Commissions

Over the years, some 65 commissions (comprising nearly 160 paintings and drawings) have been successfully completed. Almost all this work has been purchased. There were one, two or three works of lesser size (half-imperial and smaller) and these are not listed.

The following are what might be called ‘major commissions’ comprising two or more (full-Imperial) works. Some of these have resulted in exhibitions of the commissioned work, for example Goonoo Goonoo, Canungra, and Warra Station.

The following are some of the major commissions completed since the mid-1970s.

> "Tenterden Station", Guyra. (1976)
> "Gabbinbar", Toowoomba. (1978)
> "Stonehenge Station", Glen Innes. (1981)
> "Rangers Valley", Glen Innes. (1981)
> "Lighthouse", Waterloo Valley, Glen Innes. (1981)
> "Kings Plains" [and castle], Glen Innes. (1982)
> "Ardrossan", St George. (1982)
> "Listening Ridge", Pechey via Crows Nest. (1983)
> "Goonoo Goonoo", Tamworth. (1986)
> "Glenlyon", Texas. (1986/87)
> "Arcot", Texas. (1988)
> "Upper Raleigh", Texas. (1988)
> "Barelli", Stanthorpe. (1989)
> "Clifford House", Toowoomba. (1987)
> "Land Warfare Centre", Canungra. (1990)
> "Tyunga", Brookstead. (1994)
> "Melrose", Brookstead. (1994)
> "Bukkulla Station", Inverell. (1994)
> "Caen Brae", Bowenville. (1997 and 1998)
> "Warra Warra" Station, Warra Warra. (1998)
> "Waterford", Cambooya/Felton. (2004)
> "Fernside", Toowoomba. (2004)
> "Toowoomba Prep School". (2007)
> "Kurrowah", Cecil Plains. (2008)

Commissions prospectus and pricing guide > Printable PDF

Prices quoted are ‘guideline prices’ only; they can and do vary, often upwards. Sometimes a work is priced over and above the usual if it is considered to be outstanding.

The basic unit for pricing is the old Imperial size sheet of watercolour paper, which is approximately 550 x 750mm (22 x 30 inches). Usually about 25 to 75mm all round is lost to framing.

Prices are quoted on the basis of the actual size of the artwork but do include the cost of framing. Also of note, acid-free materials are used extensively in the construction of the frame and, together with other conservation framing techniques that are adopted as standard framing procedures, ensure near-museum high quality presentation for all work.

Sizes and prices

If a decision is made that it is desirable to work in the oversize range, this will be discussed with the client, where possible prior to commencement. This may include producing small sketches to assist with such issues as concept, composition, aspects of subject, scale etc. It must be said here that, purely from a design consideration, the larger scale (i e oversize) is sometimes preferable for some subjects/pictures in order to do the subject justice.

The ideas translate out more successfully to larger compositions and the most common sizes are the two-thirds and full Imperial sizes.

Sale of the works and inspections

Whether or not BilI agrees to paint a client’s subject is solely at his discretion. To determine this, an inspection fee applies and can range from $50 upwards to $350. The commissioning customer is not obliged to buy everything produced as a result of that work, but will have first offer on everything generated by that commission subject.

Oversize

A large painting is commonly 550 x 900mm and prices for these works range from $3,500 to $5,500.

Payment

When size/media/technique/prices and number of works have been decided, an arrangement for some payment during progress of the work is necessary. This is usually about half and should happen when the work is nearing completion and before framing. For larger commissions where multiple works are to be produced, this can be done as several payments over the course of the work.

Travel and accommodation

Travel and accommodation vary from commission to commission. However they are part and parcel of the logistics of producing commission work and accordingly some arrangement needs to be settled prior to commencement.

Travel is an important component of commission work because these artworks are completed in front of the subject, a practice that ensures necessary accuracy and fidelity to the subject.

For any further enquiries or clarifications of any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact Bill.

> Contact A W Morton

> View 'Commissions prospectus and pricing guide' PDF