Commissioning a painting is different from choosing an artwork that already exists. You are asking an artist to create a new piece around a particular idea, person, atmosphere, memory or space.
To bring that process to life, this guide features studio imagery from Sisi, an artist on Art For My Room. You can discover Sisi's artist profile and available work.
What affects the cost of a commissioned painting?
Size is one of the clearest factors. A larger canvas uses more materials, requires more studio space and usually takes longer to complete.
Complexity matters too. A simple composition can require a very different amount of work from a detailed portrait, multiple figures, a complicated background or a highly layered surface.
Medium and materials affect the quote. Canvas, specialist pigments, oils, preparation, varnishing and custom supports can all contribute to the cost.
Finally, there is the artist's experience and demand. An established painter with a strong sales history will not necessarily price work in the same way as an emerging artist.
How much should you budget?
There is no official UK commission price list. Current published prices from individual UK artists show just how broad the range can be.
| Type of commission | Published examples |
|---|---|
| Smaller or simpler work | About £100 to £400+ |
| Larger or more detailed work | About £600 to £1,500+ |
| Established portrait artist or large composition | £1,500 to £7,500+ |
These figures are not UK market averages. They are an illustrative snapshot of publicly listed commission prices from artists including Beck Lee, Annabel Fox, Helen Carter and Toby Michael. Always ask the individual artist for a quote.
If the painting is being created for a specific wall, decide approximately how large it should be before asking for a quote. The Art For My Room Wall Art Size Calculator can help you turn a sofa, bed or wall measurement into a practical artwork size.
What should you agree before the artist starts?
A good commission begins with a clear brief. Before paying a deposit, both sides should understand what is being created and what the price includes.
- Final dimensions and medium
- Subject, mood and level of detail
- Approximate completion date
- Deposit and payment schedule
- How progress reviews or revisions will work
- Whether framing is included
- Delivery, collection or installation costs
- What happens if the brief changes significantly
Deposits are common, but the percentage varies considerably. Current UK artist examples range from relatively small material deposits to 40% or 50% booking deposits.
Copyright is another point worth understanding. Buying the physical painting does not automatically mean buying the copyright or unrestricted reproduction rights. If the artwork will be reproduced commercially, put that agreement in writing.
Is commissioning a painting worth it?
A commission makes the most sense when you want something that has a reason to exist: a particular wall, a memory, a person, an atmosphere or an idea that you want interpreted by an artist whose work you already admire.
The strongest question is not simply, "Can this artist copy my idea?"
It is: "I love this artist's work. What would they do with my idea?"
If you are still deciding between commissioning something new and buying an existing piece, you can also browse original art available through Art For My Room and compare scale, mood and room fit first.
How much does it cost to commission a painting?
For many buyers, several hundred to several thousand pounds is a realistic area to explore, but the meaningful number is the artist's quote for your actual brief.
Give the artist the dimensions, medium, subject, deadline and delivery location. Then ask what the quote includes.
You are not simply paying for paint and canvas. You are paying for an artist's time, judgement and visual language to become an original object that did not exist before you asked for it.