What is Commissioned Art? Create Your Exclusive Timeless Memory | Rosemary Art Guide

When thinking of commissioned art, chances are the first thing that pops into your mind is an extravagant Renaissance portrait of a wealthy person, and you’re not far off.
Historically, commissioning art has been a way for people around the world to display their wealth and power. Artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Diego Velazquez gained popularity because of the high demand for them to paint commissioned works for members of the upper class. This is not to say commissioned art is confined to portraits. Oftentimes, churches commissioned artists to create paintings that depicted biblical scenes, like Michelangelo’s fresco paintings on the walls of the Sistine Chapel.
Moving forward in time, the culture of commissioning works has opened its doors to a wider audience. At Rosemary Art, we believe art shouldn't just be decoration on a wall; it should integrate into your everyday life. Today, let's explore the charm of commissioned art and how you can get your own exclusively hand-painted piece.
History of Commissioned Artworks: From Immortalizing Life to Art Movements
One thing that connects all art movements is the public’s desire to own a work of art that embodies the style and time.
In earlier years, portraits functioned as a way to immortalize one’s life, and therefore had to be realistic. Not only was it popular to have portraits of oneself, but many also commissioned art that depicted religious scenes and historical events to showcase how cultured and educated the family was. The Medici family, once the richest family in Italy, commissioned works from the likes of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli, eventually building up a large private collection.
As technologies and styles evolved, the demand for commissioned works did not diminish. It was no longer strictly about having a realistic portrait, but about being able to participate in a movement. Andy Warhol was often commissioned by famous figures to create portraits of them because of his iconic and revolutionary pop art style. Even governments and businesses moved into the art world, commissioning artists to help them create and establish an identity. Commissioned by the Spanish Republic Government, Pablo Picasso was asked to commemorate the bombings of Guernica, which is one of his most famous works today.
Can I Commission Art?
Don’t worry, commissioning art is no longer just something members of the upper class during the Renaissance can afford to have!
Today, many artists are open to taking on commissions as it shows them people are enjoying their work. At Rosemary Art, our mission is to preserve memory and love in every single hand-painted stroke. If you have a precious memory you want to capture, or if you really like a work of art in our gallery but are looking to get a personalized size or color palette, try reaching out to our team.
Commissioning artwork is a unique experience that allows you to trust someone to create what you are visualizing. It gives you the chance to participate in the artistic process and have a personalized work of art that will stay with you forever.

Choosing the Right Artist and Subject
When getting a work of art commissioned, it is important to think about the subject you would like and what style would suit it best.
As said before, commissioned art is not only portraits. If you love the breath of nature, you can request a customized Landscape Painting or Ocean Wall Art. If you want to add a touch of minimalist zen to your home, a highly textured Wabi Sabi Art or Abstract Art piece would be the perfect centerpiece.
You don’t have to come up with something revolutionary and different. You could simply choose a previous work from Rosemary Art—such as an elegant Ballerina Painting or a romantic piece of Love Art—and discuss with us how to change some details (like color, size, or composition) to create a similar but exclusive piece just for you. If you are looking to come up with a completely new subject, like a special Portrait Wall Art, try to be as detailed as possible when explaining it to the artist.
Keep Open Communication
When getting a work of art commissioned, keeping open communication with the artist is key to ensuring the final piece perfectly matches your vision. Don't be afraid to share your feedback, your preferred tones, or even the lighting of the room where the painting will hang.
At Rosemary Art, we offer a 100% hand-painted promise with free global shipping. We will confirm the finished painting with you, and only when you are completely satisfied will this canvas, carrying dedication and stories, be shipped to your home.
Ready to start your commissioned art journey? Browse Rosemary Art's full collections for inspiration today, or contact our team directly. Let's paint your story on canvas together.