This painting, "Quintessence" was finished yesterday after a few weeks of stressful work trying to get it right. The request was for a painting similar to one that had previously sold, only in pinks and yellows. The last time I completed a commission piece was many years ago when I was working in watercolours and in a realistic manner. Mixed media and acrylic in a non-representational style is another story.
This was quite the challenge for me. In trying to mix pinks, I was arriving at bubble-gum colours which made me very unhappy. On the third attempt, I decided to work on 2 canvases at the same time and in colours that I like. The result was a 'letting go' of expectations and working on 2 at once was a very liberating experience too. I was able to paint in my usual intuitive manner and the painting progressed quickly to my satisfaction and the second one is also coming along nicely.
I was very nervous when emailing the photo of my finished piece to the gallery where the commission was requested. The last thing I wanted to hear was that it was not acceptable to the gallery or client. I was prepared for, and hoping for, only minor tweaks before varnishing and delivering.
To my delight, the gallery and clients were very pleased and all that was requested was for me to give it a name!
New experiences, though stressful, are such a thrill when there is a positive outcome! I have learned a lot about working on commissions and myself as well. All that I needed to do was trust my instincts and inner voice and paint like I always do. In worrying every step of the way about whether the client would like this or that I put a muzzle on myself stifling my creativity totally.
Lesson learned! Now to finish the second one for myself!
