Showing Works-in-Progress

[Valerie Gudorf]

While perusing the SOG galleries, I noted that some artists like to maintain very close contact with their clients during all phases of the commission, allowing them to periodically view the work-in-progress.

Recently, I promised a prospective client that I would give him progress updates via e-mail photos. It was not until after I'd given it further thought, that I wondered about the wisdom of making this available. All of my paintings go through what might be called an "ugly stage" before they begin to look like something the average person could view with appreciation. The appreciation stage usually doesn't appear until somewhere close to the work being finished. Now I worry that WIP photos might only serve to instill doubt in the mind of my client.

Karen Wells, states on her web page that she prefers not to give clients access to the work-in-progress. I can only assume that she has had some negative experience in this regard.

What is your opinion concerning this practice? What has been your experience?