Oreo's: 3rd Completed Commission Piece

Oreo's
oil on canvas
30'' x 30"

These commissioned paintings have me longing for the time when I could complete a piece in a few days. I really miss that sense of instant gratification. Oreo's has taken the better part of two weeks, and after much struggle I feel it's finally done. As usual it seems there is more I could with it, but I think the extra work would be lost to most viewers. Spalding Nix, my liaison with the client, took the first two completed paintings in Monday morning to company headquarters. There was to be an unveiling of the artwork completed to date by all of the commissioned artists. I wanted them to understand that the paintings had not been varnished, and that I would need them back for that final step. I also wanted to impress upon him that the paintings would look better after the varnish had been applied. I'm nervous enough about how these will be received by the client. Wednesday Spalding came by to return the paintings. He said they were a hit, and that there had been talk about new work they would like to commission. Cool. Spalding also had good things to say about the latest painting above, which was a relief to hear. So, now it's on to number four. A bag of Lays potato chips.

Corporate Commission in Progress: Oreo's

Oreo's
oil on canvas
30'' x 30"

This is the sixth day of work on the third of five corporate commissioned paintings. I have to say this one has really been kicking my butt. I knew that I'd have problem with the embossing on the cookies, but I underestimated by just how much. The wrinkles, and the text on the package are also posing their own distinct challenge. A significant weakness of mine is expecting too much from a painting in progress, way too soon. This happens nearly every time I begin a new piece. If the image doesn't quickly begin to emerge exactly as I think it should, I tend to really beat myself up over it. I'm my own harshest critic. Fortunately as the painting evolves through subsequent passes, and starts to come together, my mood begins to lift. In the end I usually allow myself to feel good about it. 

Coke: 2nd Completed Commission Piece

Coke
oil on canvas
30'' x 30"

Coke is finally done, and it lived up to the "challenge" I anticipated it would be. About a thousand droplets were left out, but I think modified as it is, it still works pretty good. As difficult as this painting was, I did enjoy the process. It got a little tedious towards the end, but all in all it was a good experience. I learned a lot with this one. I also feel that I'm beginning to loose my anxiety about painting larger pieces. In fact it's becoming kind of addictive. My next painting is ready begin, and it will present its own set of problems. Oreo cookies in metallic packaging. The embossing on the cookies will be one of the big challenges on this one. I'll put up an in progress image sometime during the process.