Commissions can be tricky for the artist and the client. Can the artist get inside the head of the person visualizing the completed work? Can the client communicate their vision well enough? Is the artist capable of rendering the subject?

 

Recently I had to make a decision about helping a retired marine create a retirement gift for one of his men. Because of the detail he desired I immediately said, "No"! This type of painting is not the direction I wanted to pursue. Then I met the marine, and considering all of the military background of my immediate and extended family, I softened somewhat. Then I heard the story of Otto designing this symbol for the Navy Seals and I was hooked. I could not turn down two men who served their country for so long and to great sacrifice.

 

My client viewed Hometown Bus Stop (view under Figurative Works on my website) and immediately knew that he desired a monotone painting to express this memory. This color scheme is reminiscent of an older photograph and in my opinion tells a story beyond dependence on color.

 

I do not want to be a photographically detailed artist, but painting the symbol and the wings of the eagle was a mediative experience that surprised me. I made friends with a paint brush with few bristles. I did not get the value correct the first two times I painted it, so the third time became necessary and then redoing the outlines. More patience was acquired than I thought I had, but I still do not want to paint like this very much.

 

My client is going to provide a title for this painting to reflect the importance to him and his fellow marine. I will add that when I receive it.

 

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