Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Back Sunroom - SOLD


Commissioned Piece - NFS
9x12 Acrylic on canvas panel

This was another of my commissioned home portraits and this one was a difficult challenge. 

First, I received numerous "close" photos which were relayed from the homeowner. All three photos seemed to include the back sunroom, which I think is a relatively new addition to the home. But none of the photos contained the whole house. In fact, nothing really showed the right side of the home, but I did receive a head on shot of the front entrance which had a small overhang on it. 

So, I went online via Google maps to see what the house looked like -- and I discovered why all the closeups of the home. There is actually a hedge that runs across the front of the house for at least 3/4's of the property. And there are 3 huge trees growing in what appears to be in the middle of the hedge. So all the close point of view photos were taken inside the hedge. In fact, you couldn't even see the house from the street in Google maps! This made it very hard for me to create a composition on this home.

I did want to include the entire house, including the sunroom. The sunroom is so decorative, while the rest of the house is rather plain - I thought the porch needed to be "showed off."  Unfortunately, the google map view was prior to some changes they had done (like the overhang over the front door, and the lattice surrounding the bottom of the sunroom.

I toyed with putting the hedge in - even roughed it in. But it was distracting to the painting, so opted to give the home a larger front lawn & walk. I also left the trees out of the view (except for the branches that are over the front entry on the home). I did put the dappled shade on the lawn, as well as the shadow from the home itself - since I chose the light to come from the back side (highlighting the sunroom).

I hope the owners like this. (I always worry). This is my 6th commission home portrait and I haven't heard anything back on any of them!! Nothing bad, but also nothing good. I can only assume that there hasn't been any bad word of mouth as I have 2 additional commissions to do now. 

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Separate artists note: I originally signed on to do Leslie's Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days in September, but have had to shelve that plan. Between the commissions I have to do and the art show I'm trying to prepare for that is in the beginning of October and do 2 new larger paintings for this show - I just can not devote the time to the 30 day challenge. I did the January one this year, and it was interesting (& challenging). But I also know it can demand a bit of time daily - and since I work full time (not as an artist), I can find that daily deadline quite stressful. I originally thought to do them small, but when the show came up I knew I would have to trim my to-do list to be more realistic with my time. Many of my art friends are taking part in the challenge, and it's fun to see the work they are producing. (and secretly, I am very jealous of all of you that can be full-time artists!). One day I will be there, but it just isn't yet!

Keep calm & carry on.... love that one, it's on my coffee cup at work. Makes me smile! Ok, onto the next home portrait!



3 comments:

Sea Dean - Paint a Masterpiece said...

I think this is lovely. I particularly like the value definition in the trees. I don't think you need to worry about it being a good painting, the challenge is to get into the owner's mind and we all know how difficult that can be even with out own partner, let alone someone we've never met. That's why most Artists don't do pet and human portraits and because our home is where our heart is, I would think houses are even more challenging. Probably the best thing you can say before you take the commission is that this will be an Artist's interpretation and are they OK with that? I love your house paintings.

Karla said...

Love this one Nan! What a great perspective. You are fast becoming the premiere house portrait artist. I am also not doing the 30 in 30 challenge. I found the one in January too much pressure even though there really is no pressure to get them all done. Best wishes to the over 400 ppl who have taken the challenge though

Autumn Leaves said...

What a gorgeous little cottage home!! I see so many homes in which I would love to live!!

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