Michele--

Thanks...It was a neat experience in itself. There is a community theater group in a neighboring town that I was referred to by a costume designer at our local university. They are one of the oldest community theater ensembles in the region. The costume shop is over 75 years old, with a bank of washing machines and 3 or 4 volunteer seamstresses at the sewing machines. The woman who directs the shop has an encyclopedic knowledge of what they have, fortunately, because there are racks and racks of costumes and used clothing crammed together, and only she knows where things are. They have boxes on shelves labeled with such things as "Red Shoes" and "Pith Helmets." They rented me the suit for twenty dollars, and since my cousin is a regular part of the acting ensemble, she was my collateral. I could have rummaged through the place all afternoon if I'd only had time.

These kinds of connections are in most communities, and local colleges and universities are a great place to gather leads on such--it just takes a little digging.

Thanks again--TE

(Amazingly, the suit fit perfectly with no alterations whatsoever.)

I have one or two of those suits in my closet! :oops: Classic style with peplum waist. Of course one of my NY resolutions is to clean out that closet.
Alicia

Thanks, Tom. Now I'll know what to do next time I want to paint a portrait with people wearing pith helmets, too!

Tom,

I'm always curious about how commissions get consumated, especially something that was born of such humble beginnings. Did someone bring this small photo to you and instruct you to create something from your own imagination, or, did you first see this photo and suggest to them what the possibilities could be?

Obviously the trust required to begin a project like this (so much from so little) was justified.

Mike--

The foundation gave me a reference scrapbook, but that was all the input from them. I went to see the space and told them it needed to be fairly large to carry it. I quoted a price range, and that was that. No creative input, just trust. I had worked with this foundation before--I've painted the woman's husband twice--and they pretty much just leave all the details up to me by now. The family wasn't involved in the process, except to indicate that she indeed occasionally arranged flowers. The painting was driven by my artistic and compositional interests at the time, and all I did was show the foundation president a quick color rough with the head shot I had chosen, both for expression and because it documented the middle (vital) period of her life, when most folks remember her.

In short, they're the PERFECT client, and I don't take them for granted. The mutual trust is born from them knowing at this point that I will walk over hot coals for them if they ask.

Best--TE

Tom,

Beautiful work! I know we haven't had much opportunity to talk but I'm glad I happened upon your post. What a challenge and what a wonderful job you did in accomplishing it.

My congratulations to you and your satisfied customer(s). Keep up the good work. Its work like yours that keep people like me trying.

John

John, thanks.

Hope to run into you before long.--TE

Tom,

I turned on the news and what did I see? Your smiling face staring back at me.... (Our local news played a clip from the unveiling)

The painting is beautiful and I'm so excited for you! I know how prestigious this commission is and what a great honor it is, but if you want to play it down and act like it's not a big deal, I'll try to play along.... :sunnysmil BTW I'll be going to Duke in a few weeks, so where can I find your painting and will you include a map?

with love,

Renee :cool:

Congratulations on the press coverage, Tom. Well deserved!

Thanks, folks. It was well received...

Renee--I missed it on the news. You didn't happen to tape it?

Best--TE