Commission a Painting

A commissioned painting is a way of marking something that matters — a person, an animal, or a place. I work primarily in oils, building pieces from photographs into something with weight, atmosphere, and a sense of presence. I paint on traditional primed board and also on paper in various sizes. Paintings are available in a range of sizes on board or paper, with 300gsm archival oil paper providing the most affordable entry point at $350 for an unframed piece.

I take on a limited number of commissions at a time.

  • Pet portraits

  • Houses and buildings

  • Landscapes and places

  • Illustration projects

If you’re unsure, feel free to ask.

Process

  • We start with a short conversation

  • You send through reference images

  • I develop a composition for approval

  • The painting is built in layers over several days or weeks depending on size and complexity.

Most commissions take 2–4 weeks, plus drying time.

Practical details

  • Based in Melbourne, working across Australia and internationally

  • Framing can be arranged

  • A deposit is required to begin

A note on working together

I’ve worked with individuals, publishers, and small businesses across a range of projects. I aim to keep the process straightforward and considered, and to be clear about timing and cost from the outset.

Start a commission

If you have something in mind, send it through.

A little slice of France for home

A framed painting of a golden retriever dog hangs on a textured white wall. There is a blue vase and a wooden bowl with a small wooden object on a white shelf below the painting.

Memorial for a friend

See gallery below for examples and process.

Process of a small A5 commission on paper

  • I highly recommend Warren as an illustrator, designer, and collaborator. As an art director, I had the pleasure of working with him on the picture book The Day of Stolen Bicycles. Warren’s technical skill and deep knowledge of both illustration and design made the process not only efficient but deeply meaningful. His research for the topic goes beyond expectations, and he is exceptionally reliable, always delivering high-quality work on schedule.

    —Kim Pfeffer, Art Director at Amicus Ink

  • Warren’s creative sensibility has been invaluable. Through a deep understanding of our mission, his design has clarified complex ideas, giving our materials coherence, elegance, and a strong intellectual presence. He has integrated an amazing array of concepts from science, art, illustration and design that inform his work.

    Peter Ellerton, Director of The Centre for Critical and Creative thinking

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My illustration work is largely commission based and usually for publishers of one kind or another. For self published authors please review illustration rates and conditions on the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) website for details.

  • Custom Oil Paintings by Warren Bonett

    How does the commissioning process work, and how long does it take?

    Once you place a deposit order, I’ll ask for a few photos of your pet and a short note about their personality or favourite habits.

    I work in oil, which allows for subtle colour, texture and adjustment as the painting develops. Your portrait begins with a simple sketch to show the pet placement and size in the image and general composition for you to approve, before I move on to the finished painting.

    Most commissions take around 3–5 weeks from deposit and receiving your photos to completion. Because oil paint needs time to naturally dry and settle, timing can vary slightly depending on size and current bookings.

    It’s intended to be a calm, collaborative process — and I’ll keep you updated along the way.

  • Some of my work is already framed, due to having been shown in exhibitions and art shows.

    If not framed artwork can be supplied unframed or framed using one of the options provided.

  • Unless otherwise stated my mixed media pieces combine etchings or Lithographs I have produced and painted details. Some of the etchings are available without the painting. These are listed as etchings.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page, the form below or via email if we are already in contact. We aim to respond quickly—usually no later than two business days.

    info@wdbonett.com

  • The artist retains copyright of reproductions of all work. Many of my pieces will be reproduced as book illustrations, high quality cards and other prints.

  • I have worked with dozens of small business, art directors, publishers and individuals, and no matter who my clients are I give my best. I will be honest with timing and prices and answer any questions to the best of my ability. I want to make the process fun where I can and satisfying for all.

  • Each available work is numbered and signed museum grade fine art prints on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper. Our supplier for these is industry leading Fine Art Printer Image Science.

    308gsm – Matte – Smooth – Bright White – OBA Content: Very Low – 100% Cotton – Fibre Based

    The most popular fine art inkjet paper in the world, loved by printers and galleries everywhere. Does everything exceptionally well, takes colour equally well as black and white. While definitely not textured, it has a hint of tooth that is just enough to add a bit of dimensionality, but not enough to overpower any fine details.

    Sizes generally A3 - A2.

  • All original artworks are carefully described and photographed to represent the work as accurately as possible. Measurements are generally not millimetre perfect but are very close.

    While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure colour accuracy, it may vary from screen to screen as different screen interpret colour values differently.

    If your artwork arrives damaged in transit, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery and include clear photographs of the packaging and the artwork. Email: info@wdbonett.com

    If a return is approved, the buyer is responsible for all return shipping and insurance costs, unless the artwork is confirmed to be faulty, damaged in transit, or not as described. Approved returns must be via appropriate courier companies for original art and can be via Auspost for our Fine Art Inkjet prints.

    Returned artworks must be carefully packaged and insured for their full value. We cannot accept responsibility for artworks that are lost or damaged while being returned to us.

    Original shipping and handling fees are non-refundable, except where required under Australian Consumer Law.

    Completed commissioned artworks and custom-framed works are non-refundable, except where they arrive damaged, faulty, or not as described.

    Commissioned artworks require a non-refundable deposit once work has commenced.

    Contact us at info@wdbonett.com

  • By accessing this website and purchasing artwork or services from Warren Bonett (wdbonett.com), you agree to the following terms.

    All artworks shown are the original work of Warren Bonett and are protected by copyright.

    Purchasing an artwork does not transfer copyright. The artist retains all reproduction and publishing rights unless otherwise agreed in writing.

    All descriptions, prices and availability are correct to the best of our knowledge but may be updated at any time.

    We reserve the right to refuse or cancel an order if an artwork is no longer available or if an error has occurred in pricing or listing.

    Commissions, where accepted, are subject to individual agreements regarding scope, pricing and delivery.

    This website and its content are provided for personal, non-commercial use only.

  • We respect your privacy.

    Personal information collected through this website (such as your name, email address and enquiry details) is used only for:

    • responding to enquiries

    • processing orders

    • providing updates if you have chosen to join the mailing list

    • Your information is never sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

    Email addresses collected for newsletters or updates may be unsubscribed from at any time using the link provided in each email.

    This website uses standard analytics and technical tools to help understand how visitors use the site. These tools do not identify you personally. We do NOT use the Facebook/Meta tracking pixel.

    All personal information is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988.

    If you would like to access or request correction of your personal information, please contact:

    info@wdbonett.com

  • Children’s book and nonfiction illustrator – Warren Bonett based in Melbourne Australia

    • illustrator

    • traditional media fine artist

    • children’s books

    • narrative nonfiction

    • animals and plants

    A history in print design enables me to optimise files and compositions for print.