Dealing with Rejection
 

I recently finished an oil commission which I thought was nice, but was flatly rejected by the customer. She was "shocked" by the JPEG image of the portrait I sent her for approval. She was not prepared to see herself. She did not mention the half down, but simply asked me not to send it. I have several thoughts.

First, I have a rather poor camera, and should have sent her a better image taken by a professional. Perhaps it is too late for that now. First impressions are hard to change.

Second, I will be nitpicking over this painting until it is ruined probably in the hopes of improving it.

Third, I am not too terribly troubled by it, as I usually have terrific responses from my customers, and have enough confidence in my work to not be too disturbed by this. However, it is troubling when you have a disappointed customer on an oil portrait. It is a little more than just a ten minute sketch which is of little consequence.

Fourth, I took this commission down payment before seeing the reference photo, which was not perfect. I now am in the mindset to only paint from my own setup which will guarantee most favorable results.

Hindsight is better than foresight, and I will probably see her this summer when she returns to Eugene. Possibly she will like it better when she sees it in person.

I know that even the great historic artists faced rejection. Is there anyone out there who can cite a few?

Rembrandt...

The infamous Sargent's Madame X.

I've been there and it's a tough painful lesson. Unless she becomes a better communicator, you will never know the real reason she rejected your efforts. Try to laugh on your way to the bank...the ball is now in her court and it is up to her to take the next step. You'll know better next time to get a good reference photo or nix the job.

I had a portrait blow up in my face too. It was a woman who came to me and wanted her adult daughter painted. She told me how four other portrait artists (and they were good ones) had "failed." I should have smelled a rat, but I gave it my best shot and got what I thought was a good likeness. She hated the picture. She practically shouted that her daughter looked like a "spoiled brat" and then she stomped off. Somehow "spoiled brat" didn't really tell me why she disliked the painting. I kept the downpayment as she did not ask me to return it. Now she has five "failed" artists that I know of to complain about, a lot less money in her bank account and no portraits to hang on her wall.

As to some other artists who got rejected:
All the impressionists.
Me.

Actually, it probably hits the nail right on the head.

Thank you, dear friends.

Here is the painting.

Closer

Lon, It looks good to me, but can we take a peek at the reference photo she originally sent you?

Lon,

I too think this is pretty good, certainly no wild stylized aspects that would "shock" someone.

Sometimes people get themselves into a financial bind, and instead of having to explain this embarrassing circumstance, they save their own face by taking offense at your work.