Behind the painting: Wolfe Lake Commission
We all have places that mean something special to us. Maybe it's a favourite lake, a family cottage or somewhere we've spent time with people we love. Sometimes just seeing a familiar view can bring back wonderful memories.
That's what was behind this recent commission of Wolfe Lake. My client wanted a painting of a lake that holds special meaning for his family. He sent me several photographs showing different parts of the lake, including a spectacular sunset with colourful reflections on the water, fall colours along the shoreline, a dock and a loon.
But there wasn't one photograph that included everything he wanted. Instead, he asked if I could bring those different elements together into one painting.
Bringing the memories together
One of the nice things about commissioning a painting is that it doesn't have to be an exact copy of a photograph. Different views and familiar details can be brought together to create something that feels right for the person who will be living with it.
For this painting, I developed a reference composition using the photographs my client had shared.
We made a few adjustments along the way, including adding more shoreline to create the feeling of looking into a sheltered bay. We also decided added a canoe beside the dock, which perfectly suited this peaceful setting.
Another consideration was how the finished painting would look in his home. It's not always easy to imagine how a painting will fit on a wall, particularly when you're considering a larger piece. I created a room mockup showing the painting both framed and unframed, which helped him get a better feel for the size.
Once we were both happy with the composition, it was time to bring it to life in oils.
From photographs to an original painting
The photographs provided the inspiration, but the finished painting is my own interpretation of the scene.
I particularly enjoyed working with the changing colours in the sky and their reflections on the water. There were soft blues, warm pinks and touches of gold, and I wanted to capture that evening light while keeping the landscape feeling natural.
One of the things I love about oil painting is how differently a painting can look depending on how close you are to it.
From across a room, the colours and shapes come together to create a recognizable landscape. Move closer and you begin to notice the individual brushstrokes, the layers of colour and the way the paint has been applied.
I've included a few close-up photographs so you can see some of those details for yourself.
A place worth remembering
I think part of the pleasure of living with a landscape painting is the connection we make with it.
A painting might remind us of time spent by the water, a favourite walking trail or somewhere we wish we could visit more often. Sometimes it's simply the feeling of being outdoors that we enjoy bringing into our homes.
For my client, this painting brings together familiar elements of a lake that is special to his family. I hope that every time he looks at it, he'll be reminded of the pleasure of being there.
Is there a place that's special to you? Perhaps a favourite lake, a family cottage or somewhere connected to wonderful memories.
If you've ever thought about having a painting created of that place, I'd love to hear about it.
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