PAINTING COMMISSIONS
Michael Alford accepts commissions for a range of painting types including individual and group portraits, commemorations of events, military subjects, cityscapes, including views of specific buildings and streets, and bespoke landscapes. To discuss a commission, please contact him.
Commissioned City- and Landscapes
Calcio Storico Pageant, Florence
Royal Courts of Justice
Fortnum’s Street Scene
Wimbledon Common
Cityscape Oilpainting
Portrait Commissions
Christ’s Hospital Student
Young Man in a Green Shirt
Man in a Red Tie
Vaughan Smith
Boy in a Sailor Suit
Bar Malem
King’s Troop Commander
Brother, Sister
Group Portraits
Wedding Portrait with Horse, Dog and Cat
Triple Portrait with Boy, Girl, Dog
The Royal Exchange Bar with Friends
The Club 606 Orchestra, Group Portrait
Military Commissions
Menila, Iraq
Mt William, the Falklands
Afghanistan
Ops Room
Always dreamed of that special painting but never found it in any gallery? Consider commissioning.
Special commissions form an important part of Michael Alford’s studio practice.
In this article he explains his creative process when working on special commissions, describing how he collaborates with clients to create unique bespoke paintings including portraits, group portraits, specific land- and cityscapes and paintings to commemorate special events.
Image: A double wedding portrait by Michael Alford. The clients asked for a family portrait that included the bride and groom along with their beloved horse, dog, cat and motorbike.
What to Expect When You Commission a Painting
All special commissions begin with an in-depth discussion between Michael Alford and the prospective client.
The client has a chance to bring their ideas to the table and present any reference materials or examples of what they have in mind. A visit to Michael’s London studio often helps facilitate the conversation and can be an excellent way to kickstart a new project.
Once the main concept of the painting has been agreed, the discussion moves on to details such as size, medium, price and expected delivery dates. Michael will do his best to give a realistic estimate of time to completion.
Payments for special commissions are staged in thirds. If the client is happy to go forward, the first third of the total is payable at this point.
The design stage follows. Michael produces a detailed sketch of the proposed painting for discussion with the client. Small alterations can be requested at this point and some details adjusted.
As soon as the client approves the design, delivery dates are reviewed and firmed up. The second of the three staged payments is due.
Completion. Michael delivers the finished painting to the client. The third and final staged payment is due.
Oil Sketch to Completed Painting
The client, a large law firm, commissioned a painting of the view from its newly constructed City headquarters. This is Michael Alford’s initial oil sketch of that view, which he presented to the client for discussion.
The completed project, painted in oil paint on panel. It now hangs in the firm’s main reception area.