To be honest, private commissions aren't normally something I'm that keen to do. People generally have no idea how long artwork takes and often don't understand the limitations of a particular artist's approach. Also, working for individuals can be fraught with problems: they might change their mind, decide they don't like what I create, decide not to pay up...
Having said all that, I had a 2-day gap a couple of weeks back, when I was not on the road, so decided to pay back a favour and have a go at a commission for a friend-of-a-friend's retirement present. The trouble was, I needed one of my two free days for catching up on bit and bobs of work admin and lost most the next morning to a physio appointment (bad back), which left one afternoon to do the commission. If I tell you I normally allow 2 days to design and colour a single-page illustration, that will give you an idea of the level of challenge I'd set myself!
The picture was for a much-loved Headmaster at Ellis Guildford School in Nottingham (where I did a Greenaway shadowing project last year), who is apparently potty about golf and 'Buddy', his son's Jack Russell. Luckily, John came up with a silly pun for me to hang an idea on (The Ruff Guide to Golf) and, by some miracle, the pencil sketch came together in less than an hour.
Early next morning, I was off on a train to North Yorkshire, to do storytellings at another school, so left John to redeem himself by getting the piece mounted, packaged up and posted off to Nottingham.
I few days ago, I had a lovely email from Ellis Guilford, attaching some photos of Mr Plummer with his framed picture. Do you think Buddy approves?
Enjoy your retirement Mr Plummer - all that time for lots more golf!
I started after lunch and was still going at 6pm when John knocked off (lightweight). So I stuck on some loud Amy Winehouse and pastelled the evening away. I've not done any pastel work since finishing off Baby Can Bounce! (remember me adding shorts to the naked crocodile?), so I rather enjoyed myself. I was really pleased with the results.
Early next morning, I was off on a train to North Yorkshire, to do storytellings at another school, so left John to redeem himself by getting the piece mounted, packaged up and posted off to Nottingham.
I few days ago, I had a lovely email from Ellis Guilford, attaching some photos of Mr Plummer with his framed picture. Do you think Buddy approves?
Enjoy your retirement Mr Plummer - all that time for lots more golf!
9 comments:
How fabulous!I think Buddy definately approves.
I'm very impressed. Good work. I love the dog sitting there next to him as though admiring the picture =).
Wonderful! I heartily agree about commissions...I used to do them quite often; now rarely ~ you just never know if you are truly on the "same page" with the other person...and, things that are "not my idea" to do just never seemed to flow as well ~ that said, I'm glad this turned out so beautifully for you (and Mr.Plummer!) Lovely blog ~ I'm now following ~ ♥♥
Best,
Anne
Cheers all. And welcome aboard Anne!
That is excellent Lynne, such a tricky task! The dog is quite amusing and you've captured him well! I think he rather likes it too.:)
Love it!- Great to see a real pleased client with a fantastic piece!
If I were Mr Plummer I couldn't imagine a better result - an amusing and personal picture!
Oh, I love this picture! Great work:)
Great that you made the time - it's a terrific illustration! Lovely to see the happy recipient too!
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