Some Paintings are More Challenging

Commissions can be the most difficult of assignments for a painter. I have written about the challenges of getting inside someone elses mind and expectations. I can tell what works for me but its hard to know what works for others until you gauge their reaction to the finished product.

This painting is one of the hardest ones I have attempted for awhile. I'm not sure why. I have worked it and worked it until I was ready to wipe it off and start over but through persistence, I got it to finally respond. I'm satisfied with it now and judging from the several people who have liked it at first impression, I think it is done. This is one of a pair. I'll post the other one tomorrow.

What's new: Untitled, 26x24, oil on canvas

I wrote on March 3rd about the occasional auto art commissions I receive. I enjoy the opportunities to paint shiny things and value the relationships I have developed with people who collect rare and historic cars. I also wrote about the demands of commissioned paintings. As the artist, I have to first fullfill the vision of the client.

The painting that illustrated that earlier post was a rough for the client to approve. He wanted some changes that sent me back to the sketchpad. The proportions needed to change from a horizontal format to more of a square. Also more landscape as part of the environment the cars were to be seen in. The sliding car to the right of the larger one. Here is the latest version. We'll know Thursday whether this one will make a good final version.

See what I mean?

Painting commissions can be fun or torture. Depends. As the artist, are you comfortable designing your imagery based on the directions the client gives you? You may find your work is restricted by size, colors and subject matter. You might be asked to bring the client's vision to life rather than your own.

Commissions are a necessary facet of most artists' career. But they are seldom easy. A painting executed with no restrictions is often difficult but one with a checklist of elements or requirements is even harder. I have two commissions underway currently and I am generating ideas to give both clients choices. Time will tell how successful I am sharing the vision.

Shown is one of several preliminary color sketches for a landscape commission.

Untitled, oil on board, 9 1/2" x 9"