I have been working on this commissioned piece for awhile now and am thrilled that my client loves the way it has turned out. The client is a former neighbor who has moved to Virginia and wanted a small painting to remind her of their time here in Jacksonville, Florida. She had admired a similar painting I had made, a 12" x 16" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas but wanted a smaller version. This is 9" x 12" is also painted on gallery wrap canvas--she liked the contemporary look and the fact that it will not require framing. The new piece has brighter colors than the original and a couple of pelicans--a common sight over the Atlantic Ocean off our coast. The client had particularly wanted one or more pelicans in the scene, which proved to be a challenge on this scale. I needed to make them recognizable even though they are a bit less than 3/4" long from beak tip to tail. We emailed back and forth, with me lightly painting in possibilities and she suggesting modifications. She was always enthusiastic and flexible, letting me know what she hoped to see, but always adding, "But use your own artistic judgement; I trust you completely." As any artist will attest, that is a model client! It has been an absolute pleasure to paint this scene for her, and I hope that it will remind her of good times here in coastal North Florida as she enjoys her new home in Virginia.
The photos show the completed work with pelicans, a close-up detail, and the original painting that gave her the idea for this one. Her piece is brighter, with more contrast and more intense color than the subtler original. She says that it is exactly what she had hoped for. How great is that?
Question of the day: Isn't it fascinating to discover the range of preferences among different people in terms of art work?
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I love the bright flowers, white water and pelicans you added. It looks so realistic. Love it!
ReplyDeleteIt is so satisfying to do a commission that the client absolutely loves. You did a great job, and I LOVE the pelicans!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you, Anne! Thank you for your kind comments--I know that since you are local, you are a good judge of the realism. So, your compliments mean a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Lisa--I feel very pleased with her enthusiastic response. So far, the vote for the pelicans is unanimous--also satisfying after a fair amount of adjustment until we thought they looked right.
What a wonderful memory!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beach and ocean waters. I too like the addition of the pelicans, Mary. I find that I am often amazed at the "tastes" of others. That said, my own is so eclectic!
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly a wonderful memory for me, Liz, and helps motivate me to keep on painting. Thanks for stopping in and cheering me on.
ReplyDeleteYou do have eclectic taste, Sherry-- it's always fun to see what you are into. I really appreciate your encouraging comments!
oooooh it turned out wonderful, no wonder the collector is happy! thanks for letting us follow along
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Robin. And you are welcome--having you follow along is much more rewarding and meaningful than just working alone :>).
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done, Mary. I do love ocean scenes like this with the dunes and fencing. Reminds me of my younger days.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Carol. I appreciate your visit and your encouragement very much. You make me curious about the location of your "younger days."
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