Vibrant oil paintings of Bristol & beyond

By Neil Watson

About

Commissions

If you’d like a work for a specific space or occasion, then let me know, using the form below. I will explore your requirements and come back to you.

If you want to, you can use the calculator to help you work out the steps and costs associated with ordering a commission for yourself, or a gift.

What does it cost?

I appreciate it can be a daunting task – so I’ve built this simple calculator to give you an idea of likely cost. These are indicative and don’t include the cost of framing – although that is something we can discuss as part of the process. You can use this to get a good idea on cost, or skip it entirely and just get in touch with the form below. If you do use the calculator I will see the measurements you pick to give me an idea to start things rolling.

Commission price guide

Enter your preferred size to get an indicative commission cost.

Artwork size preview
Enter width and height to preview the shape.

Estimated price: £0.00

Economy-of-scale pricing active.

Frame option can be added to this guide estimate.

Guide price only. Final quotes can vary by subject complexity, framing, and materials.

Commission Enquiry

What’s the process?

It all starts with the form on this page, that gets the ball rolling and starts the discussion.

I love to paint from live references where possible, but often use photographic or composite material as a source – I wasn’t on the boat when Chief Brody sees Jaws for the first time, so I don’t need to be there to paint live, it’s just great if I can.

The cost guide I have on this page is a great starting point – certain complexities might affect the final cost, for example a painting with 5 people is more time consuming than a single subject, but I think for planning you can be comfortable that the costs you see here are in a very specific ballpark in terms of final cost.

In terms of starting points, often a photograph is the reference point, a favourite view, or a cherished memory. If you’re in and around Bristol then I can easily visit.

What makes a good reference photo?

Any photo can make an inspiring reference – I love how Mark Tennant’s work is reminiscent of Polaroid photography, so much so that I bought a camera for the purpose of reference. That said, here are some tips for good photographic references (courtesy of my artist friend Gail Reid).

Good sharp focus

Daylight is ideal for accurate colours

If the photo has been taken by someone else, check you have permission to use it.

Try to have the camera at the subject’s eye level. Either raise the subject safely up onto something, or kneel yourself down to their level.

Consider catching the subject doing an activity – playing with a favourite toy, eating an ice cream, chatting or even sleeping.

What happens between agreeing and receiving the finished painting?

Once the brief is established and agreed, I will ask for a deposit of 33% of the final work cost to book my time and commitment. This is refundable if I am unable to meet the agreed commitment.

Once I start painting I will not be showing any commission work on this site, or social media without express prior agreement. But I am happy to share progress photos in a private area on this site for you, and of course you can visit me to discuss the direction of the work. I am flexible in my approach, so if you’d rather not see anything until completion then I am happy to be part of that drama too!

A commission is a partnership, and we both need to be happy, so my cost includes two rounds of revisions to allow you to be completely satisfied with the finished work.