Final Pictures of the 60 x 48" Commission

Well, I finished the commission piece... and they LOVE it!! I'm thrilled.

This first photo shows the overall finished piece. Subsequent photos are close-ups and include notes on what I saw in the artwork. I included some of my client's comments as well.

I did not share my insights with my client, I let them see through their own eyes. I am amazed at what they saw.

Wild Red Poppies (aka Heaven and Earth - as titled by client)
signed, dated 09
acrylic, pencil, magazine, newspaper and fabric collage on linen
61.5 x 49.5 in, framed
SOLD $1800

Detail #1>
My Observations: The old oak tree, the tree of life and knowledge. It's arms around the people, protecting them and showing them love. This is a mystical doorway to god.
Client Observations: "This is Heaven."


Detail #2>
My Observations: A little boy kneels in the grass looking and discovering. Playful and exuberant, he delights in his discoveries. Butterflies (beneath him, and hidden to right): symbol of hope, freedom, transformation and growth.
Client Observations: She has a nephew that has passed away, "this is him", she said. Also when she sees a butterfly she imagines him sending it down to earth.

Detail #3>
My Observations: An angel, bowed to her heart. Around her, the dark red splotches are the wild red poppies - lush!

Detail #4>
My Observations: Girl singing with joy. Happiness bursting from her heart. Delicate pond of lily pads and flowers. A town, bridge, moon and shooting stars.

60x48 Commission: Terms of Agreement

Canvas Specifications:

• stretched canvas - 60” high x 48“ wide (x 2” deep approx)
• frame strips (approx) .75“ wide x 2.5” deep
• framed art (approx) 61.5“ high x 49.5” wide x 2.5“ deep, stained dark walnut
• acrylic on linen

Color Palette:

• Harvest Colors: golds, oranges, reds, cream, white, green for accent, other accent colors
• Question: what do you mean by Gold - metallic gold, rich golden yellows, the color of wheat with the sun rising against it, something else? Please circle or make notes...

Art Description:
Artwork to consist of many layers of information created at different scales. Some things will be readily noticeable from afar, other details revealed as the viewer steps closer. Layers of detail work together to create an overall impression. Details of art to include people. Artwork to be generally consistent in style and content with Latifah Shay’s previous works (as displayed at Tryst and posted on www.latifahshay.com).

Mrs. Client Likes:

• Mercy for the detail, the bold simplicity, likes the person
• Trusting to Tell , The Importance of Courage and Global Soul for the layering & depth of detail, for the people
• Something to Say, The Raven for the colors

Mrs. Client Dislikes:

• Confidence, the Everpresent, Growing Hope and Movement of Light because they are “too much”
• “No purples, no browns, no pastel”

Mr. Client Likes:

• Art that is composed of many layers of detail working together to create an overall image
• Art as background image to their life
• "Harvest Colors"

Mr. Client Dislikes:

• Art that has one overwhelming image or shape such as Delicate Intensity

General Schedule:

• Plan on having artwork to show you by mid-August
• Plan on having artwork completed in full by end of September
• I said I would do up to 3 paintings. Mr. Client said “don’t think 3 pieces is necessary.” I feel confident of this and am excited to paint for you. However, if what I present to you doesn’t excite you the way you would like, I would like to talk about it, painting up to 2 more pieces. My intention is to deliver artwork of the highest quality and caliber and to provide you with art that you can appreciate and enjoy for many years to come.

Delivery / Pick-Up:

• Mr. & Mrs. Client anticipate picking up art from my studio in rural, PA
• If shipping is necessary, cost of shipping, handling and insurance will be additional

Terms of Payment:

• $XXXX - agreed upon price
• > $XXX - 30% non-refundable deposit - PAID
• > $XXX - due middle of August
• > $XXX - due upon completion of artwork
• Mr. Client said that if necessary, they would pay more; they want to be reasonable, but don’t want me compromise on the artwork for lack of time, money, resources, etc.
• > I appreciate your generosity deeply in this regard. At this time I do not anticipate needing additional payment. Thank you.

Contact Info:

• XXXXXXXX
• XXXXXXXX

Please print this document... sign & date it, note what gold means to you, snail-mail me a copy.
Thank you very much. I am excited and grateful for this opportunity - can’t wait to paint!

• client signature & date / artist signature & date

60x48 Commission: Color Palette Review

"Dear Commission Client,

Please review this rough painting. This sketch is to be considered solely in terms of colors and balance of colors. (This is not meant to suggest any particular shapes, details or other imagery to be used in the final artwork.)

How does this color palette feel to you? Is this what you were imagining for Harvest Colors?

How do you feel about the balance of colors in this sketch?

I have added a shade of dark brown to our originally described palette. Using the espresso hue will increase the range of contrast, bringing greater depth to the painting. It would be used only for small areas of detail.

So far I haven't liked the green hues that I have tried with this palette. I hope to get a better sense of what shade to use or if the green works at all once I'm working with the full-size canvas.

If you don't mind, I would like you to send the rough painting back after making your comments. I will need it for color reference as I work on the full-size piece. I am happy to give it back to you at the end of the project if you like.

Please email me with your comments.

Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Latifah Shay"