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This year I was more excited than ever for Christmas morning.

I sold a number of paintings that were surprise gifts, including two that were commissions (done from photos provided by customers). 

Most of the commissions I’ve done have been surprises for special occasions:  for a great-aunt on her 90^th birthday, to a spouse to celebrate a wedding anniversary, and, this holiday season, to spouses as holiday gifts.

Here are some of the paintings that were gifts for December 25:

"Cherry Trees at Coleman Hall"

"Oyster Shack" (Commission)

"A Full Life" Ink & Watercolor Study

"Rue de Commerce," Ink & Watercolor

"Larkspur & Tomatoes" Ink & Watercolor miniature

During the week before Christmas, I found myself waking up in the morning thinking “Will he like it?”  “Will she like it?”

I know it is crazy.  I’m proud of the paintings, but, still, I want the recipients to LOVE their paintings, not just like them. Will the paintings become treasured family heirlooms? Will they move with the family from home to home?   

I enjoy commissions. Not all artists do, because they require compromise on the artist’s part. The focus shifts to what inspires the patron.  

The process has me discussing art with people.  I learn their artistic tastes and vision and we collaborate to make something unique.  We share in the joy of creating.

If you’d like to talk about a commission, please contact me.

In my next blog posting, I’ll show you the steps in the process.