I’m preparing to work on a new 30x40 commission for a collector. I thought it might be helpful to art collectors to read my methods for development. 

I advise my collector to tape craft or newspaper to the wall for the painting to visually see the size before deciding. The paper should include the inches for the frame.

Then I ask the collector to send me a variety of photos, taken at different times of the day of the desired scene. I give them my favorites and they send me theirs. After we decide on a scene, they choose the palette from my paintings they like the best, and the frame they like.

I then do a mock up painting, in a small size to let them see my vision of their choices. I sell that painting later. We decide on any changes, then I begin their painting. I show them three stages of the painting during the process.

The project is about six weeks in total. That is how I do commissions. I always understand that their wishes count, mine do not! Their dream always comes first. 

Country painters have a wonderful life……..