“She was freaked out and didn’t even know how to process it at first. She said it felt like a salient childhood memory had been plucked from her mind and put on canvas.”

A Few Weeks Earlier…..

Josh wanted to give his mother Helene something rare and special in the gift of art. It was the first time he had considered commissioning a work of art but he did some research and found his way to a UGallery commission. Although he was new to the process, Josh had a very specific piece in mind.

When Josh initially contacted us inquiring about commissioning the work of art, he told us that he wanted to recreate a memory his mother had shared with him of a particularly poignant and meaningful time in her childhood. After receiving his inquiry, UGallery art advisor Samantha Greene made personal contact with Josh to initiate the art commission.

Six Steps to Gift a Memory Through Art: Josh’s Story

1. Josh Shares His Vision

Samantha took the time to get to know Josh and his vision for the painting, which he explained to her in great detail.

Josh’s mother had conveyed to him vivid memories of her childhood, growing up in a beautiful stone house in a charming Pittsburgh neighborhood. For most of us, our childhood home is special and unforgettable, and that was certainly true for Helene. In one room, a classical painting hung over the fireplace and she would spend countless hours as a child looking up at the art from the family’s green couch.

The painting that hung in her childhood home had special significance to Helene. Her family no longer owned the art, though Josh shared an image of the original piece. Josh felt that incorporating the artwork as part of the commissioned painting would be a wonderful way to recapture the joy his mother felt as a child when sitting in her living room and looking up fondly at the piece.

2. Josh Selects an Artist to Create the Piece

Selecting the best artist for your commissioned piece may seem intimidating, but Samantha worked with Josh to navigate the process. With a long list of professional artists to consider, she paid close attention to ensure they identified an artist who would take the time and care to fulfill his vision in a meaningful way. Together they decided that artist Jonelle Summerfield would be the perfect fit, as Josh had reviewed and loved her extensive portfolio of paintings:

“I remember thinking her work looked beautiful and had a similar style in a couple pieces to what I was looking for.”

Jonelle later shared how she related to the sense of wistful joy that a beloved work of art can awaken in us, further solidifying that Josh made the right choice in asking her to create the art.

3. Josh Meets the Artist

After recognizing that Jonelle was the ideal choice, the two met through a call facilitated by Samantha to discuss the general idea and more specific details for the oil painting Josh would commission.

In addition to realizing the sentiment associated with the artwork and the project in general, Jonelle asked many questions to identify the aesthetics of the childhood home in which Josh’s mother Helene grew up. She sought out nostalgic details that would enhance her ability to capture the memory. From the age of his mother at the time of the memory, to the color scheme in the room, to the lighting in the space, Jonelle went to great lengths to familiarize herself with all the elements to recreate the moment.

4. Josh Confirms the Plan

As it relates to the finer details of the art transaction, we set up the payment with Josh in two parts, with half due initially and the balance due upon completion of the work.

Josh had a budget in mind when seeking out the art commission, but indicated he was “expecting it to be even more expensive considering how personal and professional the experience was.”

5. The Artist Goes to Work to Capture the Special Memory

As we’ve mentioned, Jonelle was incredibly diligent and engaged in the creative process and conducted independent research for the artwork. In addition to visiting the neighborhood in which Helene grew up, she investigated furniture and design consistent with the time period in order to create an authentic setting for the artwork.Samantha indicates that at this stage of any commission, it can be important for the client to share feedback. “The whole process is a judgment-free zone - so if there are any questions or concerns, it's important to voice them. Our ultimate goal is for everyone to be happy throughout the entire commission.”

6. Josh Receives the Artwork by Secure Shipment

Once Josh reviewed the final artwork and confirmed that it was consistent with his vision, the painting, entitled “The Listener” was securely and safely shipped to him.

Finally, the Great Reveal

When the art commission is a gift, such as was the case with Josh and his mother Helene, the final reveal of the artwork is such a special part of the fun.

After delivery of the custom art, Josh sent an email update for which the feedback made our day. He went the extra mile with the great reveal:

“My whole family was together with our close family friends who we have spent every Thanksgiving with since I was a baby. We hung the painting on the wall while she was upstairs and waited for her to just notice it - which took some strategic motioning. We also created a museum-style trifold about the painting and the artist. She had a confused/surprised/thankful face when she first figured out what was happening…...I want to thank you both so much for helping make this truly special gift for my Mom.”

Words of Wisdom

Though the process of commissioning art may seem daunting, as Josh described it, overall it was “super easy.” Art galleries are typically well-versed in the practice and adept at facilitating a fun experience for both the artist and the client.

“One of the most important things to keep in mind during the commission process is to have fun. It's so wonderful watching a painting come to life after speaking with the artist about what the client has in mind,” Samantha shared. “We try to make the process approachable and fun.”

Looking to procure a custom artwork utilizing our simple six-step process? To learn more, contact us on our website to get started with your special commission.