Behind the scenes with Roxborough State Park | Commissioned Art 2020
/Hi friends!
I’ve written before about commissioning artwork and even given many of you a chance to commission an abstract with no strings attached because I’m well aware that your first commission might be slightly intimidating. I’m super excited to share a few large commissions that I had this year and give you some behind the scenes with the process! I want to first say a huge thank you to each of these folks for not only trusting me with their art, their ideas, and our collaboration, but also love and passion for original art. It’s been so fun and rewarding and I’m thrilled to share their reviews and what they thought about the whole process with you!
Up First: Roxborough State Park the land of Love and the Blue Goats
This little blog series will start with behind the scenes for my interpretation of Roxborough State Park, commissioned by one of my collectors for his lovely wife, Michelle. Keith and Michelle were married in a beautiful location in Colorado and recently moved into a new home. For their anniversary this year Keith wanted to do something extra special for his bride and reached out to me about commissioning a painting of Roxborough State Park where they were married. He reached out through email with his inquiry and some images, asked me to create it in my style, and requested that I sneak in a blue goat somewhere in the piece. I was super excited to collaborate for this fun surprise and only slightly baffled by how I’d incorporate the goat… but I’m usually up for a challenge!
I don’t typically paint animals into my abstract landscapes, but when you’re painting for a favorite collector and they request a blue goat…. You make it happen! ;)
Behind the Scenes
It’s important to know that Keith found my abstract paintings online over ten years ago and has collected some of my favorites through the years. Knowing you like the style of an artist and trust their quality will help you feel more comfortable when commissioning your first painting.
He sent me a general idea, images of the area, and gave me artistic license to create in my style. We emailed back and forth a few times just to make sure I was on the right page. Since he’d always collected abstracts, I wanted to be sure my style was the right mix of representation and abstraction for his vision. I used my characteristic bold colors and marks to create a representational piece and even managed to sneak in that sentimental blue goat. I love that commissioned art allows you to make those personal touches.
I usually send an image part way through, take feed back, and continue to the end. The first image didn’t go through and he emailed that he actually preferred to be surprised along with this wife… so no more images were sent! Talk about suspense! I couldn’t wait to see what he thought!
I packaged up the piece when it was complete, shipped it off to its forever home in Colorado, and anxiously awaited to hear back!
They both love it and Keith was kind enough to share these words…
My wife and I got married a few years ago and I wanted to give her something special for our anniversary this year. I contacted Jillian with a photograph of the venue at Roxborough and asked her to paint what she saw. She came back with a beautiful rendering in her unique style that both Michelle and I will love for many many years. We couldn't be happier with the painting and the experience of commissioning a work by Jillian.
Roxborough State Park
Commissioned 2020, Keith F.
Thank you for your trust, for the fun commission, and continued support! I hope you both enjoy this painting for years to come!
Cheers!
Jillian
Accepting a limited number of commissions each month. Message me for availability.