Commissions, Summer Light, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Summer Light, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7x5



The light this summer has been fantastic, and brings plenty of inspiration.  New works are underway, and things are heating up in the studio.  I'm working on three commissions, and they are all quite different.  One is a triptych that I've been fussing around with all summer.  The collector's sister has one of my paintings, and my client wants one, too.  With large space to fill, we settled on a triptych.  She won't be back until next month, and without the pressure of "I want it now," I'm taking my time.   When this happens, sometimes the energy of the painting leaks out, and it's hard to get it back.  I don't want that to happen, so will make it my priority.  I'm excited about the possibilities.  

The other two paintings will be for collectors who didn't find quite the size or color to suit their requirements.  They will be similar to paintings that they saw and like in the studio, but each will have a distinct personality of it's own. One will be a compilation of parts of the landscape for a couple who couldn't quite agree on what they liked. One wants distance, and one wants a prominent palm.  I'm confident that I can make them a painting they will both love. 

The last one is for a woman who furnished her son's home in Miami with my paintings years ago.  She's now looking for just the right painting for her own redecorated home.  She has a great eye for color and likes things a little abstract.  Fun! 

It's my habit when time and circumstance permits, to offer a commission client two different paintings that meet the requirements we've discussed.  It takes the pressure off both of us.  They have a choice, and I have some new inventory for my studio/gallery!   

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. 

Commissions, and helping the victims of Sandy

Quiet Place, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 8x10, sold.

 

It's been a couple of busy weeks, mostly working on commissions.  They are always stressful for me, as the reality of creating another person's vision gives me fits.  Still, The challenge and the income makes it worthwhile, so I do most of what's asked in the hopes of artistic growth.  The small painting above is one of a pair that will be traveling soon, and be placed on either side of a fireplace, reminding their owner of the joys of visiting Marco Island.

 

David and Carol Marine, at Daily Paintworks are doing a Hurricane Sandy Artists Challenge, and the proceeds of the art sale will go to the victims of the dreadful storm.  My first painting sold, so I'm putting in a second painting.  You can bid on Gull, or another painting to help the storm victims here.  

 

 

Gull, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

Hope to see you at the Art Center's reception for the show America the Beautiful tomorrow, Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30.  There will be refreshments and its, free.  See if you are beginning to recognize the local artists without peeking at the labels!