Monday, October 15, 2012

RIVER VISTA By Cecelia Lyden

oil/stretched canvas
2'x3'
www.cecelialyden.com
This was a commissioned painting. The client wanted a view of the Susquehanna River that was different than the one from her condo window[ seen in the upper left]. I took several photos from both sides and up and down the river. I emailed her all of the digital images [ hooray for technology]. She chose this vista in a populated area. She wanted a lot of the river in the painting- bridges, her condo, but not too many of the other buildings-nor did she want any trees in the foreground. I convinced her that some foreground trees were necessary to keep the river from "running off the canvas."
 
I kept her posted as I continued to paint, and actually closed the gaps a bit more in the foreground after I took this picture. It is a nerve-racking time--worrying and hoping a client will like the painting.
She and her husband stopped by this weekend. They liked it-paid for it-PHEW-on to my next one.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

It turned out really well, Cecelia. And, I agree- I find commissions to be stressful.

Julie Riker said...

OF COURSE the clients liked it! You did a great job of creating the distance - pushing the condo back. It looks great!

I always try to keep the customer updated on the progress when I do a commission. It helps to avoid major changes at the end, and also gets them more excited as they see the painting evolve. Email is great and saves many trips.

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

I think you did a fantastic job on this, Cecelia - really has beautiful distance and exquisite color. And the SIZE! Kudos!!!

blah said...

You did a great job with this! Love it!

Debra Kreiger said...

Wonderful Cecelia!

Sunny said...

Wow, the distance and the breezy sky atmosphere make this a very beautiful painting indeed!

Cecelia Lyden said...

Thank you all-so encouraging--so helpful!