Change

Several months ago I realized I no longer wished to take on commission portrait work as the main emphasis of my art.  I was becoming unhappy with the particular demands of trying to make my clients happy while painting to my own muse.  The two often do not mesh.  Painting for someone who has hired me means that I need to meet their expectations.  From both our points of view; the client is paying me to do something they want.  They love my work so they want me to do my magic, but with their pet.  What has happened more often than I expected was that once their pet is in the picture, they tend to want a more traditional painting.  Hmmmm.  I'm thinking '...did you SEE what I do?'   I find it baffling because there are so many wonderful, traditional pet portrait artists out there.  Anyway, that is when our points of view begin to diverge...they see it as they are paying me to do what they want and I see it as they are paying me to do what I do. Then I struggle. Luckily so far I've been able to complete pieces I am proud of and I think, or at least I've been told, that my clients are happy with the results.  I'd hate to think they weren't or felt obligated to take something they didn't love. 

So, after making the decision, I mulled it over for several months before even making it known. I wrote and rewrote a letter to my clients.  I hired Susan to help me get back on my feet in the office and the studio.  Things began falling into place and I wondered if maybe I shouldn't rethink my decision.  But then the stress returned.  So I knew it was the right thing for me.  I would have to tell my clients before making it known that I was going to stop taking on commission work.

My students were the first to hear.  I wanted their reaction and their feedback was interesting.  

Then I was able to finally write the letter. Last night I sent it.  I have not yet checked my e-mail.  That'll be next.  

This is my plan.  I will continue to paint and complete portraits for anyone on my current wait list.  I will create a painting that I would do with or without that client.  I will continue to listen to their input and collaborate with them at the beginning stages of the piece.  Once the image goes to canvas, it's all from my heart.  One of the things I've never done was to take a down payment or require a contract.  So if my client does not like the painting, they do not have to purchase the painting.  I know, some artists gasp at this, "your time! you should be paid for your time!" and I should.  But I want happy clients as much as I want to be proud of what I do.  It makes no sense to me to sign my name to a painting that isn't reflective of my work, and makes no sense to send a painting out there that someone doesn't want.  


In addition to honoring my wait list clients who wish to hang in there, I am going to work on some of the projects I've been setting aside for the last few years.  I've wanted to explore the various acrylic mediums, take workshops, continue teaching, and delve into a few other things.  As an artist, I feel the need to grow and learn.  I need the time to do that and will make that time. 


I think it may be a long day.  I don't know what to expect from my clients.  I'll read their responses and go from there.  I think many will understand, some will not, some I'll not hear from at all and others will want to find another artist.  It will be all right.