Last year I was asked to do several commissions. It is always an honor when someone likes my work and style enough to trust me to create their dream painting. I was asked to do a commission for a surprise for her husband. It was to be quite large. 50" x 60" on canvas. The painting was to incorporate all 6 of his seaplanes that have been owned at various times in his life. It also was to capture their lovely home and cottage, boat and dock with three grandchildren. This is a huge undertaking for an artist, but i was up for it! I did what I first do with a painting, PRAY. I not only pray for inspiration on how to go about the painting, but also if I should accept the commission. 

I pray for the Holy Spirit to create through me, giving me wisdom and communication and skill. the commission began with photos of all the sea planes and lake pictures, home pictures, landscape pictures. Now even though I was a flight attendant for 40 plus years, I had never drawn or painted an airplane, but the challenge was on. I love research, so I began my research to learn about each seaplane, Cessna, Husky, de Havilland ,Caravan etc... The next challenge was how to make an interesting painting incorporating all that was required. I began to sketch and have fun with different layouts. I sized the seaplanes to scale, some large, some small. Images of take off , landing , docked etc...

An idea began to come together  for an interesting composition, with the Cessna Caravan landing as the main focal point of the painting. 

After  designing the layout I sketched the painting out on large drawing paper and hung on my wall. I was able to stand back and refigure the size of aircrafts and positions  for the best balance and pleasing  composition.

After hours of work, I would go home from my studio, exhausted. This is when I found a great tool on my phone. I use the marker tool and add color and marks. I found an exciting look that made the painting in my opinion. It instantly went from a technical illustration to a piece of Fine Art. 

One of the things that made this such an enjoyable project was the open communication with the client. Phyliss was so helpful and very clear with her desire for the painting. She left the artistic license up to me to create her masterpiece. Later, I was told when she presented the painting to her husband he had tears of joy, that is what makes painting the most rewarding experience for me as an artist.

Here are a few of the steps to create this painting. I Praise God for His guidance and creativity he gave me. It was a Blast!