My horsey friend didn’t respond to my request for help on the drawing that is too hard; my horsey drawing student did, and we experienced a serious role reversal!
She offered detailed advice and supplied photos to help me understand the things that weren’t visible in my photo.
I followed her instructions as best as I could, and then decided I didn’t care if the horses were rideable or not, had 3 or 6 legs, or if they needed a veterinarian (or an eraser). When I couldn’t think of anything else to fix or change, I scanned it and sent it to her, saying that I’d listen if she had more suggestions that I’d listen but it would be after banging my head on the wall.
Here is what my horsey helpful drawing student/commission coach said:
“Instead of banging your head I think you should sit back with a cold drink and celebrate…this looks REALLY good. I think the recipient will be thrilled.
While I might have been able to offer suggestions, I definitely could not have drawn this, so my hat is off to you. Well done.”
Lessons are free for her in September when we resume classes.
Phew!!
P.S. Someone else saw the completed drawing and thought the mule’s ears were still too small. Bummer. The drawing is now at the framer, and I am DONE with it.
6 Comments
This is art, Jana, not a photographic reproduction that of necessity distorts the angles and known features of a subject according to the exact angles and settings of the camera and lighting of the moment. I’m glad you didn’t have a good photograph, for you ended up with a marvelous feel of the subjects and the valley you know so intimately. Truly remarkable. Truly real art!
Thank you so much, Louise! I felt confident on the mountain part, but the eensy blurry animals just about did me in.
I like it a lot! So much for any naaay-sayers. I would say it out loud, but I’m a little horse.
Melinda, “a little horse”, like My Little Pony? 😎
I see this all the time with orchestral arrangers. They fuss and fuss and tweak and change and fuss and rewrite and change notes here and there and fuss and adjust (did I mention fuss?) and end up with an arrangement very similar to what they started with. And inevitably, some soprano will claim the part is too low, or a cellist can’t play that high of a range, or the pianist doesn’t like the voice leading.
Ah, the life of a commissioned artist!
Sharon, my Dad always told me, “You kiss their fanny and take their money”. So, if the customer is happy, then I am too.
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