Peters' Commission

Original Photo:

I enjoy painting commissions. The success of the commission lays in the quality of the reference material. I prefer to take my own photos if possible, which is fine when it's a portrait of a person, a machine such as a Harley, or pet, but this isn't usually possible when the person wants their commission to capture a nostalgic moments in time. As in the Peters commission the photo provided captured a very special memory.

Edited Photo:

The original photo was taken with a disposable camera and the quality was not the best, though it's still a beautiful picture and was well blocked, it captured a very special occasion. The challenge is acquiring enough information needed to complete an accurate painting that the customer is pleased with. This required editing the photo via computer for colour preferences, and increased clarity as much as possible.

Face Photo:

It is a priority that portraits of people and animals represent them as accurately as possible.

In the case of Mr. Peters original photo there is little clarity in the image that would make his portrait a true resemblance.

Likewise, the original photo gives very little information about his favorite horses, a closely matched pair of well trained (by his daughter) Tennessee Walkers.

Reference Material Photo:

So in order to acquire the necessary information needed to work on Mr. Peters commission I visited and photographed each subject individually and, together to resemble the action depicted in the original photo. This creates its own challenges as the reference photos were taken in early spring versus summer and the horses had their winter coats, the lighting was different, matching angles was also hard to get. Other challenges included requested changes: such as different tack, change in clothing, and change in arm and rein positioning. All requests are doable, but require planning and more work, but are worth the effort to obtain the best painting possible.

Completed:

It feels great to please the customer and to feel happy with my completed work.

The Peters' Comments:

"The painting has been hanging on the wall for over a month now and I never get tired of looking at it. Of course, the subject matter is near and dear to my heart.

We have had many friends look at it and each one has exclaimed over the detail and depth of the picture. I had one of my scrap book ladies look at it and she spent over 20 minutes admiring it from several angles and seeing it in many lights. No matter the light, no matter the direction we see the picture from, it is alive. Different details come out from different angles. You are gifted.

Thank you for accepting this commission and doing a magnificent job. Marlin looked at the picture tonight and said 'I know exactly where that spot is.' He has camped near there on the buffalo hunts with his boys (in the cold winter months, of course), and during the summer months with friends. Wonderful memories are brought to mind as we sit at the table and marvel at each willow leaf, each rock, and the water splashes around the horses' legs.

We have, and will continue to recommend you as an artist with an eye for detail. We are pleased."
Marlin and Betty Peters

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