Introduction

There is something uniquely satisfying about owning a piece of art that was made specifically for you. A commissioned painting - whether it is a portrait of someone you love, a rendering of a place that matters to you, or a scene from your own kitchen table - carries a layer of meaning that no gallery purchase can replicate.

In South Africa, the commissioning of original art is more accessible than many people realise. South African artists across a range of disciplines and price points accept commission work, and the process - when you know how to navigate it - is straightforward and deeply rewarding.

What is an art commission?

An art commission is simply a request for an artist to create a specific work for you, to your brief. It differs from buying a ready-made piece in that the work does not exist yet - it will be created based on what you tell the artist you want.

Commissions can be as open or as specific as you like. Some clients give the artist near-total creative freedom within a general theme. Others arrive with very precise references, colours, and compositions in mind. Most fall somewhere between the two.

Types of commissions available in South Africa

Portrait commissions

The oldest form of art commission - and still one of the most popular. Portrait commissions can be of people, children, couples, or families. They can be realistic, impressionistic, or stylised. A good portrait artist will discuss the style in advance and provide reference sketches or a mood board before committing to the final work.

Pet portraits

Pet portrait commissions have exploded in popularity in South Africa over the last five years. If you have a beloved dog, cat, or horse, having them captured in an original painting is a profoundly personal piece of art - and a gift that tends to reduce people to happy tears.

Place and landscape commissions

A commission of a meaningful place - your family home, the view from your holiday cottage, a particular stretch of coastline - is a form of visual memory-making. These pieces become family heirlooms.

Abstract and decorative commissions

If you have a specific room, a specific colour palette, or a specific emotional register in mind but do not want a representational subject, an abstract commission is ideal. You brief the artist on mood, palette, and scale, and they translate that brief into something entirely original.

Tablescape and food art commissions

For lovers of food, wine, and the pleasure of the table, a custom tablescape commission - your own favourite ingredients, your own kitchen colours - is a deeply personal piece. Artists like Gabby vdB have built their practice around exactly this kind of work.

What does a commission cost in South Africa?

Commission pricing varies significantly based on the artist's profile, the complexity of the brief, the scale of the work, and the medium. A rough guide:

• Small works (A4 – A3, unframed): R800 – R2,500
• Medium works (A2 – 60x60cm): R2,500 – R6,000
• Large works (60x90cm and above): R5,000 – R20,000+
• Pet portraits (standard size): R1,500 – R4,000
• Family portraits (multiple subjects): R4,000 – R15,000+

Most South African artists require a 50% deposit upfront, with the balance due on completion and before delivery.

How to brief an artist: what to share

A clear brief produces better art. When approaching an artist about a commission, prepare the following:

• A description of what you want - subject, mood, style
• Reference images - photographs of the subject, examples of styles you like, colours you have in mind
• The dimensions you need (and where in your home it will hang)
• Your budget
• Your timeline - do you have a deadline, such as a birthday or an anniversary?

Do not worry about being too prescriptive. Most artists will ask clarifying questions and suggest alternatives where your brief and their strengths diverge. The best commissions are a genuine collaboration.

The timeline: from enquiry to finished work

A typical South African art commission follows this sequence:

• Initial enquiry and brief submission: Day 1
• Artist responds with quote, questions, and available timeline: Day 2–5
• Agreement and deposit payment: Day 5–10
• Artist produces reference sketch or colour study for approval: Week 2–3
• Full work in progress: Week 3–8 (varies significantly by scale and medium)
• Final work shared digitally for approval: Week 6–10
• Balance payment and shipping: Week 7–12

For time-sensitive commissions - gifts especially - it is always worth enquiring well in advance. Most artists who are accepting commissions will be honest about their current queue.

Conclusion

A commissioned painting is one of the most personal, lasting gifts you can give - to yourself or to someone you love. South Africa has extraordinary artistic talent across every medium and price point, and the commissioning process is far more accessible than most people expect. To explore original South African art and prints, or to enquire about a commission, visit Gabby VdB Art.

Commission your custom piece or explore ready-made prints at gabbyvdbart.com - designed in Cape Town.