Artists | Local Services | Classifieds.co.uk :

A beautiful painting is something that you should enjoy and appreciate every time you look at it. However, if you are thinking about choosing an artist to immortalise a scene or a person it is very important that you do your homework. Don't simply approach the first artist you come across. Here are some things to think about when choosing a painter or artist.

How do you find artists?
If you want to commission an artist to paint a portrait or a landscape, you should consider spending some time visiting local art galleries where you will be able to see paintings by different artists, many of whom may be within easy reach. Equally, many artists now have websites and may even advertise their services in the windows of local photographic shops or on sites such as Classifieds. You may even find yourself confronted with art for sale as you sit down to dinner in a restaurant: a great many artists showcase their work this way. If you want to commission a portrait but are not familiar with portrait painters you can visit the website of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters where you will be able to find a list of members and see examples of their work.

Once you have found someone whose style you like, you will need to find out something about them. For example, if you decide that your favourite paintings are in a Monet style, you may well be able to find someone capable of rendering your portrait or landscape this way. In general terms, any well-known artists of the time are unlikely to be willing to adapt their style for even the most lucrative of private commissions but there are endless unknown artists who are considerably more flexible.

Personal preference
One of the most important factors that must be considered when choosing a painter is personal preference. Choosing a painter or artist is a very personal decision. A particular individual may be widely acclaimed as a portrait painter ever but, if you just can't identify with their particular style, then there is no point in you selecting them to paint a portrait of your family. A painting is something that you want to be able to look at and enjoy for a long time to come so you must be entirely happy with the style. Everyone will have different likes and dislikes when it comes to artists, beauty being in the eye of the beholder. If you are planning to commission a painting as a present for a friend or relative you should equally try to find out what artists and what styles of painting they like before you rush out and have your favourite artist paint something.

Chemistry
If you are commissioning a portrait it is important that the artist develops a good understanding of the subject and that a good chemistry develops between them. This should result in a more accurate portrayal of the subject. Try to visit the artist in advance of the sitting and provide them with background information about the subject. Some portrait painters will only paint a subject in person but others will work from photographs which will be useful if you are planning a portrait as a surprise present for someone -- and is all but essential with children who are rarely able to sit still for an extended period!

Artists are all different
Every artist will interpret their subject in a different way and no two paintings of the same subject will be identical. This is what makes art exciting and interesting. So, if you want a painting of your favourite place you will need to try to find an artist that will capture that place in a manner that appeals to you. Some artists only work with oils and some with watercolours or pencil so try to decide how you want your painting to look and then approach a few artists that paint in that particular style. Some artists will only paint landscapes and others specialise in portraits so this should also be taken into consideration when choosing an artist. It is becoming increasingly popular to have paintings of your pets. In these cases you should be able to find artists that are used to painting animals rather than people. Finally, do check regards timings. Artists, by their very nature, are less driven by time pressure than most of us. Some will have a room full of unfinished problems dating back over decades! Testimonials are important in this context.

Investment
If you are looking to buy a painting by a well known artist as a financial investment you should always seek professional advice from an art expert as to which artists to consider.

Cost
Paintings will vary enormously in price. Different artists will charge different prices and different types, materials and sizes of paintings will vary in cost. However, choosing an artist is probably one time when price should not be the primary driver. If you have a defined budget you should, of course, try to stick to it, but explain this to the artist and they may be able to work around your budget and, for example, produce a smaller painting than you had originally intended. However, do get the price agreed at the outset before the artist begins work.