Beginning a new commissioned painting

This week I began a new commissioned painting to finish up the year.

The family who’s requested it had several specific themes and items they wanted in it.  After a few discussions and some sketches passed back and forth, we agreed on a basic composition, as seen in this small thumbnail sketch:

I’ll be doing the painting on linen mounted to a cradled panel to ensure stability.  The first step was to make the cradle for the back of the panel.  This is just a simple frame the size of the painting, 24×30 inches

Over this weekend I’ll be finalizing details of the composition, and then on Monday work really begins.  This will need to be a quick turn-around, as I’ve committed to a delivery of February 1, so I’m expecting some long days.

I’m excited to get going on this painting.