I've been busy this month with a commission. It's been an interesting process. Once again, I have learnt many things through the process of collaborating.
There have definitely been many stages thoughout the whole push/pull relationship with the canvas and palette changes, along with an entirely new midsection, in the style of the 'Thick series' that have challenged me but as I've pushed through it always rewarded. The work began as 'Sunrise on the Mountain' a 36" x 48" painting from the Weave Series.
After discussing which series on my website my collector responded to and in what way, I decided the best way to meet the request was to begin with a painting, from one of the preferred series already complete.
I then factored in the extra detail and contrast using the colors already present in the undercoat/painting and created texture with a palette knife of Titanium White.
My client explained he is actually color blind, so I photographed it with the black and white filter to see if I could see the work differently.
It was very interesting, they way it highlighted the area's of contrast so easily and enabled me to visualize more clearly the area's to solidify. He wanted the windows to the darker ground visible in parts and a lighter 'Spring' feel to the highlights included in the more textured top application.
Black and White image of the painting in progress to share with my client who is partially colorblind.
At present the entire top third is painted Titanium white with hints of a glow of the palette that lies beneath. I will always know it is there and feel it's contribution but how much of that glow will remain to be seen is still unknown as yet.
At a certain point it will just be right, even though some stages don't seem to make much sense on their own. It is always the whole with a painting. Each layer contributing in ways unplanned and building on from there to create a work that at some point just cries finished, complete. and you know it.
This work is about renewal and the windows through to the under layer painting are a salute to past, the fabric that goes into the weave. Although, with paintings it often feels as though the future is painting the now. The layers know why they need to be expressed in terms of the final outcome. I just have to trust.
Finally, the finished painting. My client signed off on it today and I am preparing her for shipping.
I am excited to be able to contribute to the new environment my client is establishing, for the beginning of a new chapter in his life. What an honor it is to journey in collaboration with another. Co-creating at it's best!
(Unfortunately there is no time to photograph this work professionally so here is an iphone picture to share.)
'Awakening' 36"x48" Oil on Canvas 2016