Don Maitz has created hundreds of commissions in his career, including imaginative cover art for notable book publishers, corporate commissions for publications and museums, and private commissions for individual art collectors and enthusiasts.

While Maitz has produced significant personal works, a great deal of his art has been developed for all sorts of clients. In addition to those mentioned in his bio, he has created works for DragonCon, the World Science Fiction Convention, the World Fantasy Convention, and Lucca Comics and Games in Italy -- all venues commissioning art that have hosted appearances by the artist.

Don is willing to consider new commissions. Please send serious inquiries by email to donmaitz@paravia.com.

For publishing and institutional clients, the commission begins with a discussion of the scope of the art. After an agreement is reached, I provide preliminary material before beginning the final artwork. These materials are presented, discussed, adjusted and approved during phases of completion. Sometimes "in progress" snapshots are provided if deviations from the approved sketch occur.

When the art is at completion, I send a snapshot for final confirmation. The approved artwork goes to a professional photography studio for digital capture. In most published commissions, the original artwork remains the property of the artist and selective reproduction rights (agreed to in writing beforehand) are transferred with the sale. Original art commissions where the physical artwork is sold do not include any reproduction rights, except with my expressed written permission.

I also accept commissions from individuals. Many private commissions are based upon movies and books, such as "Surprise" shown above. Readers have commissioned paintings based upon their favorite books, such as Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. Pricing does not include shipping costs.

I accept commissions for remarques, where I draw or paint inside books either in pencil, colored pencil, or watercolor. Prices for these range from $125 to $250 depending upon media, size and complexity. The process entails contacting me, discussing the intended remarque, sending me the book, and providing for the return postage. I present an initial pencil concept via email and, upon agreement, produce the remarque and return the book.

As book paper stock is not always suitable for water media, some minor rippling of the page can occur. To avoid this, some clients have opted for "Wall Art Remarques" suitable for framing instead of inside a book. These are done on arches watercolor paper with size and price negotiated. Examples of this treatment are three watercolor paintings from Desperation by Stephen King.

For some commissions, the concept is suggested by a client. After agreeing upon price and media, I develop sketches for approval before beginning the final art. Usually half the agreed amount is provided at the beginning of the commission with final payment made at time of final approval. Price does not include shipping costs.

I also create portrait art in oil or watercolor, often as special gifts for weddings and other special occasions. Portraits require high-quality photos sent by the client. Poor photography sources negate the commission. I discuss subject matter, size, price, and media with the client before beginning. Time for completion varies depending upon my professional schedule.

Contact Don Maitz by email to inquire about new commissions or discuss methods and techniques.