Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Tiny commission

My 11 year old saw that I received a couple of samples when I ordered ArtBoard for the first time.  ArtBoard gave me four 2"x3" boards with different finishes [gesso, oil primed linen, Arches Hot Press and Acrylic primed cotton]

She took one of the samples and asked if I would paint something for her.  She didn't know the name of the flower but after describing it and looking for it on Google images, we confirmed it was a calla lily.  She was very explicit about describing the color background, the certain lily image she wanted the bloom in and how she wanted the stem to gently bend to the right.  I suggested one composition and she shook her head vigorously  "no".  This young lady knows exactly what she wanted.  

I painted this lily and when I asked if this is what she wanted.  She studied the painting for a few moments and then asked, "why is this purple?"  pointing at the shadow at the top of the bloom.  I explained I wanted to show the shadow and thought the dark purple would be good for this.  She thought about it and then indicated she was satisfied with the painting.  I'm grateful this young lady knows exactly what she wants and is determined not to settle for anything less. I'm also grateful this painting was not any bigger than a couple of inches.  I just pity the boyfriends she'll be involved with in the [hopefully far] future.

oil on 2x3 inch oil primed linen on ArtBoard

24 comments:

Mary Paquet said...

Wonderful painting. I am so impressed with your daughter. She's a young lady with determination!

The Bull said...

Beautiful work, very elegant and simple! :)

David Larson Evans said...

This a good example of why I like checking out your site.

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

I love it Sheila, you did such a good job. And an excellent choice by the 11 year old, I might add!

artbykarieann said...

Wow Sheila you can paint anything! I have to see something to paint it, you can use words to put it into a picture!

Tracey Clarke said...

A flower for your little flower. This is lovely.

Manon said...

Lovely work Sheila! Your daughter sound like mine! They know what they want and like....lol!
I love ArtBoards! I use the gesso ones and add a ton more gesso before I use them. They're great for mixed media because you can really beat them up!

Lauren Maurer said...

Very cute story- and the flower is beautiful! (I had them in my wedding!)

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

It is a wonderful Calla Lily!! The story is wonderful also, I can see she is quite a handful!!

James Parker said...

Ah...determination and perseverance. Wonder where she got that from? Very nice Calla...those grow prolifically down here in CR.

maddsketch said...

That looks really great! i luv its simple composition.

L.Holm said...

LOL! Sheila - this is so wonderful. Your daughter sounds like a cutie. And good for her for knowing her own mind! Beautiful painting for a beautiful client.
(and thank you again for your kindness. )
Liz

Michelle said...

Hi Sheila - What a lovely little painting! You daughter is quite a gem as well! :)

Greener Bangalore said...

Wonderful Sheila....

FitFoodieMegha said...

Wonderful and decent piece of art...:)

Vern Schwarz said...

Sheila, real nice little painting. Are you doing more of the AC's?

You honor me with your award...thank you.

Stephen Dell'Aria said...

Nice painting. The idea of doing miniatures is fascinating

Art with Liz said...

This flower is almost exactly the same as our indigenous flower called the Arum lily. Your 11 year old is right to be pleased with the results of this one!

emikk said...

She likes it, has good taste, bright future.

Edward Burton said...

Really nice painting, Sheila, and a great story about how it came to be. It's good to know that she knows what she wants.

r garriott said...

Tough customer! Should get you perfectly prepared for persnickity portrait payers.

You did a great job under all that pressure! a very nice calla indeed. Funny, I jsut sarted some callas last week...

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

Its a wonderful painting Sheila.
Great job.

dominique eichi said...

I love this little commission from your daughter. She is on a strong path the Calle Lilly is a flower of new beginning and purity. It is perfect for her at this time.

Carol Horzempa said...

I love your story and what a wonder little painting!