how to commission art featuring your house
A few weeks ago, deep into lockdown, I was contacted by journalist Lisa Grainger, Deputy Editor of The Times Luxx Magazine. She was researching an article for the Bricks and Mortar section of The Times about the increasing number of art lovers commissioning pieces feauturing their homes. I think the importance of home and the family unit has been at the forefront of our minds even more recently. Home represents safety and security, especially in these uncertain times.
I really enjoyed creating a piece for Rosie, a local teacher. She wanted to surprise her husband to be with an aluminium print showing their flat, the first place they had bought together. We conducted secret phone calls, coded emails, and clandestine meetings as we discussed composition and colours. Rosie even sent me a picture of the couple walking hand in hand, which I subtly sneaked into the picture. Our cover was almost blown on our final meeting, in a cafe opposite their flat.
As sat down at the table I saw a window in their flat opening. The husband-to-be had come home early. I hastily message Rosie who bought some broccoli on the way home as cover, while I spoken to the waiter: “I’m meeting the fiance of the man in the flat opposite. I need that table at the back so he does’t see us. It’s a long story…oh nevermind.“ Thankfully our secret meeting took place without a hitch, the piece was ordered and presented to the groom on the morning of their wedding. He loved it and my blood pressure returned to normal.
Rosie’s wedding commission
Pubs have also featured a few times in commission requests. The’ve been the venue of first dates, a place where the first sparks of romance appeared; or a reminder of a favourite haunt, a place that gave a family a comforting feeling of community during their London posting. In really enjoyed creating a piece for the three owners of the gorgeous Bull and Last pub in Highgate to celebrate their tenth anniversary. Tip: colourful hanging baskets always work well.
The Bull and Last pub in Highgate before being printed on brushed aluminium. The three owners stand proudly at the entrance
A commission doesn’t have to be of your home. There might be a special place somewhere that reminds you of a precious moment. One of my favourite things about being an artist is when people fall in love with a piece because they have an emotional connection with the subject of the work. An elderly couple bought my Little London, View From The Tate because it featured the exact spot where they became engaged more than sixty years ago.
I love the creative process of a commission, working with closely with you to make a bespoke, personal and original piece of art. Feel free to contact me at mwallnerart@gmail if you’d like to chat about creating one of your own.
You can see read Lisa Grainger’s article either in the picture below, or online in The Times Bricks and Mortar section.
