Commissioning a Painting
On many occasions, I’m commissioned by clients to paint specific places which are both meaningful and very personal to them. I love these challenges and I’m very grateful to clients for their confidence in my being able to match their ideas.
I sometimes find that people might dismiss the idea of commissioning a painting of their business or home thinking it’s not worthy of being the subject of an original piece of art. However, I can usually visualise the potential, especially when the subject is considered ‘in place’ within it’s surroundings, and, after a chat explaining how I ‘see’ it, the resulting unique painting becomes part of family history, especially when the client retires, sells the business, or moves house.
'Justin Kellett, Optician, Horwich' watercolour, image size 30 x 40cms.
Adapting the building, which was originally a branch of Barclays Bank on Winter Hay Lane Horwich, Justin was able to expand his Optician business and remain in the town. He imaginatively and stylishly reconfigured the interior space and, apart from signage, retained the already unique exterior. I was commissioned by Justin to create a painting of the building on the Lane as it is now, to hang in the premises and, in future, be a visual reminder of his presence in the town.
'The Gate House, Smithills Hall, Bolton' watercolour, image size 38 x 48cms
I was asked by the present owner to paint not only the Gate House itself but to show it as it was prior to the second WW, with the gates and railings, which were removed for the war effort, back in position. Some research, and a photograph in the clients possession, ensured accuracy plus a little imaginative ‘garden planting’, fulfilled the brief and created a fine watercolour painting, now hanging in their home.
'Christmas Snow, Brunswick Ave, Horwich' watercolour image size 30 x 40cms.
The brief was to go back in time, recreating a fondly remembered, snowy winter view at Christmas, from when the client lived there in the 1970’s.
It was important to retain the look of the houses at the time, the brickwork, rendering, hedges ( no drives for cars) green paintwork and the lamp post style and yellow light as it was then. Specifically, I was asked to paint a night view, footsteps in the snow leading up towards Brazley Ave, and a Christmas tree showing in a particular window.
Quite a challenge and much research but a fascinating brief. The client was delighted with the result.