This week Level Eye installed the extra large commission I’ve been working on since November! Many folks have asked how long the project took, how it came about, and where it will hang. Here are all the details!
Extra, Extra! Read all about it!
Way back in September, friends from Oregon State came to my home for Open Studios of Lake Oswego. They purchased the work below for their new home in West Linn. Though I’m often loathe to take on commissions because they take so much time and energy, these long-time friends kept persistently talking to me about an extra-large painting for their new home.
I knew that the clients really liked my work now – they wouldn’t be asking me to do something totally unlike my style. We started talking seriously about budget, size and style for the work. I explained my commission process to them. Here are the steps I take when arranging a commission.
- Draft a contract so all parties understand and agree to the conditions and costs associated with the work.
- Artist prepares several preliminary sketches.
- Clients select preliminary sketch and remit 50% non-refundable deposit.
- Artist begins work on project
- Client views work in progress at approximately 80% completion.
- Artist finishes work.
- Client views finished work.
- Artist makes any minor changes requested by the client.
- Client approves work and remits balance of the payment.
- Client receives work for framing.
In this case, the clients viewed my initial sketches, then requested more time to think through what they wanted for the space. Then they discovered the small work below hanging at Waterstone Gallery: “Fireside” 12″ x 12″. It was exactly what they wanted, only they wanted it extra large! The finished piece needed to be 9′ wide and 5′ high.
Moving from inspiration to finished (extra large) work – to view full images click on the first and scroll through the gallery.
One of several initial sketches
Priming the panels
First rough layers
Adding layers
Placing collage elements
Close to the finish line
Finished painting
Moving work into position
Before I could start painting I had to procure the panels. Matt McCalmont of Art Substrates did a fantastic job of replicating a panel that I had already inherited from another artist. I didn’t really get started on painting until February. Then I began to prime the panels and add a coat of brilliant red to all three panels. The actual painting time began in mid-February and finished in late March. Once the clients gave their final approval, I delivered the work back to Art Substrates and Matt took over making a beautiful frame.
Below you can see the scale as Dustin and Clark from Level Eye manuever the piece into place over the stairwell of the home.
Thank you to my clients for your trust in creating an extra large statement piece for your beautiful home! I hope it brings you years of joy.
