Terra Firma 2, mixed media geologic abstract diptych, © Carol Nelson Fine Art


This commissioned diptych is sold. The client is the ideal person to work with. She has never seen my work in person, but studied all the geologic abstracts on my website very carefully. She told me the dimensions, the colors, and metals she was looking for.

She commented about what aspects of several of my previous paintings appealed to her, so I had a very good idea of what she wanted. She sent me photos of where the painting will hang. When you're dealing in abstract work, it's somewhat challenging to describe what you want in precise terms.

I did a series of bozzettos for her to pick a design that appealed to her. The final painting is actually quite close to the design she chose.

16 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

I'm not much of a fan of abstracts, Carol, but I love this. I think because geology has always interested me and I've enjoyed reading on the various earth strata. The colors you've used are exquisite and quite lovely together. It is so neat hearing how involved this lady was with the process!

Sand Hill Art said...

I think that your geological abstracts are amazing. The colours are tantalizing, and the "scenery" so inventive.

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Carol, VERY NICE end result! I think I saw your sketches one day when I was there...turned out beautifully. I'd really love to hear more one day on how you do commissions on abstract work...very interesting...and bozzetto? Never heard the word, what does it mean...I'm guessing thumbnail something or other...:)

Nancy Goldman said...

I'm sure your clients were very happy. These are wonderful.

Unknown said...

I love these. One day, I'm going to a museum and see one of these "Carol Nelson"s on its wall.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Sweet! I imagine she is thrilled with it. Love the shots of turquoise throughout. Well done!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

You are amazing. If I could do this I would do nothing else. Ever. What were the 'metals'? metallic paint?

Marie Theron said...

Wonderful images, Carol! A good abstract is so much more difficult as you still have to manipulate all the aspects of composition, color harmony, etc. You have left me breathless with your output this year!

Sand Hill Art said...

Hi, Carol, me again. Do you know what a microtome is? It cuts almost transparent slices for the microscope. That is how I see your work. Super.

Dean Grey said...

Carol!

Ah, it's been a while since we got to see you post your lovely abstracts. Just when I was starting to miss them, here one is!

BTW, what's a bozzetto?

-Dean

d'Morais said...

I love your painting. There is always something more. Your style, your warm colors and texture can always surprise. I became your follower.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I agree with Kelley about this piece. It SO spoke to me when I saw it. Funny, I just ordered some metallic paints and black gesso with the idea of doing something totally out of my realm, inspired, in part, by your work.
I still remember a blue and gold painting with a clock image that I LOVED!

Dewberry Fine Art said...

Love the strength in this.

Anita Stoll said...

I saw work that looked like yours at a restaurant called Talula's in Sonora, California. Was it yours? In any case your work is beathtaking. I'll come back to visit your blog often.

Lisa Daria said...

Fascinating - it must be hard working for commission - do you feel stifled at all ? Of course, the painting doesn't look stifled, it's beautiful - I was just wondering if it inhibits your process at all working w/direction?

Colleen said...

Hi Carol,
UPS delivered the painting about an hour ago and I've been admiring it so much that I didn't take the time to email you right away.

It is absolutely perfect, I love everything about it. It's even better in real life than it appears on the web. The turquoise and copper insets are amazing. I can't believe how you brought it all together. So stunning. I could go on and on . . .

I'll send you a picture with it hanging on the log walls. It contrasts perfectly.

Thank you so much Carol. It's been a joy working with you.

Colleen