The Challenges of Private Commissions

 

I have been fortunate to have been commissioned to paint a number of quite challenging paintings over the years and do not tire of the experience.  The people I have met have been an absolute blessing.  I have had to push my boundaries and paint other people’s thoughts.  To measure up is so rewarding.

Recently I was commissioned to paint a kookaburra for a delightful couple.  I went to their home for the initial visit.  I was able take photos of the back scene which they asked to be incorporated into the painting.  Down came the kookaburra who occasionally visited the railing to be fed.  He posed like a professional model.  Incredible experience for us all.  Two lorrikeets joined in as well as some noisy miners and a magpie.

The brief was to include : a suggestion of the view without houses, the railing , a kookaburra and two lorrikeets.    This was to be a memento of the home experience. These were painted in gouache on 300gsm watercolour paper.

I presented this painting for their approval.

They were so pleased they asked me to do another.

I painted this one for the different pose.

They liked it but preferred the kookaburra with its back facing out so I did this one.

They did like this one so everyone was happy.

In the meantime I met two beautiful people who made the task all the more worthwhile.