Most artists have been asked to do a commission piece at some point in their career. Like many things, there are pros and cons to this request. It’s always flattering to know that someone likes your art, and it’s nice to envision making some money. But one must take a deep breath and realize that creating a painting to someone else’s specifications is not always easy.
So, should you or shouldn’t you? I guess that depends on your temperament, and how well you could work with someone who is not an artist but has an “artistic” vision.
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| "Our Colorado Country" acrylic on canvas 48" x 84" by Stephen Morath |
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| Detail: "Our Colorado Country" by Stephen Morath |
In the case of Stephen Morath, an artist exhibiting at Wilde Meyer Gallery, a recent commission proved to be a major undertaking, concluding in a very interesting painting. The work, entitled “Our Colorado Country,” was commissioned by a Colorado couple who saw one of Stephen’s paintings at Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs. They wanted a similar painting, but requested some specific elements be added to the work. The result is a complex 48”X84” painting that depicts the Colorado landscape as well as the life of this couple.
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| Detail: "Our Colorado Country" by Stephen Morath |
If you look carefully, you can see the couple seated on a bench, looking out at the landscape ahead of them. The orange VW Beatle is a car that once belonged to the wife, who is also shown riding a horse.
The two cats belong to the couple; the license plate is theirs, as is the house number on the mailbox. They like old movies; hence the movie camera next to the bench. They also enjoy old records, so Stephen added a Victrola.
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| Detail: "Our Colorado Country" by Stephen Morath |
There are many more items from their list, including an airplane with a Red Cross symbol (she was a nurse with the Air Force); their house on a hill; a falcon; wine glasses and a book. (By the way, the man in the clouds with the guitar is John Denver – that was Stephen’s idea to depict the spirit of Colorado.)
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| Detail: "Our Colorado Country" by Stephen Morath |
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| Detail: "Our Colorado Country" by Stephen Morath |
So, does all of this work?
According to Stephen, the couple is very happy with their painting, and while it took longer than expected, he enjoyed their collaboration. Sometimes an artistic inspiration can come from sources other than the painter himself!
