Frank & Lucy was commissioned with these stipulations: a painting in my style with embroidery, include light blues and yellows, include their 2 cats, and have flowers. Before starting the piece, I asked the couple their favorite colors, favorite flowers, what their Zodiac signs were, and lastly to describe the cats in one or two words. Their answers: both Aries, they like purple, green & blue, sunflowers, magnolias & hydrangeas, and the cats: 1 - sassy, 1 - lazy.
I could not figure out what I wanted the background color to be, but after having a dream in sepia, almost coral, tone and reflecting on compliments to their answers, I decided to go with an acrylic coral/salmon color with purple tones dripping on top.
I had a vision of having two cats standing in a field of flowers, but wasn't sure how I would incorporate the other information I gathered. I knew one would have a sassy curled tail and the other would be sitting or laying. I sketched out several ideas with the cats facing each other, but though it seemed a bit kitchy. I decided to incorporate the couples' zodiacs (both Aries) into the cats. Because Aries are typically ambitious, self-assertive, brave and unafraid, I decided the cats should have their backs to each other. In this way I hope to showcase the relationship of the couple as both independent and self-assured, standing brave and solitary, but protective of what's behind them, what's theirs. Basically, they have each others backs no matter what, even though they are both individuals with their own personalities, passions and ideas. I decided to have the 'lazy' cat sit tall to help with balance in the piece.
I wanted to strengthen my embroidery skills and did a lot of research of different techniques that I incorporated into the flower field lining the bottom of the piece. I choose colors that were either requested or complimented those mentioned. Lastly, I went in with fine tip acrylic paint markers to draw in, color and detail some of the plants to help create depth.
HUGE THANK YOU TO TAYLOR AND WES FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF MY WORK!
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