at nightSo as much as I would love to get my hands covered in dusty, dense pastels, I first have commission work to do in oils…
I find commissions invigorating. I get to meet new people, collaborate on designs for clients (a throw-back to my illustrator days) and I get to play with kids and find out about them. Plus, it helps my bank account…
So this current commission project will be in oils and features two sisters in antique, Southern lace dresses which belonged to a grandmother. Clients typically want siblings in the same painting, but I tend to talk them into doing them separately. I have had paintings I have done put into wills and I have heard horror stories from other artists about family fights over paintings due to deaths or divorce. I even received a painting in the mail once from a previous client who shipped the painting to me to keep it away from a cheating, soon-to be divorced ex-husband to keep it from being a marital asset. (true story- I still have the painting)
So instead the paintings will be hung very close together and a ribbon will be held by each child which will run across each painting. The images will go together and yet if someday they are hung separately they will still feel complete.
In October I told the client that I would have them done for Thanksgiving. Well, my life has been a bit crazy and of course, once my life slowed down and got back to normal I was sick for three days over this past weekend, (I never left my loft and now it turns out I have an ear infection!) but I still hope to hit that deadline. Mainly because I hate moving deadlines. It is not in my nature. Plus, I want the family to have them for the holiday. It just makes me double-down and work my butt off. (good thing I am a Taurus- it serves me well in times like these) It is time to play catch-up so if you pass by my studio window at night you will see the light on while I am jamming to some bluesy music by Greenville native, Marcus King. Here is a link to him if you need some company while working on your own projects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk1EtdXCDnY
Here are a few pics of the paintings currently. Lots to do yet. And yes, I always put in the “yellow layer” although this time I went with a softer, Naples yellow which will act as a nice harmonizing “mother color” across the images since the light will be very cool and soft.
The Roches will have to wait.
Love ‘the multi-layered & thoughtful theme of connections’ you are building w/n & between the portraits and how nicely the two portraits are advancing together towards a finish. Brilliant, Christine. Thanks for sharing your insights and steps forward. Take care as you press on…
What a lovely idea to tie them together. You can tell these are going to be exquisite!
I’m also working on an oil commission which must come first, but anxious to do some more experimenting with watercolor!
Best wishes for a better 2025!
Best wishes to you as well!
So interesting
Lovely! Thank you for sharing! Hope you feel better soon.
Wow!
You are amazing!
🤗❤️
I know I an be a broken record, but you amaze me.
🤗
Your bank account is serving you well — your studio would be the envy of any artist. Oh, and yes, your work is always outstanding.
❤️
Excellent solution. Lovely result!
Beautiful
The family is going g to love and cherish these paintings! Can’t wait to see the finished pieces—such beautiful girls.