Custom art, also known as commissioned art, is a communication challenge.
If someone asks me in advance of taking photos, I instruct him to take many photos of the place from different angles, and then up close for all detail that might be hidden in shade or behind trees.
Often there are giant obstacles, such as old blurry photos of places that are no longer in existence, places that are far far away (Montana, South Africa, Cape Cod all come to mind from past experiences), or places that are only accessible in one season or not visible due to weird angles of land or too many trees. 
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Times have changed, and most people have lots of photos on their phones, so I get what I get and I don’t get upset. Basically, people do the best they can, so I’ve learned to work with whatever comes. The key is clear communication – someone who is responsive and can explain things that aren’t visible in the photos can make up for weak reference photos.
Today’s drawings are examples of having worked from blurry or old photos that could not be supplemented with more details. The customer had to fill in with memories, supplied to me in words rather than pictures.
Tomorrow I’ll show you drawings from places that are far away. Maybe we can discuss why it is that customers won’t fly me to Montana to take my own photos. . .
4 Comments
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Wow, I miss our old store / post office / restaurant / supplier of licorice sticks and comic books! I think your drawing is from an old postcard, which I have (I’ve collected quite a few–if not all of them–off eBay). Now, that whole area is inundated with burritos. *sigh*
Sharon, “burritos” or “mask-wearing cars”? 😎 Yes, I drew this from a postcard for Deendie. It was good to have a chance at a do-over, because I first drew it in the 1980s (my Primitive Era).
Your drawing looks just fine to me!
(Burritos AND mask-wearing vehicles!)
Welcome back, Sharon! I missed you and your encouragement on the blog, although it was great fun to be together in person.
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