The Joys (And Unexpected Pleasures) of Commissioned Artwork

I have always enjoyed the opportunity to create commissioned paintings on behalf of others.  The experience of taking into account another’s wishes and incorporate my own interpretations can be both challenging and rewarding.  I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts, but more importantly, a former client’s impressions.

There are times when paintings are sought after to satisfy design wishes for homes and businesses.  Taking into account the surroundings such as other artwork, fabrics and color schemes provides inspiration. Whether a painting serves to pull together various design elements or is displayed as a focus point, there is a thrill being a part of the design process.  (BTW…I’ve loved interior design, architecture for years.  In school, I created house plans while doodling when I couldn’t pay attention in the classroom…). Additionally, original artwork is sought after in order to have unique, one-of-a-kind artwork to add individually to a room.

Commissioned artwork occasionally takes on a personal meaning and there are times when new (to me) techniques are explored to capture a client’s interest. For one special commissioned artwork, both situations came into play.  I’ll let Laura (client) explain:

“Margaret’s Gift” was the result of Dawn Winter’s interpretation of a moment I shared with my mother before she passed away.  My mother had always been a talented gardener, and she loved her flowers.  One day, I had picked all the flowers from her yard that were blooming that day.  She carefully arranged them in a blue vase and she was so happy about the way they looked. That moment stuck with me like no other, seeing my mother so happy with the beauty of these flowers that she had grown.  I took a photo of the arrangement because I wanted to remember that moment forever.

I immediately thought of Dawn when I wanted to commission a painting of the photo of mom’s flowers. Dawn stretched her wings with my request, and I could not be happier with the results.  Dawn captured the colors of the blooms, and her abstract style is soft to capture more than one moment, and more than one flower arrangement that mom did.  The painting is currently in our sunroom where I can look at it every morning.  It reminds me of happiness in a single moment and many other moments, and the love of nature that my mom and I shared.  It is named Margaret’s Gift for mom’s talent (her “gift”) as a gardener and the “gift” of that moment.

I love Dawn’s paintings because of the colors she uses, the texture and depth of the piece, and abstract nature of her work.  Each time you view the piece, even hundreds of times later, you notice a new detail.  Her paintings seem new every time you look at them.”

Of course, not every commissioned painting takes on such special significance, however, I do appreciate each and every opportunity to create original artwork for others.  HINT: if you would be of interest, please contact me. I’d love to collaborate with you!