Commissions

When someone approaches an artist to create a special piece of work a rather magical relationship begins. Though not always as turbulent as the interplay between Pope Julius II and Michelangelo over the Sistine Chapel ceiling, nor as politically charged as the Spanish government’s request to Picasso which resulted in the masterpiece Guernica, any commission involves patience and understanding.


The picture in the commissioner’s mind will be different to that in the artist’s head. Somehow the two will, miraculously, come together, usually through a discussion about seasons, time of day, colouring and viewpoint which become the basis of a group of studies.


Showing colour studies to a commissioner is where the project usually takes flight. Suddenly it becomes clear what will work and from that point the final destination is in sight.


It’s a process I love for a number of reasons. Firstly because I get to meet someone with a vision they want me to facilitate. Secondly a commission usually involves a place or viewpoint that is new to me. Thirdly because a successful commission gives everyone - commissioner and artist - such a buzz.


Below are a few commissions from the last few years. If you’d like to commission an Ian Scott Massie picture go to my Commissions page.

Below:
Portsmouth, the island city
Oxford
​The Malvern Hills