Commission a Painting That Holds Meaning
Some places hold stories too meaningful to fade.
Commissioning a painting with me is a collaborative process designed to translate your memory into a lasting piece of art. Whether it’s a family cottage, a first home, a favorite travel destination, or a place tied to someone you love, my goal isn’t to replicate a photo. It’s to capture how it felt to be there.
How Commissions Work
01
We start with a conversation
You share your story, what the place means to you, and any details you want included.
02
You send reference photos
Good lighting and clear, high-resolution images make a big difference. If you’re not sure what will work, send what you have and I’ll advise.
03
I create composition studies
I’ll develop a direction for the piece, including key elements, mood, and layout.
04
Progress check-ins
You’ll see the painting evolve through scheduled updates, so you can confirm we’re on the right track.
05
Final reveal (no surprises)
By the time the painting is finished, it should feel familiar, like recognition. The final work is delivered ready to hang, with proper drying time, varnish, and hanging hardware.
Is a commissioned painting for me?
More and more collectors are commissioning art as a way to hold onto a place that matters, or to give a meaningful gift for birthdays, retirements, holidays, and family milestones. If you have a location that’s near and dear, a commission is a beautiful way to preserve it.
What you can expect
When you commission a painting with me, I will:
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Provide a simple written agreement outlining the process and timeline
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Meet with you to discuss the images, story, and any meaningful details
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Purchase the materials needed for your piece
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Share two progress updates on scheduled dates
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Deliver the final work ready to hang (proper drying time, varnish, hanging hardware)
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Include a Certificate of Authenticity
What I’ll need from you:
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Reference photos emailed for review before pricing is confirmed (clear, high-resolution, good lighting)
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A 50% deposit to begin once we agree to move forward
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The remaining 50% due upon pickup or delivery
A quick note on revisions and usage
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After progress approvals, changes outside the original agreement may be billed at $75/hour (there’s no charge to meet the original specifications).
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If you’re not satisfied with the completed work, the 50% deposit is refunded and the artwork remains with me.
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I retain copyright and may share the finished piece and progress images for portfolio/marketing unless we agree otherwise.
Pricing
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12 x 12 — $275
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14 x 11 — $300
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16 x 12 — $325
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16 x 20 — $400
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20 x 20 — $550
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24 x 18 — $600
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20 x 24 — $675
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24 x 36 — $1000
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30 x 24 — $850
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40 x 30 — $1250
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24 x 48 — $1200
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30 x 48 — $1525
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36 x 48 — $1800
Why collectors love Chris’s work
Collectors are drawn to Chris Foster’s paintings because they hold a mood. Her work is rooted in real places, but it isn’t about copying a photograph. Through bold colour, delicate linework, and layered surfaces, Chris captures the feeling of being there: the quiet, the light, the memory, the little details you don’t want to lose. Each piece has a sense of story and connection, with just enough whimsy and experimentation to keep it surprising. The result is art that feels personal, lived-in, and easy to return to, the kind of painting you notice more each time you pass it.
