What would us artist’s do if we didn’t have a bit of a challenge now and then? Wouldn’t it get awful boring for us if every drawing, every painting, and all of our commissioned art pieces, were always an easy endeavor? Of course, there is much artistic use of talent to be appreciated in easy commissions, and certainly even these can be stepped up a notch or two in different creative ways to make them more interesting and challenging if desired. But unique circumstances of the work involved, and special wishes of our client, helps to keep us growing all the more. When we rise to the meet the challenge with a positive attitude, and are able to pull it off effectively, it shows too that we are alive and well as artists. Challenges like this serve to grow us in our artistic talent, and encourages the creative juices to flow in ever increasing supply. Speaking for myself, minding the needs of those who approach me for a painting or drawing of a loved one, is my pleasure and joy as an artist! To me, it’s very important to make the piece ‘work’ for paying clients, so they will be excited and touched, and very satisfied with how the portrait turns out. After all, my clients are paying good money for this artwork to be done for them, and it will be a sacred heirloom for years to come. What an exciting and fulfilling way to be creative and touch the hearts of others!
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Meet Charles in this OLD, DARK photo ! This was the only photo my client could find of him, since he was always a man who was camera shy. I told her I’d do my best, using her suggestion that his eyes resembled her and her sons’, so I could use theirs to help me out. I see great love and light in this man, one who always provided for his family.
So here we are, I saw the need to scan and adjust the old photo of Charles in photo shop as best I could before I could do any drawing of him. The most important part of a person is the eyes and features of the face. If I couldn’t see his eyes and face, there would be no way in getting any good likeness of Charles – the father of my friend. Of course what I still needed to be clear on, I just asked Renee, my client who is having me do the portrait painting.
Meet Katie, the mother of Renee, in this old photo taken many years ago in the kitchen of their church after services, standing with her beloved family. I find her as a very intriguing spirit. Her eyes are so expressive of love, joy, and wisdom of experience in her life. I wish I had a chance to meet her and Charles both while they were alive. They have made their transition, as my own mother and father have, yet I feel there is still infinity in their presence.
The original photo below of the woman standing at the grand piano is my church friend, and commissioning client, Renee, with her son. She requested that I use their positions and setting here, and transpose the faces, bodies, and clothing of father Charles and mother Katie. “No problem” I said, “I can do that if that’s how you want it.” I love this! And actually, the transposing of them and details is not a hard challenge since I love drawing no matter what – just a fun challenge, which I’ve had experience doing before!
So here you see the photo of Renee and her son which she had me use for the setting, and the final drawing on canvas of Charles and Katie – the father and mother of Renee. I’ve drawn them in their youthful appearance which she, like many clients, request,and is happy for me to successfully do for them. And by the way, I added a bench seat in the drawing – the portrait really needed it to make the setting have common sense. People have a hard time playing a piano without something to sit on!! : )
I have since then begun the painting of it, and it is coming along fabulously!
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It is almost finished! I have their faces to build up in more layers of paint for hue, light and shadow, and refinement of details. I’ll be doing more to the drapes, the piano and bench seat, Charles’ attire, the palm plant, walls and ceiling, and of course their hands. This is great fun!
Renee is so excited and will be very thrilled to have it adorn her home.
Drawing and painting their portrait gives me this wonderfully closer connection, and I hope that Renee and her family will feel it as well when they look at the painting too.
Namaste! : )
