Lita Gatlin - Figurative Landscape Still Life Coastal Paintings

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In addition to studio and plein air paintings, I also welcome the opportunity to work with a client on commissioned paintings. Maybe you want to have a large landscape painting for over your mantle that needs to be more vertical than horizontal and you would love to capture a scene from that trip to the Oregon coast. Or maybe you would love to capture your five-year-old walking the dog. These are the types of projects I would be happy to discuss with you. Below is an overview of how this process works.

Source Photo - Spring 2010
"Grandfather Lake and Beyond"

"Client was interested in having a painting of Grandfather mountain with Grandfather lake in the foreground. I met with the client in the spring and took pictures of the subject. We took measurements of where the painting would hang and discussed interior colors. Although the source photo was taken in the spring, the client wanted to reflect more fall foliage."

Depending on the size of the painting and the complexity of the subject, I might produce a small study and obtain client approval before beginning the actual painting.

The Start
"Grandfather Lake and Beyond"

"The first step was to build and prepare a canvas to fit the desired space. Once the canvas was prepared, I blocked in the focal point of the mountain and lake and then began laying in the sky in order to set the light source and atmosphere."

I let the client review the painting several times during the process to make sure we are still on the "same page."

Completed
"Grandfather Lake and Beyond"

"Client wanted a slight indication of the Grandfather profile, which we added. Completion!"

Most commissioned paintings follow this process. I really enjoy meeting with the client and working to understand their interests. It is great to make the delivery and see the final product in their home.