Serendipity.....

Serendipity. In general, this is the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it. The story of how this painting came to

be could definitely be classed as serendipitous.

It's not often I am commissioned to paint a seascape the size of Evening Reflections II (shown here)....and at a substantial 6ft wide x 3ft high, I had to have the canvas hand-made, to order.

Anyway, here's what happened....I received an enquiry commission from a lady who had previously seen my work in exhibition and wanted me to paint a seascape for her which was large enough, and had enough presence, to sit well in a large room. Where possible when undertaking a commission, if geography allows, I usually like to visit the room the painting is to hang in to get a feel for general ambiance and lighting conditions. Whilst there, I had a discussion with the lady about what she likes about my work, as I find this helps to give me a starting point when faced with the blank canvas.

The room itself was very large, with lots of natural light from several large windows on the wall opposite the painting's place. The room was decorated in a very neutral and relaxed style. We had a discussion about colour and tonal balance.
The only item in the room which didn't follow the neutral theme of the room was the most beautiful, and substantial, hand-blown Murano glass fruit bowl which the lady and her husband had purchased from an art gallery when on a trip to Italy/Venice. It was absolutely stunning and sat on a coffee table in front of the corner sofa unit.

I discussed using some of the colours and tonal values of the bowl in the painting and she liked this idea, but was happy to leave it up to me.

So, I ordered two canvases the same size and started the process of planning and thinking bout the painting. I usually use this waiting time to think about and try to start to "feel" the painting come to life - long before I ever put brush to canvas.

When the canvases arrived and I realised the weight of each canvas, I realised that I would have to think of some way of propping up the canvas as my large easel would struggle under the weight. In the end, I had to use two easels - one to support each lower corner of the canvas while it was propped up against the front of my workbench at an angle of about 45 degrees, leaning away from me at the top. This position allowed me to lean into the painting, so that I was able to complete the painting in just this one position.

Painting took the best part of 3 weeks. I started as usual, with the rough layout of the painting, which by now had come to life in my head and was bursting to get out.
Over the course of the next 2-3 weeks, I gradually built up the image in thin layers and glazes, giving a depth and richness you just cant get when painting "alla prima" (in one go).

When the painting was finished and I was happy with it, I contacted the lady to arrange to take it to her so she could see for the first time. She was away on holiday at that time, so it was another 3 weeks before we could arrange a mutually suitable date.

The day finally came, and I pitched up at her house with the painting (luckily I have an estate car, so managed to take it myself, with the seats down.)

The lady was delighted with the painting, but distraught as when she had been on holiday, her teenage son had thrown a party for his friends...and...yes....you've guessed it, the Murano glass bowl got smashed!! So the painting now was the only thing in the room which was red. She was in emotional turmoil and didn't now what to do as she really liked the painting, but wasn't sure she could replace the bowl with the right colours (as it was hand-crafted). She asked if I could build more of the neutral colours into the painting. I advised her that I didn't want to change the painting, I was happy with it and felt it was just the way it had been in my head....so offered to paint her a completely new work....using a neutral colour palate. Luckily I had ordered 2 canvases at the same time, so had another one at home. I'm not sure how other artists approach commissioned work, and I know a lot of artists steer clear of accepting commissions, but I paint what is in my heart/head, as influenced by the environment around me. Lucky then, I suppose, that I live on the coast.....as I love painting seascapes.

The lady totally understood and was happy to allow me to go ahead and paint something new for her.....and after hearing all about the arguments and "grounding" that had gone on after they had discovered the damage to the house/bowl..must have felt that a harmonious influence was what was required, as this is what I came up with:

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