Doing commission pieces is one of my favorite things! Nothing is more exciting than trying to understand a client’s vision and then capture it on a canvas. This guide will tell you what you need to know including my process, FAQ’s, and pricing.

• Size Matters First thing I need to know is how big (or small) your painting should be. Canvases are readily available in many sizes, most of which you can find in my web shop. Most canvases are 1 ½ to 2 cm thick but some canvases come in a “3D” format, meaning the canvas is 4 cm thick.

• True Colors The range of paint colors available is nearly endless, but I can always mix custom colors as needed. You can use one of my other paintings for reference (“I want these colors”) or send me a picture or your own palette. Remember that digital images aren’t always “true” so there might be a slight discrepancy. It’s good to pick your base color and decide which color should “dominate”. Black and white are often the best background colors, but anything is possible. There are also options like neon, metallics, pearl mixes. However, depending on the technique I use (see the next point) you may want to limit your color choices. For example, a “Dutch pour” on a small canvas should be a background color and a max of 5 main colors, otherwise the colors can get “muddy”. I have done a large canvas with 26 colors, but the more you use, the more they might mix together (blue and yellow will surely produce some green). It’s also important that the paint consistencies are all the same. The more you use, the higher the risk of inconsistency causing certain colors to dominate or completely disappear. Finally, contrast is important. Too many similar shades of the same color will not make a great painting. But don’t worry, we will do this together!

• Compose yourself Finally, I need to know the style you are looking for. There are hundreds of Acrylic Pouring techniques, and I currently use around 25 of them, each producing different effects from tree rings to cloudy galaxies. The easiest way to find your style is to look through my collection and find a painting that appeals to you. Again, I will actively help you find what you want!

Now I can get started, but you should keep in mind:

• Each piece is unique Sometimes people want a piece that has already sold and ask if I can recreate it. The answer is yes and no. Acrylic Pouring is an organic art form requiring cooperation between the artist, the paint and the canvas. I don’t have complete control over the result and no two paintings will ever be the exactly the same.

• It takes time Pouring the painting takes the least amount of time in the whole process! However, buying the proper paints and materials, preparing the canvas, creating custom colors, mixing the paints with pouring medium and allowing them to rest takes time. After the pour it takes at least a week for the paint to dry, and then the painting needs to be varnished, signed, fitted with a hanging mechanism and safely wrapped. Depending on my schedule I ask for three weeks, but often times I get so excited that it will be ready in less than two.

PROCESS—Once I finish the pour, I will photograph the wet painting for you. Remember, this is NOT the finished product. Things may move or change while drying and certain effects might stretch slightly or even disappear as the paint settles. Also, a photograph is never a perfect representation of your painting. The colors may appear differently and certain details may be incredibly small and not show up in the picture. Regardless, experience tells me that you will either immediately love it or you won’t. If you love it, I will let it dry and finish it for you. Should you not like it I have already made sure to mix enough paint to make a second pour. We will discuss what you didn’t like, and then I will make a second attempt. Again, if you are happy, I will let it dry and finish it for you. If, however you don’t like the second attempt, then I did my best and we can shake hands and part ways. I will not endlessly make attempts to create the “perfect” piece, selling the final one to you and ending up with a dozen pieces all with the same color scheme. To date, my clients love the first attempt and I’ve only had to do two second attempts. Both of these were accepted by the client so I’m confident we can work together to make something you love!

PRICING—I will always give you the final price of your piece(s) before starting. The cost of my paintings is based on several factors, starting with size. Compare the size you want to a comparable piece in my web shop to get an estimated base price. For custom pours the price will be 20% more than an existing piece. There are also canvases in other sizes, round and heart shaped canvases. I can also do stones or flat, non-porous surfaces. Ask about the cost of these special products. Upon ordering you will be asked to pay 50% of the total price, with the other half to be paid upon delivery. In the case of doing two pours and the client not being satisfied, I will return 50% of the initial down payment. The rest is to cover the cost of supplies and my time.

I use high quality paints (usually the Talens Amsterdam brand) which are included in the price. However, some paints (metallics, fluorescents and other special products) are more expensive than others so depending on your selection, there may be additional costs. I can use acrylic house paint with many techniques, so if you’ve just painted your accessories with a certain color, it may be possible for me to use any leftovers to create a perfect match. The paint must be a good quality, water-based acrylic paint. It requires an expensive additive (Floetrol) so even though you provide the paint, an additional fee of up to €10 will be added. I will always do a test with your paint on a separate canvas first to make sure it’s compatible, because not every house paint mixes well with the additives.

When the pour is dry, I can add effects like hand-painted bubbles or branches to enhance the painting if you wish. I don’t do this often but due to the extra time involved, additional fees may be added.

If you order a multi-canvas piece, or want more than one painting, I do offer a discount that increases with the number of canvases. Prices for large orders (offices, hotels, etc.) can be discussed.

Well, that’s about it. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. I look forward to creating a unique piece of art just for you!

Michael Diederich

Satisfied customers love their Custom pieces