Question: If Someone Commissions Me to Do a Painting, Who Does Copyright Belong To?
Answer: Unless you expressly sign over copyright to the person who's commissioned the painting or it was done as work for hire, copyright remains yours. Owning the actual painting is not the same as owning copyright and reproduction rights in the painting.
Go to Full Artist's Copyright FAQ.
Disclaimer: The information given here is based on US copyright law and is given for guidance only; you're advised to consult a copyright lawyer on copyright issues.

