I have written about the challenge and beauty of creating a commissioned art work.  My most recent commission was pure pleasure.

One of my high school classmates asked me to create a guitar painting for the music room in her family’s home.  But this is not your ordinary children’s music room.  Not at all.  This is the husband’s music room.  A room with dark charcoal gray walls, rich wood floors, bookshelves,  cozy chairs, and windows to offer fabulous natural light.  A piano and guitars fill the space.  It’s a room where you want to hang out, to read a book or play music, or even converse over a glass of wine.

As with each creation, I had to do my homework.  I inquired to my friend about her husband.  Where has he lived? What kind of guitars does he play?  What type of music does he play? What tone does he want for the room?  What colors? After receiving the answers, I had a plan:  masculine, clubby, grays with whites, browns and yellow ochre to add contrast; a painting with fabulous rhythm and curiousity – just like great music.

First, I draft a sketch.  This sketch is 3″ x 4″.  The painting will be 30″  x 40″.  Now that I have a plan, I must think about paper for the collage aspect and paint color.

After my sketch is transferred to the canvas (and if you look closely, I  had to make adjustments), the collage begins.  I love the papers I chose for this piece.  They all agree with the color scheme and overall feel of the painting.  Maps from an atlas are incorporated to display the homes this couple has shared.  Precision, patience, and a steady hand with the knife make it work.

Painting, staining, and dry brush techniques, all in rich colors, bring the painting to life. Lines add movement and interaction between the instruments. Decisions were made on what should pop forward to the viewer, and what should recede to the background.  Energized by musical inspiration from a variety of fabulous musicians of the last few decades, my work was completed.  And, I think it will work perfectly in my client’s music room.  I truly hope it offers added enjoyment and some unique curiousity to their special space.