To commission a New painting:
The Process -
When you commission me to create a painting I will ask for
a 10% deposit.
After an initial discussion with you, I begin by making series of thumbnail
sketches in pencil to establish a suitable composition. A number of my clients
are happy to be part of the picture making process. We discuss weather
conditions, types of sea, lighting and wind. This is the starting point - from
this I will produce a larger pencil sketch to tease out the tonal values. I will
then use an enlarged photocopy of this sketch and colorize it with water colour
now incorporating the boat or boats to plan the overall colour scheme.
At this stage I will ask the client to provide me with detailed information
concerning the deck and hull of the boat(s), the sail plan and colours including
spinnakers and also some photos of the crew members. If this is not convenient
for the client I can contact the owners or crew members to get this information.
However , it must be stressed , the more information I have concerning winches,
blocks and various fittings the more true and accurate the final outcome.
At this stage we can introduce the concept of 'Polyimagery' to produce an
all round view of the boat. The final sketch can be sent via e-mail to the
client for ratification. If satisfied , I will draw out the main boat on tracing
paper, adjusting perspective and detail until fully satisfied. Why tracing
paper? The old mirror trick I can look at the reverse side to see if the drawing
is right!
To start the painting properly I will begin with the sky - the sky sets the mood
and establishes the light source. The sea is then under painted. Now the boat(s)
is placed in the most satisfactory position, using the tracing paper image to
position it - getting the most harmonious relationship. It is then transferred
to the canvas and the lines of perspective are checked.
Now the detailing of the boat is tackled with great care
using the light to pick out the structures- its vital to understand the effect
of light on the surface of boats and sails, as this not only provides the
atmosphere of the over all painting but informs the viewer of the subtle nuances
of shape and volume present in all boats.
The painting is then placed in such a way that the next
few days as I walk past, I "catch" it! This is how an artist notices
if anything is wrong. After some days a few initial changes will invariably be
made and adjustments painted. The painting is now finished ready for the client.
Final payment is requested and the painting is dispatched
to you via courier.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact
me
Phone + 353 1 6671520 or +353 1 6711599
Email BrianByrnes@bigfoot.com
