First Unhappy Commission

I was approaced by a parent volunteer to paint a portrait for her a couple of weeks ago. At first I was hesitant, but I figured I could do it. I personally don't prefer doing portraits for people I know, but she seemed confindent that I could do it. She gave me a photo and I began to work. Once I was about 75% finished I called her in to see it. She seemed happy. The next day she came in and said that her husband saw it and hated it. I had her point out what he didn't like about it and made a few adjustments. Some of the things he said about the portrait was hurtful. I shrugged it off and kept working. I deliberated about what to do for a few days. I had an artist friend come in and look at it and give me her input. She said that except for a little more value on the eyelids she thinks it looks great.

I even found out that she personally doesn't like it. So with all that I've decided to wash my hands of it. She has just made me realize that I need to have commisions sign an aggreement or a contract.

So I see it as a lesson learned... the infamous portrait is above.

Orange Dripping Flower

Orange Dripping Flower

Acrylic on Canvas

This painting was given as a wedding gift to the Geiger's.

When painting this picture I wanted to capture movement and depth. I began by building texture on the flower petals. Unfortunately it is difficult to see in the photo. While painting it fell in love with the vibrancy of the the orange. The flower oringinally was nice, but it still needed something. by accident I dripped a little paint. From there on I decided to use it as a theme. I painted a series of canvas that had drips. I wouldn't say that I'm Jackson Pollock, but it does add a sense of interest.

Begining of a new blog

I have been wanting to create a blog for some time. I used to keep a website, but it became too much of a burden. I liked having a website, but it took too much time out of my day. I would much rather be spending my day painting or spending time with my family. One day I may go back to a website, but right now I’m going to join the world of blogging. I hope to post regularly. It will be a way to keep people up to date with my journey as an artist. Please offer feedback and criticism. Every artist needs a critic even if they don’t admit it. Without critics we won’t know our weaknesses and what to focus on.