Friday, July 11, 2008

The Commission Day One

The assignment was to use a neutral background. Omigod. I am so lost when it comes to neutrals. I thought I had a light blue gray, and what it ended up being was teal. That is the apple's background. So then I switched to the onion, and used the same fabric for it's background as I did in the original Onions painting. Still not very neutral.


The pear came next. It was nearly the same color as the background I had used on the onion, so again I switched it out for a more rusty purple color. I used it again for the warm yellow lemon.

I am second guessing myself which is why commissions are so hard for me. Me thinks the apple is too bright against the teal. I love it, but it is hardly cohesive with the rest. That's why I ordered 25 canvases than the 16 I needed.

12 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:28 PM

    I am loving them, wish I could give you a commission too!
    The apple looks PERFECT!

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  2. I can't pick a fave this time. I am attracted to your onions and your apples.
    LB, off to hang some rods and set up a new sewing station and not maim the fighting kids.

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  3. Anonymous8:15 AM

    One person's bright is another person's neutral. Would it be possible to show one or two to your commission and find out if the backgrounds you have now are what they had in mind? Perhaps their neutral background is a selection of muted colors that tie the 16 together, rather than being true neutrals.

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  4. Neutrals?! Did your patron realize you are all color all the time?

    Looks like a stunning start to me.

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  5. These are fabulous! Who cares whether they like them or not? You'll sell 'em anyway.

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  6. I really like Martha's comment! One of the reasons I don't do commissions is because then I am doing their thing, not my own. We can't see the vision in the client's head. If they were originally attracted to "your" choices then I sure can't imagine muslin on the table for a background. Go Mel!!

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  7. Anonymous10:52 AM

    Who would want neutral with your fabulous fabrics? They all look GREAT!!! I think I forgot what neutrals are because to me they are DULLLLL.
    Brenda

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  8. Anonymous12:21 PM

    Personally, I don't think a neutral background would give the life / energy that yours currently have. Paint up a bunch with the idea the buyer can choose the ones they want. The onion is so great. I love these!

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  9. Anonymous1:42 PM

    Fabulous contrasts!!! I agree with "exuberant color"...they must have been attracted to your paintings BECAUSE of the colors! Show them what you've done so far and get their input. If they don't like them (can't imagine that, tho!), Ebay will sell them in no time! :)

    BTW, I took your advice and I've ordered oil painting supplies and I'm going to "dive in". Thanks :)

    Colleen

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  10. I think you're being too hard on yourself. I can't remember who in the fabric world said it but there's someone who tld me that red is her favorite neutral. If this person wants your work then they must already have in mind that they are not going to get standard neutrals. How boring would that be????

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  11. Dee - Might have been Freddy Moran, for years she has claimed red is a neutral. I don't think she allows beige, taupe or brown in her studio!

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Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com