22 x 45" Tulip Commission

Today I began a 22x45" tulip commission. The client asked me to combine three different paintings I've already done to make one with all of his favorite things. I spent this morning (and last night instead of sleeping) thinking it through and I've got it drawn out and ready to paint. Usually people don't request me combining pieces from existing paintings, but in this case the three were so similar and I found a photo reference of mine from this past Spring's Thanksgiving Point photoshoots that satisfied everything the client was looking for, that I know it will work out OK. I do much better when I paint if beforehand I can see the end product designed out. 

I'm adding layers to balance out the composition. It's like real gardening, except I add flowers with an Exacto knife and glue instead of gardening gloves and a trowel. 

This projector saves my bacon. I can project my collaged photograph up onto my panel and trace out the main lines, saving me hours and probably days.

I draw the lines with a pastel pencil. I like a warm brown color, that way if some shows through the paint it's better to me than black. It doesn't really matter in the end though - any color of pastel or charcoal would work. 

I got a new air purifier for my studio. My brain cells are so excited. It filters out all of the junk in the air from off-gasing turpentine and wet oil paints. Thanks to HL for recommending this model! It's so nice to have friends who are amazing professional artists that I can ask for advice.

My dog totally has the right idea. The heater is currently not working in my studio so this plug-in space heater is my source of comfort. Buttercup isn't arguing.

And this is where I'll be all day tomorrow as the painting begins! I'm looking ahead into 2014 and am excited to have a few shows already planned with more I'm sure coming. Every day counts between now and Spring when my studio hours are cut to nil as I photograph flowers out in the field. I'm ready to put some hours in after a nice holiday break! Click here to see my scheduled shows thus far.