A significant part of my working life as an artist is working on Painting Commissions. I’m often asked to add in a person or group of people in to the painting that have a personal connection to the client. Sometimes this has been a family walking to the Theatre Royal or on the beach at Bamburgh. On other occasions it’s been a loved one walking their dog.
I recently received a painting commission of St Mark’s Square in Venice, similar to my limited edition print above. The client asked if I could include his partner in the scene. This was to be a birthday present. They had been to Venice on holiday together so the painting would be a lovely reminder and a great gift idea.
Painting Commissions in Venice, particularly in St Mark’s Square, can be challenging because of the crowds. I have a good number of sketchbook watercolours from my travels to inspire me. This is particularly helpful when painting in the solitude of my studio in Ponteland.
The client supplied me with a few photographs of his partner. This meant I could paint her in the scene with a decent likeness. I also decided that it would be a nice idea to make a short video of key parts of the painting process. You can watch the video on YouTube.
I had the original painting framed in a lovely deep edged mount with an antique silver frame. I also used non reflective Ultra View Glass which helps to protect the painting from Ultra Violet Light. It’s so good that the painting almost looks like it has no glass.
If you would like to find out more on how to Commission a Painting then please contact Alan Reed Art Gallery.