David Parker: Discussions on Commissioned Art.

Much of what I do involves creating custom-commissioned works of original art for individual collectors.  I’m good at coming up with ideas people love, and enjoy the process.

Normally, a collector will reach out and say something like: “I saw one of your paintings at a friend’s house, and have a wall that needs some color.” Or, “I love an original oil you’ve done, but it sold, and wondering if you’d willing to do another similar painting?”  Of course, the answer there is always yes.  

From that point, things get fun and interesting.  

With my commissioned works, unlike other artists, I like to bring my collectors into the development of the composition.  There, I believe the art in someone’s collection is a reflection of the holder’s personality, i.e. part of their life statement.  In further explanation: I only endeavor to create museum-worthy art, however, if someone approaches me to create something for their collection, I want to share the process with them so the end result has additional, personal meaning. 

(Note: Most of my avid collectors have a keen eye, are true art enthusiasts, recognize the uniqueness of my work, and are usually as colorful as the palette I paint with).

The commission process starts with a simple discussion concerning theme and the general message to be conveyed.  (Examples: Harmony, Serenity, Life Appreciation, Unity, A Love of Nature, A Love of Horses, Perseverance, Pursuing Dreams, Hope, etc.)

Then, subjects are discussed: Western compositions, Americana, Cityscapes, French Landscapes, etc. There, I often ask where are you most content, your happiest place, or what brings you the most joy, because evoking joy with my work is my primary objective.

Next, there is usually a discussion concerning elements such as horses and riders, background, lighting, and mood.  Often, those discuss include visuals from my past work that you find most appealing: The full moon in my “We’re All Under the Same Moon Series,” colorful horses from “Guardians,” motion, mountains, reflections on water, or other aspects such as favorite colors, or anything else that comes to mind.

From that point, we discuss the dimensions of the work, the wall where the painting will be installed, a vertical or horizontal aspect ratio, the amount of space needed around the piece, the size of the frame, details, details, details…

Once the general direction is decided, I then sit down to the drawing board and begin composing.  Based on discussions, I create two of three sketches as suggestions for what I feel will be most appropriate on canvas.

This is where my creativity comes into play and I let my imagination crunch the information I learned while becoming acquainted, and then see what might work best for both you and my art.  I combine the collector’s input, with what I think will be a museum-quality composition, and then we discuss the sketches and refine the thought.  (Note: when I compose, there are reasons for everything: the way the message is conveyed, how the eye moves over the composition, the illusion of depth, the feel of the painting, the hues, and contrasts, and even the title).

As I said, it is a fun and interesting process.  In the end, I deliver a fine art original in oil that is a museum-quality painting, with meaning, energy, distinction, and vibrancy, which is worth far more on delivery than invested.

The gallery below is a small sample of my sketch work for commissions.

Reach out if interested in discussing a project. My email is: parker@parkerart.com, or just call: (860) 215-6052.  Cheers and Kind Regards, David Parker