I have a large commission that I am working on right now. I thought I would share with you the process. This painting is a large one 30″ x 60″ and the photos the client has were taken in mid-day. The client wants the scene, but wants it to be a sunset painting. They want a painting of a local mountain viewed from hiking trails in a desert park. First thing I did was to drive out to the park and hike around to get some inspiration and to make sure what was out there. I went out at dusk to see the land at sunset. What I found out was that the sun didn’t set where the mountain was.
I talked to the client to see if he wanted me to fake it or did he want what was actually out there. I also painted a painting for myself which inspired me and also to get some of the local color. That painting is the featured painting above. The clients went for another hike a little farther into the desert. They found the spot they liked, took a photo and brought it back to me. The next day I hiked out there again. The sun set in the place that they wanted. I took some photos and just painted some colors on paper since I didn’t have time to paint a plein air painting.
My usual process for a commission and especially a large one that isn’t straight forward starts with drawings. I did 3 small sketches. The clients and I talked about them and they choice a rough design that they liked. The next step was a small study, 6″x 12″ on oil paper. Below are the progression of painting the study.
I like to work up a small format for the clients to see and solve any problems or color correction before starting on a large painting. This doesn’t give the detail that they want, but it does show the colors and the composition which is my objective. I have found by doing this process, I am able to work on the large painting without having to make any major changes for the client and we both know if we are on the same page. Most of the clients have a hard time visualizing their painting. And, they certainly don’t have my same vision.
.The clients approved the painting and now it’s to work on the large painting. I’ve also found by painting the small sample that it saves me time and uncertainty in the large painting. Oh, and we also have a commissioned painting contract between us before I start which states the size, particulars, framing or not, price, finish date and delivery. Learn more about the process for a commissioned painting.
I’ll post again about the painting in progress.
Becky
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