A new commission
Got to rock my Grandma skills, including my interest in knitting, as part of a recent commission from my sister. She wanted to thank her Grandma-in-law with a painting featuring Estonian flowers and traditional knitting patterns. I got to spend my prep and research time looking at pictures of Estonian mittens and knit patterns – could be worse! Here’s what I came up with…
It’s 10×10″ and done in watercolour. I took a botanical illustration course a few years ago, which came in very handy. Sis liked it, so I hope Grandma does too!
Christmas commissions, part deux
A couple good friends commissioned me to paint their nieces for the proud grandparents of the girls. Here’s the finished piece, including Mr. Peepers and Peppers…
Can’t wait to hear what the grandparents thought!
Christmas Commission
A little while ago, a former coworker contacted me with a painting commission. She commissioned a painting for her son when he was born three years ago, and now she’s got a little girl who deserves her own painting! She told me that she wanted something with a butterfly, done in watercolour. I gave a little peek at the finished piece in my last post.
Here’s what I initially brought her:
It wasn’t feeling quite right for her, so we discussed a few changes and this is the final version.
It got me thinking about what often seems like one of the biggest decisions with any artwork: when to stop. I tend to err on the side of less, but this isn’t necessarily the always the right thing for the piece.
Royal Poinciana
Here’s the latest addition to the flower series. It’s a Royal Poinciana, and it’s a biggie at 36 x 48″. It’s also seriously red! The soon-to-be owners of this painting are the lovely couple at SS Media Co. that created my new website. One half of the couple is from Florida and wanted the feeling of her tropical hometown while living in rainy Vancouver.
(click for a larger image)
I decided to document my painting process, since I love seeing how other artists make their work, so here’s a little slideshow….
(apologies for the quality)
It was a secret, so I forgot about it.
I was asked to make this painting by a friend as an anniversary gift for his wife. It was a big secret, so I couldn’t post it when I made it, and then I forgot to post it altogether. Anywho, it’s based on this little wooden clock from a while ago and playing with flat and perspective painting styles. Happy belated anniversary you two!
King of the Castle…
A former coworker of mine has commissioned a number of pieces for new babies in her family, and this is the latest. Such a loyal patron! It’s a little piece, 6.75 x 6.75″, done in ink and watercolour. I think I’ll call it King of the Castle…
