Painting Commissions
Michael Alford accepts commissions for a range of different types of paintings, including individual and group portraits, commemorations of events, military subjects, cityscapes and landscapes.
Clients have commissioned paintings to honour a wide variety of occasions: Weddings, commencements, retirements, significant birthdays, corporate milestones, military campaigns.
Michael’s bespoke paintings have immortalized cherished houses, beloved landscapes and cityscapes that possess special meaning for the client. His portraits have captured the likenesses of family members in classic style, providing enduring mementos of loved ones.
If you have an idea for a certain painting or would like more information about the commissioning process, please get in touch. Michael will be happy to discuss the project, offer professional advice if needed, and help you develop your concept into a unique, bespoke work of art.
One Commission:
From Oil Sketch to Completed Painting
A large London firm of soliciters contacted Michael Alford to commission a painting of a very special cityscape, the view from their newly-constructed City headquarters. The completed cityscape now hangs in the firm’s main reception area.
Michael Alford’s initial oil sketch of that view created in situ, from the vantage of an adjacent building. He presented this sketch to the client for discussion, settling the details for the final painting.
The completed project, painted in oil paint on panel.
Commissions Gallery
Cityscapes and Landscapes
Calcio Storico Pageant, Florence
Royal Courts of Justice
Fortnum’s Street Scene
Wimbledon Common
Cityscape Oilpainting
Portraits
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
Commissioning a Painting: The Next Step for Art Buyers
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.
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.
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.