The chap who asked for the landscape a la Meyer, doesn't want that after all, but would now like a huge watercolour (a full sheet of Fabriano - what's that, about 1200x900mm?) of his children in the sea, with whole mountain ranges and reflections and two reasonable likenesses and sky with clouds and sandbanks and currents... each one of them a challenge in their own right, and altogether just beyond me. Does anyone do such big land/figurescapes in watercolour? I said no, I couldn't take it on - I saw myself throwing my entire stock of pricey little tubes of colour all over that humungous piece of paper, and sweating and swearing as I tried to spread and control them... makes me hyperventilate just thinking about it. So I did this little (148x105mm) sketch of the kids, with an itty bit of the sea - I think it's actually a lagoon - and mountains to give him as a 'thanks but no thanks' to go back with the photo album. The likenesses are pretty good, (though I don't know them, so can't be sure) but the reflections are fussy and the water overworked and the mountain darkly ominous and he'll probably think he had a narrow escape, but I think it's quite nice of me.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Too much for my palette
The chap who asked for the landscape a la Meyer, doesn't want that after all, but would now like a huge watercolour (a full sheet of Fabriano - what's that, about 1200x900mm?) of his children in the sea, with whole mountain ranges and reflections and two reasonable likenesses and sky with clouds and sandbanks and currents... each one of them a challenge in their own right, and altogether just beyond me. Does anyone do such big land/figurescapes in watercolour? I said no, I couldn't take it on - I saw myself throwing my entire stock of pricey little tubes of colour all over that humungous piece of paper, and sweating and swearing as I tried to spread and control them... makes me hyperventilate just thinking about it. So I did this little (148x105mm) sketch of the kids, with an itty bit of the sea - I think it's actually a lagoon - and mountains to give him as a 'thanks but no thanks' to go back with the photo album. The likenesses are pretty good, (though I don't know them, so can't be sure) but the reflections are fussy and the water overworked and the mountain darkly ominous and he'll probably think he had a narrow escape, but I think it's quite nice of me.
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I'm so angry with that man! I think he should have had to put some money up front - so you at least get paid for your time, materials and effort (not to mention stress.)I don't understand the rules of commissioned artwork; but I think it should be like actors in a movie when their effort end up on the cutting room floor - they still get paid for the work they did. I like this little w/c of his kids + mtns + lagoon. You've been way too nice to that bloke. I hope he appreciates it!!
Thanks for being such a loyal defender of my rights!..;o) I think neither he nor I understand the rules either, and I think I'd rather not do any 'commissions' at all - I definitely don't want to do any more 'in the style of...' again - either take a CG original, or leave it. But all these little experiences go towards a clearer vision of what I really want(so long a mystery!) which is a good thing.
What a nerve! And,your having done the humungous piece, he would be free to accept or reject? No way Jose! Do you mean you have GIVEN him this? That is way too kind. I think you must find out or dictate the rules for commissions before thinking of any more... does the agent not know? A hefty deposit for a start? I don't think the client usually dictates the entire subject and composition.Perhaps he should go to Art Class and wield his own brushes.
Now there's an idea :oD I thought by giving him a small work, I wouldn't burn any bridges AND show him 'what I do' - except it's not exactly the style I intended - I wanted to do something much more casual and freely painted - hard with photo refs and likenesses - I might try again!! Commissions have always given me the heebies, and they've usually been, in my experience, from people who expect the world, for a nominal fee and in minimal time... I must be firmer!
Well it is a lovely little painting, asn should engender great good will. You are a Good Person.
I think YOU had a lucky escape! Well done on your prompt decision - I know I would have dithered and agonised for weeks over this.
Presenting such a client with a contract like this in future might help(obviously worded to your own needs):
http://www.borsheimarts.com/contract.htm
And, yes, you were brilliantly kind!
Hugs,
Kari x
Thanks VP 0:o) - me with halo!
Hello and welcome Kari - once bitten, twice shy - otherwise I would still have been dithering too! Thanks so much for that sample contract - so sensible and fair to all concerned, and would undoubtedly make the prospective client take their requests more seriously.
What a glorious painting of something you weren't really attached to. Commissions are near the bottom of my list for fun things to do, too. Except for painting animals, I now avoid them at all cost. BUT - DO TRY A FULL SHEET of fabriano for a painting you want to do - easier by far than smaller paintings. Honest. Especially for portraits, when you make a mistake on a big painting, it's not as obvious as one on a small painting. I loved both of your blogs - specially the hippos. Delightful.
Thanks for having a look, Sandy - I haven't posted on my illustration blog for ages - am trying to hone my interests into a narrower margin instead of trying to dabble in every visual art form out there!
Really?...a full sheet for a portrait? That sounds extremely daring and brave - it's a thought I shall ponder upon!
Wonderful little painting, as are the other you have here!
I have been considering doing portraits for a bit of extra cash, but I think you (and the other commenters) have enlightened me a bit to the negatives. :P
Best of luck in you fine art endeavors!
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