It all started with a Zoom meeting…
Being in the middle of a pandemic can have its perks: time and money saved with less travel… more time to focus on tasks… extra time with the husband… extended play time with pets… But who would have ever thought I’d be awarded a painting commission from a Zoom meeting!
Our new normal has taken us from in-person meetings to seeing faces via online meeting tools like Zoom. Late this past summer, I had such a meeting with a sign rep whom I had never met. As we settled in and made introductions, Derek (the sign rep), commented on everyone’s wall space and guessed whether we were in offices or working from home. He also commented on a picture hanging behind me on my office wall, but couldn’t tell what the subject was.
Following the meeting, I sent Derek an email thanking him for his time and included a closeup of the picture on my wall — a painting that I had done of my horse, Roxie.
A couple of emails later, Derek commissioned me to do a painting that he wanted to give as a Christmas gift to his wife, Kate. The subject… their dogs, Carmel and Ash.
I was so excited! Not only because I love and cherish my dogs, but because this was going to be a surprise gift for someone who also cherished her dogs.
So over the course of the next few months, I drew sketches… worked on compositions… played with palette colors… and then began the process of painting these beautiful dogs, Carmel and Ash.
Christmas comes early…
When the painting was done, varnished and framed, Derek and I arranged to meet in the parking lot of the local grocery store where he lives. I was excited to present him with his painting and couldn’t wait to see his reaction. That’s when I realized I wouldn’t get to see Kate’s face when she opened it — unless I become a peeping Tom — nope, not happening! So I asked Derek if he could get a photo of Kate with her painting.
A couple days before Christmas, I received a text from Derek. Not only did he get a photo of Kate and her painting, but he also shot a video of her opening the gift. Seeing the smile on her face and how she even showed the painting to Carmel and Ash simply made my day!
And that’s why I love making art!
Thank you, Derek… for asking about the painting on my wall, and especially for believing and trusting in me to create something that you and Kate will cherish for years to come.
Merry Christmas, Kate!
Kate with her painting, Carmel & Ash – Christmas 2020.