Some artists live entirely on commissions. Some artists ask other artists "Why would you want to do commissions?" As a self-employed art director and graphic designer for many, many years, I worked entirely "on commission". I learned how to work this way. I have no desire to make 100% of my work, commissioned work. I am, nevertheless, happy when a commission comes my way. I'm even happier when my customer gives me a positive response to the finished piece. With her permission, I share with you the response I received from the recipient of the above painting:
... That photo had always been so special to me, and when I turned and saw that it had come to life on my library wall, time just stood still! It was a moment that I will never forget if I live to be 200!!! You have captured his spirit in that painting…..it is amazing!! It is like looking into his eyes and being drawn in by his smile…I could not say anything but, “it is the first time I have ever felt his presence in this house”…he died 5 years ago tomorrow and we moved here after his death….I found it so hard to live in a home that he had never been in with me, but I went to bed last night and woke up this morning without that feeling of emptiness. My husband is the most wonderful man in the world and your talent and ability to give someone what you have helped him to give me is the most precious gift I have ever been given…it is so much more than a painting…you have given me a sense of peace and a memory of both my father and my son that will always be my most cherished possession. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am anxious for you to see where your painting found its home.
