Alexandra wrote:
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There is a lot to be learned from the cooperation that goes into commissioned work; it can challenge the artist to make things better and solve problems, and it can challenge the client to think in new ways, too.
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While I sometimes think I'd like to have complete freedom in what I paint -- and still have a client waiting for it at the end! -- I know I have benefitted from the collaborations I have entered into.
The structure and limitations of commissioned portraiture have made me a much better artist. In the past, with absolutely no limits or direction to my work I often changed my focus and artistic objectives quite dramatically from painting to painting. I had no individual voice, no recognizable style, and not that much in the way of honed skills.
Now I am on a clear path and the discipline is causing me to channel my efforts and skill in one particular direction. This has allowed me to achieve some very productive growth in recent years. Without that externally imposed discipline and structure I think I would still be going off in all directions.