Creating something unique and meaningful
Creating commissioned paintings through collaboration can be a fun and exciting process. What is involved in having something unique and meaningful created just for you? For those who might find it interesting to have an inside view on my process for working with someone to create a commissioned painting, I thought to share the story of how this particular painting, “Fields of Gold” came about.
Above is one of eighteen photos that my client viewed in advance of having sketches drawn.
We began collaborating on this project via email about 7 months prior to the completion and delivery of this painting. The client described to me some ideas of what she might be looking for, and we decided that I should send her some photos to consider. She would make notes on which photos were her favorites and some of the details she would like included in the artwork. Around this time, I sent her a brief, simple contract outlining the process which would also make sure we were both on the same page with the details of this project. After a bit of discussion, the contract was approved and signed.
Sketches to add clarity
Once I received her notes on the selection of photos that I sent to her, we came to the conclusion that a few sketches to work out the composition would be helpful. Neither of us had a clear vision of what the final painting should look like. Below are the three ideas I first prepared.
This composition is more simple than the one above.
This sketch is even more simple than the first two.
Decisions, decisions…
After some deliberation during a phone call, the client was not sure which of the above compositions to choose and described what she liked and did not like about each one. I then suggested that another sketch was needed in order to help her visualize her ideas of the composition she described. This sketch communicated to her what I was hearing her say in a tangible way. We were both more clear on the direction of the painting from then on.
This was the final sketch which has some minor tweaks and is most similar to the second one.
Time to get painting
After receiving an e-transfer deposit from my client, I proceeded to order a custom made canvas. Once the canvas was in the studio, I lightly sanded and coated it twice with a gloss acrylic product. This procedure prepared the canvas for how I like to paint by making the surface more smooth, allowing the paint to spread and blend more easily. It also enhanced the colors and extended the working time of the acrylic paint.
Getting closer!
Once the painting had reached the stage where I felt that the client could get a good feel for what the final piece would look like, I sent her a photo of it. She thought that I was on the right track. She stated that she was very much looking forward to having the bright and sunny piece in her home! I explained the areas that needed further development and she agreed that I should continue to move forward. So far, so good.
Pictured here is the commissioned painting at 80% completed.
Making things more interesting
For me, refining the painting can often be one of the best parts of creating. Working with the various hues of yellow I find, are more of a challenge than working with some of the other color families. Another challenge here was how to create depth of field and variations in the textures of the canola. Another consideration was how to make the painting more interesting being that so much of the canvas was yellow.
Studio visit
Once the details were taken care of and felt the piece was almost finished, I emailed the client suggesting a studio visit to see it in person. Photos in an email generally don’t do the artwork justice and once we were able to connect in the studio, she was a little surprised how large it actually was. She showed appreciation for its warm and sunny demeanor and the many details and mentioned that it was just what she had been looking for. During the visit, she decided on having a few minor adjustments made including the addition of a barn on the distant horizon. I was happy to accommodate the requests and also suggested she take part in naming the painting. During some rainy days, I was able to complete the piece and get it ready to hang.
Its New home
Pictured here is the completed painting in its new home!
I really enjoyed getting lost in creating this special piece for my client and happy to have had the opportunity to get acquainted. It was a joy to work with to help her realize this little dream and to see her smile at the sight of it. The client says she is very happy with the outcome of this project. I hope that she finds it an enjoyable and meaningful addition to her home for many years to come!