Whether I like it or not, working from photos has become a major part of my working process. Where possible, I like to take numerous reference photographs of the subject and ideally in good, natural light. (This point in itself actually requires a separate blog!)
Unfortunately, this is my no means always possible. I have come across many different situations which block this ideal scenario:
The "surprise element" means that I cannot take any reference photos myself as the work is a Birthday or Christmas gift (most commonly). With a person this always the case, with a canine subject it is possible, though somewhat inconvenient for the client, to overcome the problem.
In the case of a canine subject, it is sometimes necessary to take photos with an element of secrecy! Either at my home or at a "neutral" location.
Another aspect of canine work is that the subject can be unsettled by the experience at best, or, at worst, may not appreciate the presence of a strange photographer getting too close!
When the work is not a surprise gift, or a surprise gift for somebody at a third location, then I will always endeavour to get as many photos as possible.
Finally, and obviously, another major reason which stops my preferred approach is that the subject is no longer with us!
All this is based on experiences so far, there may be additional scenarios yet to be revealed!
One of the best results of completing a commission is seeing the reaction from a happy client.
This is probably not good business sense but I actually get a bigger buzz from the emotive response from a client than I do from getting paid by them!
What I always remember is that however much I might like the work a client can always turn around and say "can we just make that a little darker", or "this a little more tan in colour" so I prepare myself for that possibility.
The subjects of my work tend to have a very high element of sentimentality for the client, this feeling seems to magically fuse with their liking for the way the image has actually been drawn and painted,
Ultimately the work gains "meaning" for the client and so becomes precious to them.
It is surely my primary objective, every time, for the client to transmit "WOW!" to me, by words or even just facial expression!
I have always painted in acrylics, I have always painted with the same make of acrylics, but the WAY I paint with these acrylics has changed considerably.
Some people have used the expression, "oh you've changed your style", or "you've found your style", but what has actually happened is that change has been brought about by solving a certain technical problem.
It's the result of my preventing the paint doing something I don't like looking at!
I have, more and more, diluted the paint to achieve tone and effect, but this process has revealed some interesting phenomena.
Yellow Ochre, Warm Grey, and (usually) Payne's Grey largely do what they are told!
Titanium White can produce a chalky effect if not handled properly.
Greens, Blues, Reds and Violet all need to be handled with the greatest of care or they will create "tide lines" or "watermarks" at the edge when dry.
Eliminating these effects has led to a fascination and love for the resulting surface textures so created.
This, in turn, keeps my creative "pilot light" well and truly switched on!