Christmas Commissions 2018

Why This Year Was Different

I didn’t advertise for Christmas commissions this year. Every year I usually announce that I’m accepting commissions months ahead so that I can get as many done as possible in time for the holidays. But this year I didn’t for one very special reason. The simple fact is, someone beat me (and you) to the punch.

Let me explain…

I didn’t get a chance to even make my usual announcement because a friend of mine (and repeat customer) contacted me this summer to request a special commission for Christmas. I accepted the commission even though it is one I would normally not accept due to the subject matter…a human child. If you have followed me for any length of time, you know that I draw animal portraits, not human portraits. The reason for this is that something is always missing in my human portraits that I can capture rather easily in the animals. I’ve often said that I can capture the soul of the animal in one of my drawings, but can’t seem to do the same when it comes to drawing people.

The circumstance behind this portrait though, compelled me to accept the drawing and try to do my best to capture that which has always eluded me. This little girl unfortunately lost her young life to a terrible disease. So, in order to give this one portrait my undivided and unhurried attention, I did not advertise that I would be accepting any Christmas commissions. I have been working on her for months now and so far, I’m pleased with how it’s turning out.

Since it’s a Christmas present, I cannot post any progress photos until it has been delivered. Once it has, I promise I’ll post them. Afterwards, I have two animal commissions waiting for me (possibly three). Thankfully the ladies who requested them are understanding and willing to wait until I’m finished with this precious gift.

I’m actually feeling pretty good about this portrait and all things considered, that’s fantastic. I should be back to posting drawings a bit more frequently with new commissions and weekly sketches and such. Stay tuned!

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