Commissioning art can be a delicate process. For years, I hesitated to take on commissions, as I find it challenging to create an original piece of work based on someone else's brief. However, I’m not averse to making new versions for my variable edition prints. In fact I thoroughly enjoy revisiting a plate to see what further possibilities I can extract out of the same composition.

Creating custom versions of these prints is entirely feasible. When a customer requests a new iteration of one of my variable edition prints, they won't receive an exact replica of an existing piece. Instead, they'll receive a distinct variation, thanks to the monotype element in the printing process I employ, hence the term "variable edition”.

My first encounter with such a commission occurred during an exhibition at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle Upon Tyne. A potential buyer had seen ‘In the Moonlight’ at the preview but didn't decide to purchase it that evening. Regrettably, the print was later sold to someone else, leaving the customer deeply disappointed when they returned to acquire it.

The Biscuit Factory got in touch with me, to ask whether I could create another print just like the one they had seen. I had to explain that reproducing an exact duplicate was impossible due to the nature of the process. I use a combination of monotype with a collagraph plate. Each print is entirely a unique piece. To obtain an identical version, the only option would be to order a limited edition giclée print (a digital reproduction).

The customer wanted an original print, not a digital reproduction. So, I proposed to print the collagraph plate again using the same colour palette I had employed originally, offering her a choice of two versions. She chose the one below and was delighted with the result. As you can see, it is completely unique, even though the same collagraph plate was used for the final layer of colour. I hand-finished it with gold leaf.

Both of these prints are now available as limited edition giclée prints but if a customer seeks an original version, they can order one.

I can take one of two approaches - I can recreate a version with the same colour palette that a customer particularly liked, or I can use a new colour palette based on the customer's request.

I recently completed a new commission for "Way Markers Across The Causeway." The customer wanted the print as part of his retirement gift from Natural England and specified a sunset/sunrise colour palette.

The print above was my first attempt until I realised I had depicted the headland the wrong way around, so I started again. The second attempt is the next one below.

I created three versions in total from which the customer made his selection. He chose the next one down.

All of these prints will be available on my website soon. Keep an eye out! The original print chosen by my customer will also be available as a limited edition giclée print, along with the other previously sold prints in the variable edition.

The Process:

If you've come across a variable edition print that you love but is already sold, or if you have a specific colour palette in mind, don't hesitate get in touch. We can discuss your requirements, timelines, mounting and framing preferences, and any other details. I usually create at least two, sometimes three, versions for you to choose from.

Once we agree on the details, I will send you an invoice. You'll be asked to make a 50% upfront payment, with the balance due after you've made your selection. Once your choice is made, I will ship the selected print to you, ensuring that it reaches you in pristine condition.

Finally, I’m not completely closed to the idea of an entirely new commission. It will very much depend on what the customer wants, what reference is available and whether I feel, given the reference material available, I can do the project justice. If you like my work and would like to commission a unique print of your own, let’s talk.