she loves, plus a few little references in our depictions that reference our tastes.
£80, framed. He does it for the fun and interest - and to cover his weekly pub tab!
Was bricking it - thought she'd like it, but damned risky. Fortunately, she loved it.
I'd personally take the far less risky approach of approaching an artist that's known to be liked by the recipient, and for the "gift" to be a session with them to start the commissioning process with her fully involved. The process itself is bloody good fun.
Here's what the chap came up with (lifted from her FB account, sadly cropped):

For Christmas, I commissioned a local guy who is a retired comics illustrator (we're both also massive geeks!) to do a comic style family 'portrait' with her as the main focus. Combining all the things she loves, plus a few little references in our depictions that reference our tastes.
£80, framed. He does it for the fun and interest - and to cover his weekly pub tab!
Was bricking it - thought she'd like it, but damned risky. Fortunately, she loved it.
I'd personally take the far less risky approach of approaching an artist that's known to be liked by the recipient, and for the "gift" to be a session with them to start the commissioning process with her fully involved. The process itself is bloody good fun.
Here's what the chap came up with (lifted from her FB account, sadly cropped):
If its a nude portrait of your mrs, you'll need to share with the group 
Alternatively, if you like a particular artist contact them direct. There's a "modern sculptor" on Instagram I follow and every now and then he'll flog off stuff a bit cheaper. but he's always saying that he's open to commissions.

Alternatively, if you like a particular artist contact them direct. There's a "modern sculptor" on Instagram I follow and every now and then he'll flog off stuff a bit cheaper. but he's always saying that he's open to commissions.
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