{from little things big things grow}

I love painting commissions.  I love the process of working with someone to create a painting that speaks to their soul and I love bringing people into the creative process.  It's one of my favourite things to do.  I thought I'd share a little more of my process along with some pictures of my latest piece.

Take A Breath, Make A Wish

Acrylic on canvas

4 x 5 foot

Commission work starts with a visit to the person buying the painting, at their home, where we talk about the painting.  We talk about themes, colours and styles, and we look through my portfolio to get an idea of things they like and things they don't like so much.  I like to talk about feelings as well - how do you want to feel when you look at your painting, what kind of emotions do you want it to stir in you {some people manage these discussions better than others}.  And of course we measure space, talk about size, shape and price.

Then I go away and I create a 'study', or a miniature version, of the larger piece.  It's a conceptual piece rather than an exact representation but it gives the buyer an idea of what they'll be getting.  I did this the first time I created a commission because I was nervous and wanted to make sure I had the brief right.  But I liked the process so I've stuck with it.  When someone invests a lot of money and wall space in a piece of art I want to be sure that they're going to love it.  No ifs, but or maybes.  It's too important to me.

the initial 'study'

Once the 'study' is done I catch up with the buyer again and they get to have a look at it.  It's a great way for them to get an idea of what the finished piece will look like and to talk about anything that isn't quite right.  In the initial 'study' I did for this recent work there was a weird pinky brown colour that just didn't look good.  I didn't like it when I did it and when the buyer saw it she agreed.  We also made made some clarifications on the composition.  Some people have lots of feedback and others are happy with it exactly as it is.

Step Into The Wilderness

final 'study'

Acrylic on canvas

11 x 14 inch 

 

Then off I go and create the large work.  In some ways a lot of the hard work is done because the painting is already designed and it's simply a matter of following the steps that I took to create the study.  However it's not completely without challenges.  Scaling the work up can be a challenge.  There's a big difference between 11 x 14 inches of canvas and 4 x 5 foot.  I also have to let go of trying to recreate the exact same painting.  Each painting is unique, so I want to be true to the concepts but also allow the painting to evolve in it's own way.  At various points I put the 'study' away so I'm not married to it's specifics.

I usually start thinking about names as I'm getting closer to being finished.  With commissions I often think about the person and go back to our conversations about how they want the painting to make them feel.  I also think about what message I think they might need. Sometimes Ms L will throw in some thoughts that will inspire something.  Eventually a name will just come and feel like it belongs with the painting, and then it has it's title.

 

When the painting is absolutely finished I sign it.  I never, ever sign a painting until I'm completely sure it's finished.  I don't know why, it's just a quirk I've developed. 

Then I get it ready to hang and arrange for it to go to it's new home.  I also send the final 'study' along to live with it.  Everyone loves having the smaller version to go with the large piece and it's a nice little touch I think.

Take A Breath, Make A Wish

Acrylic on canvas

4 x 5 foot 

So, there you have it.  An insight into my process and my latest commission work.  

I'm really delighted with this painting.  It's not my usual palette at all and pushed me way outside my comfort zone.  A few times I thought I'd completely stuffed the large piece, but then it turned the corner and turned into one of my very favourite paintings.  And the buyer loves it, which is what really matters.