Painting an Abstract Commission

   Commissioned Abstract Painting

Recently I was talking to some artist friends about painting commissions.  One friend was complaining that her client wanted a painting of their house which listed all kinds of very specific criteria that had to be included.  Another also complained about clients "talking too long" about what they wanted and said she felt like charging them more for the longer they talked.

I mentioned that I also was working on a commission, but since I make non-representational abstract paintings, I didn't really have this problem of the client asking for too many specifics.  "I need to get the colors right," I said, "and to express a feeling, mood or idea."   

Is that easier or harder than having a specific subject matter to paint?  I think it is just "different," and that each kind of project depends on the artist's particular expertise and talent. 

One thing that makes it easier for me to paint commissions is that I always paint two canvases instead of just one.  That frees me up so that I can be more spontaneous.  If I mess up one, I still have the other.  It also allows me to paint one canvas in a narrow interpretation of the client's desires, and the other in a freer, looser style.  And then they get to choose. 

The image above is my first attempt, almost complete.  Below is the beginning of my second attempt: