Do you have an idea for a painting in your mind's eye? Looking for something to fit a specific room or colour scheme? Prefer a certain style of art? The selection of paintings featured on page five of the gallery have been made to commission, as a direct result of conversations between artist and customer.
The specific requirements of each customer have been taken into account to produce a unique piece of 'bespoke' art. This process is best described as a modern take on the ancient tradition of artistic 'patronage', whereby an individual would choose an artist to undertake a specified painting project to budget.
As an artist, this approach is an interesting challenge to me. Instead of feeling hampered by this type of commission, I believe it gives me greater scope by which to show my range of skills. I always really enjoy seeing the finished piece fitting well within its designated context.
E.H. Gombrich in his well-known book, 'The Story of Art', helps to explain the dynamics of the patronage process as follows:
"Perhaps we can best understand this attitude if we think of our own approach to music. If we ask a musician to perform at a wedding we do not expect him to compose something new for the occasion, any more than the medieval patron expected a new invention if he asked for a painting of the Nativity. We indicate the type of music we want and the size of the orchestra or choir we may be able to afford. It is still up to the musician to provide a wonderful performance..."
USEFUL LINKS
The Leeds13
The Leeds13 Fine Art
James Bartholomew & The Mill House Gallery
The Picture House Galleries
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