Lately I've been working on a commission for some very good friends. I do commissions fairly often, mostly of homes or to celebrate occasions. This one has been a great pleasure - I know and love the place I'm recreating and the people who treasure it. Of course there's also pressure to make sure it's right - for the same reasons. This is the second one I've done of homes in the area around my French town of Saumur in the Loire Valley. I'm including details of both, starting with the first one a couple of years ago.
Here's the working sketch, once I'd put together a lot of separate pieces. Getting the drawing right for a commission is different from one for one of my scenes drawn from life. I use a variety of photographs, along with memories and sketches from being at the site if I've been there.
The final celebrates the lush setting of this wonderful old farm house, which has an historically important pigeon tower, several caves that go deep into the hillside, 3 different gardens, and just beyond all the trees, a view of the Loire River. I promise it is as charming as it looks!
For the most recent one I did a series of sketches on site, chasing my impressions as the sun got lower and lower and my light began to disappear on a beautiful autumn evening. As always, my sketches are quick, seeking to capture the feeling as well as the facts of a place.
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The property is substantial, an old farm turned into a family home with outbuildings transformed into a marvelous series of gites (rental homes) and B&Bs. From the beginning I conceived this as a multi-part scene so I needed a selection of drawings to choose from.
I ended up with a combo of sketches, reflecting my choices and the owners' affections for their experience in the setting. Once I had these in place, I fiddled, adjusted, tweaked sizing and placement, waiting to add color until the overall design was set, since the design has to be a harmonious whole, not separate pieces.
The plants, the trees, the details of stone and wood - there is so much here to treasure. I also couldn't leave out their beloved cat, who sat staring at me as I drew.
There will be some text and a few more tweaks to finish this commission. I hope it will bring the owners much joy in their good memories of a wonderful unique home.
There will be some text and a few more tweaks to finish this commission. I hope it will bring the owners much joy in their good memories of a wonderful unique home.
If you want to explore a commission for yourself or someone else, email me at marilyn@macgregor-art.com
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