I had an inquiry from a friend who was interested in a work from our Elena Popova show that is no longer available. We looked through several other pieces and nothing jumped out at her. At that point I suggested that she may want to consider commissioning a piece since she was keen to buy something from that particular artist.

I remember when I was in my 20s, I had no idea that it was even an option to commission art. I should add here that there are artists who don't work on commissioned pieces, but for the most part, the artists I represent do. When I work with a collector on a commission, it's important to get a good understand of what they are looking for, and to set expectations in terms of the process. The artists I work with charge a premium for their commissions, versus a work of similar size/style that is part of an existing catalogue or exhibition. This is largely due to the additional work required to meet with or speak with the collector, and prepare sketches along the way.

Commissions can be a great route to take when you are looking for an investment piece - i.e. something that you want to keep in your home or family for a lifetime. I love when people commission works to commemorate major milestones like a marriage, new home or anniversary.

In the case of this particular commission, the artist and collector have a personal connection through my relationship with both of them and through some shared sentiments. It is a match made in heaven and I have no doubt that the end result is going to be memorable.

Image: Flow #1, Elena Popova, June 2009