After the Framing

Phew! Delivered the painting. Because this blog is for following the mentoring process, I'll let you in on the process. Jennifer told me a bit about how she orchestrates her unveilling and I followed a few of the tips.

We brought a display easel and a piece of black velvet to the residence. We had champagne ready but were thrilled to find that they were ready to celebrate themselves and had chilled some bubbly, too! We had them out of the room to set up the painting. When they returned, I toasted the client and the process and then dropped the velvet covering the framed piece.

I think they were very happy. She was surprised at the likeness and he was thrilled that I was able to put in the spurs and his brand. They are a lovely couple and I'm a bit disappointed that she doesn't want her own portrait...she is beautiful! Ah well.

Now I will follow-up with a thank you note!

Last Photo of Rancher....at least unframed

I know you readers are probably growing weary of the tiny changes to this piece. But I wanted to show the last/latest. I worked on the leather/spurs area a bit and now it is with the framer. Photographing the painting has been a challenge. I've tried outside and that works, but then I was getting glare and tiny reflections off of the canvas texture. This one was taken sideways! Then I found the printer was very different than the image on my screen. So many variables.
But this is it, tho I may let you know how the client feels....if he likes it!

Week 32 - Time is flying!

I've been working on "Antiques" this week; adding more of the stuff/junk/antiques to the background. A bit surprised at how much it seems to add a sense of space.

Still talking to my mentor each week and I've been given good advice about my portfolio as well as help with planning and dealing with clients.

Need to be in touch with my next commission client and set up a photo shoot. Really excited about the work I have coming up!

Next week or later in June we will deliver the framed painting of the rancher. Really enjoyed painting that one!

Not sure what happened.

Hmmm. All of my May posting has disappeared! Not sure where it all went. Have you seen any around lately?

I'm reposting the latest and maybe last photo of my most recent portrait. I'm going to wait a few days before delivering, just to make sure I don't want to make any more changes.

"Professor, Rancher, Grandfather" oil on linen 16"x20"

Week 31 - Fine tuning

Phew, it has been ages since last posting. In the meantime, I've attended part of the Portrait Society Conference in Atlanta, the Hunting Art Prize Gala in Houston, judged a show in Odessa, TX, finished teaching the pastel class at the museum and evacuated due to wildfires around our town. Can't say I've painted a lot, but am certainly learning! About painting, competitions, and life in general.

Yesterday I had almost a whole day of painting in the studio and I feel like much was accomplished! Thought I might have finished the commission piece. However, this morning when I photographed it outside I saw some areas that need touching up. But overall, I'm content. There was a lot of back and forth on the background, trying lighter, darker, softer, or more distinct. And at the moment, I like this the best. I'll touch it up and then let it sit a few days before thinking about getting it to the customer.