Preliminary “Sketch”

[BeaSue]

I have been asked to do a 20x30 watercolor commission. The person requesting this has asked me if I’d be willing to submit a preliminary “sketch.” He will pay me for this. I am new to commissions. I told him I’d be willing to do that. But I don’t quite know what to do! What size should I make it? I presume I should offer a rough painting, not just a pencil sketch. How much detail? How much should I charge? I’m charging $350 for the painting. Help, please!

[nolan]

what I usually do for a commission is paint a thumbnail of the final artwork.
Here you can see the thumbnail painting which was a 9 x12 inch:

Details

this was shown to the customer for approval of the layout and colours. Note the lack of details in the painting.
That gives the customer a good idea of what they are getting plus they have approved the layout and colours so can't change it afterwards.
Then this was the final painting:

Details

Which was a 24 x 36 inch if I recall correctly.

[BeaSue]

Thank you, Nolan. That’s very helpful.

[nolan]

  with your commission

[Bill76434]

  Sue