(not) Spilling the Beans
I’m currently working on two new commissions but I’m not going to talk about them right now. They look great so far and I’m happy with how it’s going but I’m not going to talk about that right now. My process is interesting but I’m not going to talk about it right now. Neither am I going to talk about obtaining fresh art supplies in a pandemic or the perfect lighting that I had today. Don’t tell me a secret under normal circumstances. I will inevitably spill the beans!
When it comes to commissioned pieces, though, I never show or talk about the specifics of a work-in-progress. Even when a client sits for a portrait, I always arrange them with easy access to the door so they can come and go without being tempted to peek at the painting in progress. Most people who have commissioned a portrait think this is a lovable quirk, an eccentricity of working directly with an artist. It is! It’s also one that I’m pretty superstitious about. I don’t want any outside energy seeping into the painting mid process. Any reaction at any time will affect how the painting goes. I feed off of observing people and their energy. It all gets channeled into my creative process especially when I’m doing a commission.
I also love the anticipation, the element of surprise, and the inevitable conversation where the person tells me that they’re so super excited and anxious to see their new work of art. I love that and I get excited right along with them! As much as I try to delight and surprise my client, on occasion they surprise me…
We were living in Indianapolis at the time and I was checking on some paintings that I had consigned to a store there. I went into the store and struck up a conversation with the woman who worked there. She and I had spoken many times and it was always pleasant even though her demeanor was reserved and stiff. She was consistently impeccably put together with her glasses and calendar always at the ready. I thought that she was about to end the conversation when instead she got very quiet and asked me if I would be willing to paint her. “Of course!” I said and we started making plans.
She came into my studio after having changed out of her clothes and into her silk floral robe and sat down on a stool. Knowing that she usually carried herself in a buttoned-up and shy way, I was conscientious to try to ease her slowly into the process. I suggested that she start by trying some poses that felt the most natural and comfortable for her and we’d go from there. She fidgeted for a second and then put both hands behind her head, arched her back, and looked me dead in the eye. I almost fell off my chair. What an amazing difference from how she presented herself in the store. She exuded confidence and sex appeal and she was ready to take charge of her painting. I loved every minute of it! The truth is, I love every minute of all of my commissions. Why they like a certain color, why they hate a certain body part, why this house or that animal means so much to them or what inspires them to want it on their wall everyday from now on. It’s the most wonderful way to get to know someone. People like what they like and feel what they feel. It’s my job to make them comfortable. It’s my job to make it easy and fun. Art is not supposed to intimidate, art is supposed to validate. Each and every time someone trusts me with their vision, it’s magical!
