The Full Story about
Commissions
Do you have something special that you want turned into an amazing piece of art?
I love doing commissions and have a limited number of commission spots available each year.
The joy in creating a work of art that captures something truly special and meaningful to someone is such a pleasure!
Are you looking for a real scene based on one or more reference images, or something that has never existed before? No matter which one, my passion is to create something truly outstanding that makes your heart sing.
I specialise in fishing vessels, boats, seascapes, landscapes, people and animals. And was historically (once upon a time) a fantasy artist. So there is not much I cant do.
Read below about my commission pricing and process and if you want to start a conversation…
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He has truly captured the essence of Fiordland’s rugged beauty and the spirit of the boat.
We are beyond thrilled with our new painting of Ata Whenua, our solid workboat based in Fiordland. We commissioned this incredible piece from the talented Ben Tolmie of Linkwater, who hand delivered it to us this afternoon; he has truly captured the essence of Fiordland’s rugged beauty and the spirit of the boat.
The depth and detail in this painting draw you right in—it’s almost as if you could find your own reflection in the water. We’ll be taking it in to get framed next week, and we can’t wait to see it up on the wall!
Thank you, Benjamin Tolmie, for your amazing work. We are so happy with it!
Missy Jayne King-Turner and Darren King-Turner.
Pricing
Is Design Needed?
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If the painting is largely based on one good main reference image then there won’t be any need for design. And I will include any enhancement and cleanup of the image in the painting costs. I always make my paintings better than the reference. ;-)
Design will be needed if I am creating a scene made from two or more reference images or if I am creating something that has never existed before.
A Design phase can cost between: $500 and $2000 depending on the complexity of the requirements.
I take whatever reference images are available and use photoshop and digital painting to put together a ‘design sketch’ of my vision for the final painting.
This serves two purposes. It gives me the chance to work out the composition, lighting, subject matter and any other variables. And I can then use the design as the reference to paint the final artwork.
Most importantly it gives you (the client) a preview of the final artwork and makes sure we are both on the same page with the outcome. This process ensures that only surprise you will have when you receive the final artwork is how unbelievably awesome it is in person.
Painting Pricing
I work out my commission pricing at a cost per square meter including material costs. Below is my 2025 pricing matrix for private artworks. This gives you a good indication of cost and I will always quote specifically for your requirements.
As part of the booking process I will let you know the next available spot in my painting queue. My pricing is reviewed annually and is taken at the time of booking even if the work is scheduled for completion in the following year.
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Small works
400 x 267 mm = 1$667
500 x 333 mm = $1,040
600 x 400 mm = $1,500
700 x 467 mm = $2,043
Medium works
800 x 533 mm = $2,665
900 x 600 mm = $3,375
1000 x 667 mm = $4,168
1100 x 733 mm = $5,039
Large works
1200 x 800 mm = $6,000
1300 x 867 mm = $7,044
1400 x 933 mm = $8163
1500 x 1000 mm = $9375
And I can quote for larger works, murals and different shapes on request.
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Continue reading below to find out more about about my process and feel free to get in touch...
Ben captured the essence and beauty of the scenery with incredible precision and artistry
Ben created a stunning commissioned artwork of the view from our bach in Mahau Sound. Using his exceptional skill with airbrush techniques, Ben captured the essence and beauty of the scenery with incredible precision and artistry. While it is largely a realist piece, Ben carefully took the scene back to a pre-European time and incorporated motifs representing out family.
The piece perfectly conveys the vibrant hues of the landscape, from the shimmering water to the lush greens of the surrounding bush. The interplay of light and shadow is truly remarkable, creating a sense of depth and realism that brings the view to life.
Throughout the process, Ben was highly professional, communicative, and attentive to our vision. Ben was in regular contact during the iterative design phase, and provided update images as the painting progressed. He ensured every detail was aligned with our preferences while still adding his unique creative flair. His dedication to quality and his passion for the craft is evident in every aspect of the final work.
The artwork now hangs proudly in Wellington, a constant reminder of the serene beauty of the Marlborough Sounds and the incredible talent of Ben. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ben to anyone seeking a talented and reliable artist for commissioned pieces.
James, Wellington
The Process
When you get in touch we will take a look at whatever reference images you have and put together a creative brief of what you are wanting the artwork to be. I will ask you a bunch of questions and put together a commission agreement of the requirements and pricing which we both will sign as a professional bond for getting this work done in the most awesome way possible.
You will then be required to pay a deposit to secure this work in my next available commission spot. Your deposit allows me to hold the spot for you, start any design or enhancement work and purchase materials.
With a Design Phase
The full design fee will be required to secure the commission spot and start design.
50% of painting cost will be due one design is signed off prior to painting.
The final 50% of painting cost will be due once painting is completed prior to shipping.
Without a Design Phase
50% of the full commission pricing will be required to secure the commission spot.
The final 50% of painting cost will be due once painting is completed prior to shipping.
Once the painting starts I will update you weekly with progress. And once the painting is complete, I will create a short Timelapse video of me doing the artwork.
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Let me know if you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you..
The finished painting is stunning and perfectly captures the essence of Moonspinner II
We owned a yacht called Moonspinner II, a Townson 34. The yacht had beautiful lines and was an absolute delight to sail and live in. The times spent on her in the Marlborough Sounds are very special to us and we wanted to capture the essence of the yacht and those times.
We had a photo of Moonspinner II in the Marlborough Sounds with our dog Meg swimming around which we thought captured that essence. We commissioned Ben Tolmie to paint the essence of that photo while allowing artistic license. I was particularly keen to ensure that the beautiful lines and proportions of the yacht were reproduced in the painting.
Ben firstly prepared digital mock-ups to allow us to chose the style of the final painting and to edit in and out various aspects of the photo that would encompass elements of a wider selection of Marlborough Sounds locations.
We had regular video updates as the painting progressed. The attention to detail and our brief, particularly in regards to capturing the essence of the Marlborough Sounds experience and the lines and proportions of Moonspinner II was incredible.
The finished painting is stunning and perfectly captures the essence of Moonspinner II, the times spent on her and our old dog Meg who just loved the water and the boat experience.
Unfortunately Meg has since passed away and Moonspinner II recently had to be sold for health reasons.
Ben’s painting hangs proudly on our bedroom wall, a treasured testament to a time and era of our lives that is
very special to us.
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Paul & Robyn Williams
