Art is considered an emotional possession. It is also often the focal point of a room, making it a rather important element indeed.

With this in mind, it is good to remember that your art reflects a bit of you, because it's very likely to be viewed and influence others in this way.

Your art may say you enjoy travel or music or that you cherish your family in the form of a portrait or classic beauty in the form of a still life or that you love the area in which you live as seen in a landscape. Whatever you choose, face it, art is, at least in part, a reflection of its possessor and therefore deserves reasonable consideration.

So, how do you go about finding the art that is right for you?

It would be simple to say, if it feels right, it possibly is. Simple or not, this is not bad advice. The "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" theory really does ring true here. But maybe you have looked at paintings, visited galleries or art exhibits and just not found the right piece for you. It may then be time to consider commissioning artwork. Commissioning artwork can be a fun and very rewarding experience.

Let's look at how you might go about achieving the results you desire.

First, every artist has a style, a medium and subject matter with which they feel most comfortable. My best advice with any commission consideration is to be attracted to those elements first, thus making it more likely to get the results you wish.

Matching your tastes to that of an artist's is the key to your success. The point is not to ask an artist to paint what you will like, but to have him or her paint what you both will like. If you love lively bold colors in oil, find an artist who does as well.

There are some exceptions in artists with more than one style, but you should see what you like in their work, not force it out of them.

It's likely that if you are at this point you've been looking at art and have some feelings as to what you do like. The next step can then be taking the approach of using clippings from magazines to shape your vision just as you do when you prepare to decorate a room.

Gathering examples of things or elements you like in a painting can be helpful to both you in the conformation of your taste, but also to the prospective artist with whom you plan to work. If you find something that really appeals to you, you might begin by asking that artist if he or she does commissions.

Perhaps it's as simple as creating something similar, or asking that artist to show you other examples of their work which might become the inspiration for the exact painting you want.

You should know that not all artists accept commissions. Some simply choose not to do so.

As an artist, I have personally found commissions to be a very rewarding experience, but I respect artists who, for one reason or another, do not feel comfortable accepting commissions. Should you contact an artist who does not accept commissions, it's best to move on.

Be sure you look for an artist who has a professional attitude. Someone who looks forward to sharing this creative experience with you. That doesn't mean you'll be doing the painting, but your opinions are part of the creative experience and you should feel comfortable that your contribution to this collaboration is appreciated.

It should also be fun.

Here are a few other helpful tips you should consider:

• The artist you choose should want you to feel comfortable with your mutually agreed concept for a painting. Some are happy to provide sketches to help you visualize the final work.

• The artist is likely to ask for a deposit. Realize that these paintings can be of very specific subjects like "your children," or "your house," the artistic process you've commissioned will result in a work specifically for you.

• Once the artist begins your commission, let them create the work with as little interruption as possible. Your important role in this process is to do your advance work well as you search for styles and an artist with whom you feel comfortable.

• Important note: if you are working with a designer, be sure to convey to that individual the feelings you have about the painting. In fairness to designers, they are most likely concentrating more on factors such as color or style than they are on your emotional expectations for the commissioned art. To receive a painting that you really love, it must evoke both your emotions and your expectations. If it simply compliments your color scheme, you will not be happy.

• When working with a gallery to connect to an artist whom you wish to commission, I highly suggest that you speak directly to the artist during this process. Telling the gallery what you want and letting them convey your wishes to the artist is a recipe for problems and unhappy results.

So, it's now time to find that artist and commission something special just for you!