Commissions

How commissions work

For a commission to result in work I am proud to deliver, the source photography must be of professional quality and taken in the right conditions. For this reason, I work in one of two ways.

The first option is that you commission a piece based on photography I have already taken. I attend the Falsterbo Horse Show in July, the Dublin Horse Show in August, and other major European equestrian events throughout the year. If your horse competes at one of these events, there is a strong likelihood I have already photographed them. Commissions of this kind have the fastest lead time because the source material is already in hand.

The second option is that you commission a piece for which I take the source photography specifically. This requires me to attend the event where your horse will be competing, with sufficient advance notice to arrange media accreditation and travel where needed. This option is suited to riders and owners planning ahead for a specific competition.

I do not accept commissions from photographs taken by others. The reason is straightforward — to deliver the level of detail and accuracy that defines my work, the source image needs to meet professional photography standards. Phone photographs, casual snapshots, and screenshots from broadcasts do not allow this. I would rather decline a commission than deliver work I am not satisfied with.

Process and timeline

A typical commission proceeds in the following stages.

First, we discuss what you want — the horse, the rider, the moment, the size of the finished piece. This conversation usually happens by email or phone.

Second, the source photograph is selected, either from work I have already taken or from new photography arranged specifically for the commission.

Third, I produce the painting. This typically takes between three and seven days of working time, spread across two to four weeks depending on the complexity of the piece and my current schedule.

Fourth, the finished work is delivered. I work with high-quality print partners in Germany and Denmark for canvas production and framing, with direct shipping to your address.

From initial conversation to delivery, a typical commission takes between four and eight weeks. I will be honest about timing at the point of inquiry.

Pricing

Commission prices start at €2,500 for a signed canvas in the standard size, with prices increasing for larger sizes, complex compositions, or pieces requiring additional photography arrangements. Each commission is priced individually based on these factors.

A deposit is taken at the start of the work. The balance is paid on delivery.

Smaller signed prints from the same image are available as additional gifts at the time of commission. Many of my clients give these to family members, riders, breeders, or members of their team.

Availability

I accept a small number of commissions each year, alongside the limited edition pieces I create on my own initiative. To inquire about availability, please use the contact page or write directly to studio@rolfstenbergart.com with the following information:

• The horse and rider you have in mind
• The event or moment, if you have one specifically in mind
• The size of finished piece you are considering
• Any timing requirements you have in mind

I will respond within two working days with availability and a more specific quote.