After going through 40 photos of the big old country house, I organized them by main views with accompanying details, and labeled each photo. I’ve learned that this is a very necessary step if I am going to do the best job possible. (In the olden days, I would take a couple of snapshots with my film camera, get them developed, pick one and then just draw it without even showing the customer first. It is a wonder I had any customers at all.)

I have learned to not overwhelm my customers with too many choices. I have also learned that it is good to show some sketches first. I chose the 2 best options, and began to sketch them. Because Jane and I have a lively texting correspondence as we get to know one another better, I sent her this photo of my sketches in progress.

I was adding color in case she and her husband were going to choose an oil painting over a pencil drawing. The idea of sending the photo was to show her that I was working on her project. I messed up by not telling her the reason I was sending these and that they were not finished.

Jane and her husband were very excited and chose the top view. Wait, what? These aren’t finished. I am so embarrassed to have sent them prematurely. (Texting is a dangerous form of communication).

The good news is that the top view was also my favorite. (The other good news is that Jane laughed when I told her that I was embarrassed.)

Then we had to decide pencil drawing or oil painting.

Tomorrow, oh patient (and impatient) Blog Readers!