Life to the Full - Special Commission with Oil Field Maps
One of the joys of being an artist who LOVES special commissions is making my client’s creative, unique visions come to life.
Over the holidays, I received a request to use family heirlooms as the background for my Life to the Full Series. The heirlooms were maps of old oil field maps, charts, and geological measurements.
Now, I will admit, I have no idea what the charts mean…but as an artist, they were visually stunning. So many lines, textures, and colors. I knew their vision was possible.
To take you through the commission process, first, I hear the client’s vision and determine if it’s in my wheel house. I want to make sure I am the right artist for the job.
Clients send pictures of their space, their series of choice, and sometimes a rough idea of their ideal color palette.
With every commission, I create digital mockups of my paintings - with a few color palette options. I want to have as much decided before I’m putting paint to canvas.
If it feels aligned (their vision with my series and style) - we move forward with a home visit so I can see the space.
This client’s home was a gorgeous new build - with a sophisticated rainbow of color. I took several pictures of their fabrics, finishes, current art collection, paint colors, and even tiny details like doorknobs. It all matters for a custom piece.
We talk extensively about colors, vibrancy, composition.
Do you like bold colors? YES
Do you like vibrant colors? YES
Do you want it to jump from the wall or blend with decor? JUMP
In regards to Life to the Full, do you want small, medium, or large circles? MIX!
There are many questions I ask as an artist. I have to remember, everyone speaks their own language when it comes to art. My job is to listen and really make sure we are both saying the same thing and understanding each other - so their new piece is an extension of themselves and what they want to see every day!
Next, we looked at the maps and I determined which ones I could use for the background. We made the selection and then it was time for me to get started!
The “tricky” part was making the foundation / background of the painting : which was a collage of the oil maps and charts. Again, I am looking at it as an artist, so this was an interesting challenge of combining colors, shapes, patterns, and varied shapes.
After the foundation was laid, I was ready to paint.
This is actually where I will get brief. I keep my Life to the Full series technique my artist secret…
But when I am finished, it’s an incredible experience to see my meticulous technique and the spontaneity of moving paint make magic!
I sent pictures to my clients first - to make sure there wasn’t any feedback or changes before I brought to their house. I got enthusiastic replies, so we scheduled a delivery.
This is an important note: the first “delivery” - my client asked if we could put a high gloss varnish on the painting, which often gets decided after the piece is finished and they decide what finish they want on the piece. I had left it matte so we had a choice. High gloss was the vote, so I took it back to the studio to put down the varnish. WOW - the colors popped so well after this. Great choice.
So the final delivery date was set - and this amazing Life to the Full Commission found it’s home in a beautiful home with a beautiful family.
The best part is delivery. My clients were absolutely thrilled with their Life to the Full Commission piece - which is my main goal. It is their home, their family, their vision - I am so honored to be part of bringing that to life!
Would you like to inquire about a commission? I would love to talk!
art@sarahjohnsonofficial.com
Ready for the end result? Voila!!
The best part is delivery. My clients were absolutely thrilled with their Life to the Full Commission piece - which is my main goal. It is their home, their family, their vision - I am so honored to be part of bringing that to life!