Working on commission and still be free

Given in Perception

Recently I was approached by a friend asking me to think about making a painting. The initial question was partly specific: "something that is a symbol of my time in Paris and all the things that happened there".
At the same time she let me free in choosing my approach, and just contributing with some ideas without being directive.

I have worked in the past on commissions.
They are generally tricky:
- often the client has expectations and forces these on you
- at the start that is all fine, but at the end when working it limits your freedom and actually takes away the energy.

Linked to those experiences I still accept commissions but only under following conditions:
- I stick with the rationale of the concept of which they want a painting
- I make a multiple of paintings that I like
- in the end the client may choose one (or more if they like).

The Proud Parent

In this specific case we agreed using the Subconscious Power concept.
In line with that concept I met with client and kids sensing the atmosphere an then I took the paper and materials to a place important for the client...in the evening at her local park.

Sure, I had to climb the park fence as it had closed and a local bum looked at me as if he saw a crazy man.
In the end I made 5 paintings, of which she chose 3 for a triptych.
She was happy, and I was happy: 1) she found some that she liked and 2) she left me 2 of the works, actually the ones I connected with most but maybe a bit too 'dark' for her taste.

Of course not all clients like this approach, but for me staying true to my concepts and energy levels are more important than certain clients requests.