Commissioning Artwork
"Impressions of Nature"

"Art is the Nourishment of the Soul"
                                              Sandy Askey-Adams

"CALLAWAY GARDENS AFTERNOON"                Soft Pastel, Private Collection

Often at art shows I am asked if I do commissions. Yes, I do. A commissioned piece is artwork that is specifically created of a special place, animal or person that is requested and ordered by a client. There are times when a commission piece works well for a particular situation. A client may see a painting of mine that speaks to them emotionally and spiritually, but want a different size which could be larger or smaller. That newly created piece will never be identical to the first piece because I would prefer not to do so. Besides, each piece takes on its own moods and interpretations. It is created at a different time, a different day and happening in the life of the artist. However, it will be similar and in that way each patron has their own personal and original artwork.

Sometimes a client will have a photograph of their property or special place they have traveled to. It could also be their garden or another well-known garden, another town, state or even a country they have traveled to such as Ireland. It could be of someone horseback riding in the country, their children picking flowers along the creek or in a field, or simply a very serene view they are particularly drawn toward. One commissioned painting that comes to mind, and I have no photograph of it, is of a little girl and a little boy walking on a path through the woods with their puppy. Another is a large painting of a very serene view of a lake. Another commissioned idea was a wall grouping of 9 smaller landscape paintings in the same size arranged on a wall above a clients beautiful sideboard shelving. It looked stunning!! There have been times also when a client has purchased a completed painting at an art show or from my studio/gallery and has then requested a commissioned piece to compliment it to either hang beside it, or to hang on another wall in the room. There are many different reasons for commissioned works.

"GATHERING FLOWERS FOR MOTHER"               Soft Pastel, Private Collection

"TREES ABOVE THE LAKE"              Oil Painting, Private Collection

I do like to see a place to possibly do some quick sketching and get an impression of the place. Additionally, I like to take my own photos, if possible. But, I realize that is not always possible and may be unnecessary with good photographs from a client. In that case, it is good for me to talk to a client about that special place to have an idea of how it has made him/her feel. I want to know the soul of the place. Many times a commissioned piece has opened up my mind to fresh new ideas and experiences. Having a commissioned piece done can be a delightful happening because you are playing a part in its origin or idea and it can be a fulfilling experience knowing that a special art work has been created just for you.