This week, I have a commissioned art piece to show you. I have fewer words than I normally do – not only because the project is confidential, but also because this project went beyond words in many ways.
Last fall, I got a commission for this oil painting. It was ordered by a man in memory of his recently deceased spouse. We brought elements of the wife’s life and references to what she liked into the painting. The painting is, therefore, a secret portrait, from which loved ones recognize familiar things, but which do not need to be explained to strangers, unless they want to.
Commissioned Art – Sketch First
I started with a digital sketch. Here you can see the sketch and the final painting side by side.
I painted the sketch freely in the ProCreate app. The sketch is more abstract than the finished work and is more about the impression than the details.
Painting Process
After the sketch was approved, I ordered the canvas. The size of this piece is 50 x 40 cm (about 19.5 x 15.5 inches). Here are the first blurry layers.
I worked several sessions and let the painting dry for 1-2 weeks between the sessions.
The sketch helped with the painting process so that I could save my energy on the details.
Final Treatments
When the painting was finished, I photographed it outdoors. The natural light is wonderful now when Finland has a lot of snow, but the shoot had to be done quickly.
I varnished the painting with Gamvar after the photoshoot.
I like to think that varnishing was like giving a special blessing to the painting.
Spiritual Meaning
This project made my work as an artist feel even more meaningful than before. I learned more about what kind of artist I am.
I thought: “What could be a better assignment than building a bridge between life and death?”
What do you think?
A gorgeous painting!
My experience with “narrative” art is that my story and the viewer’s story are probably different. It’s a challenge to express your own feelings as an artist and to include or even to mesh with someone else’s can be quite the privilege. Bravo!
Thank you, Adrienne!
Exquisite painting. Interesting title because what I see and feel from this painting is life… thriving life as well as an unstated élégance. The gentleman must be quite pleased.
Between 2012-13, eight significant people passed away from our lives. I kept the words in my heart that life is for the living and it helped me stay steady to go forward.
Thank you, Dianne! I love that “life is for the living”, I try to remember that too!
Thank you for sharing this, and documenting your process. I assume it’s an oil painting, and much appreciated. What a sweet expression!
Thank you, Drawn! Yes, it’s an oil painting.
I can not put it in words, but this painting is so beautiful. Somehow it feels like calm air to me. I love how the red flower is reaching out. Beautiful blog post.
Thanks so much, Jacqueline!
Oh Pavi~ This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing the process, including those finishing touches of the snowy photoshoot (what a contrast) and the varnishing “blessing.” I have studied palliative care art where the artist creates for a dying person, or perhaps there is special art on the walls of hospice to help the person transition from life to death. I have sometimes created work for trauma survivors to encourage them in their healing journey. Your story reminds me once again how powerful art can be as the bridge – colorful, “anointed” with oils, holding secrets and mysteries. All the reasons to love intuitive, spontaneous art. You are a lovely soul!
Thank you, Sandra! And what an interesting comment about “palliative care art”, thanks so much for sharing!
“Difficult” project
You made it wonderfully and so light and bright
Bravo Paivi!
Thank you, Marina!
Hard to find words to express how i felt as i read this. Such a fantastic piece. I am sure the gentleman must be so pleased with it.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth!
This painting is so beautiful. It effects my heart when I look at it.
I also like the comment above about “palliative care art”, such a lovely thought.
Thank you for sharing how you went about this.
Thank you, Tammie Lee!