It’s a nice vote of confidence to be trusted with the job of recreating a treasured holiday memory to paint, but one of the better compliments I’ve received is to be asked to do it a second time for the same family.
I always find commissions like these a touch daunting to begin with because I know likeness is everything. The smallest detail slightly askew can turn a family member into an unrecognisable stranger.
I also like to modify the reference where possible to achieve a stronger composition and push the colour and contrast to really make the final piece striking.
It does make it a little nervy when I finally present the piece in the hope I’ve managed to nail what the client wants and ideally surpass their expectations.
I generally find (so far at least) that tears at the reveal are a good sign.
