Commission work, and a Gathering of Royals painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

A Gathering of Royals, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 30x40

Sometimes people are drawn to my work, but I don't have a piece on hand that meets their their needs for size and color.  In that case I will offer to do a commission piece for them. 

To get started, we'll look together at pieces of existing artwork, sometimes in the studio, looking through my book, or on the phone with both of us looking at my paintings on a computer.  That helps me to determine exactly what sort of painting might be compatible with their home and their lifestyle. 

Some clients prefer that I visit their home, to help determine what size might be perfect for the space they have in mind.  A home visit also helps me to see the colors they love to live with, and the light in the space they have planned for the painting.
 
I'll only take on a commission if I am fairly certain that I can meet their needs with a piece they will treasure.  It brings me great pleasure to see the delight on someones face when their Sanborn painting is ready to be enjoyed as part of their home and life.  

A Gathering of Royals was one of several recent commissions.  I hope it will bring my client much pleasure. 

Fall Parade daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Fall Parade, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

This is a group of palms in the Fakahatchee further south than the group I've been painting.  The reds and oranges of autumn have still crept in.  I had to fuss with the color of the sky to get the temperature cool enough.  It went from orange, then yellow, both too warm, a light blue didn't suit me, and finally the cool pink seems to work well. 

 

Doing the little dailies is a pleasure since it's It's been quite busy in the studio, and I have sevaral commissions to finish. Most are going well, but one is giving me a hard time.  I know that the cause is I'm unclear about exactly what the client expects.  Most likely this is my fault rather than the client.  If I don't ask the right questions or get the right feedback there can be a disconnect. 

 

I'm excited about the concept for the painting,  so I'll just  have to give it a dramatic revision to see if I can get it control and going in a direction I can work with.  If not, I'll go back for more guidance to be sure we're on the same track. 

 



Full Moon, Commissions, Painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Today's Everglades painting is a 16x20, started and worked on just for the pleasure of it. I've been busy with commissions, including a large one due next week in soft neutrals with a touch of greens and blues, another of the Adirondack Valley, and another painting I'll give as a Christmas gift.

I usually have several paintings going at a time since it keeps the work fresh picking it up anew several times a day. It keeps me from getting bogged down in one paintings issues, which often solve themselves if I see them out of the corner of my eye while I"m working on something else.

Still, it was fun to do just what I wanted for a while! This painting will get another go-over before I'm done since the sky isn't quite right yet, but I love the dawn softness this scene will portray.

Have you been enjoying the glorious full moon we've had this week? A couple of days ago it was positively glowing when I left the gallery at the Esplanade and headed home. Lovely!

Outdoor Shows, Room with a View Everglade Daily Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

I've finished working on the outdoor art show applications and are glad to see them all in the mail. In another month or so I'll know which ones I'm in and which I can take off the calendar. We're doing only a few shows this year since the daily shows, much enjoyed, are so much work setting up and taking down for the day. This year, construction in Naples will mean longer walks for the car and more difficulty finding parking at all. We're getting older, and a little stiffer in the early mornings. In the studio I'm working on a large commission to be finished in the next two weeks. It's a "committee" piece, always more difficult because a group needs to approve the purchase. It's much harder to please a group than just one person, as our President is finding out. Let's hope for group approval for both of us!

When I finish a small Everglades "daily" painting and get ready to post, it needs a name. This painting answered quickly that its name is Room with a View. What's your favorite room with a view? Hint--while I love getting your emails, this is a clue to add a comment in the comment spot on the blog!

Room with a View
7" x 5"

acrylic on board
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US