How I captured the Essence of Family Through Abstract Portraiture

Below I give some background of one of my strongest art commissions so far. I detail how I captured the Essence of Family Through Abstract Portraiture. Enjoy!

The commission begins

Between May and June 2024, I was contacted by Amanda Hill to start this unique commission. We met with the clients in Rockwall, Texas, to discuss ideas and color schemes. Amanda suggested an intriguing palette that included dark purples, greens, sage, and blues. I’ve worked with clients at various stages of their artistic journey, and this project was no exception, making the collaboration both interesting and rewarding.

Creating a family portrait in an abstract sense

The concept of creating a custom abstract family portrait had deep roots in my creative journey. One of my earliest abstract works, Can You See Me?, was inspired by the music of Pete Townshend from The Who. Some of my first commissions were abstract portraits of children for one of my earliest clients. This piece continued that tradition but reflected how I had grown as an artist over the years.

Musical talent in the family

The family has a talented musician and a deep appreciation for country music. The painting was created to hang outside of a music room as well. I researched various country musicians to influence the mood of the piece. Initially, I considered drawing inspiration from song lyrics, but the clients’ straightforward and personal ideas better captured their story.
While I enjoyed exploring the themes within country music, I found that focusing on the clients’ vision allowed the artwork to connect more authentically with their experiences.

Working with the designer to craft small studies

To begin, I created three small-scale studies for Amanda and the clients to review. This process, which I often used for larger works, provided a strong foundation for the final painting. Compared to a previous large commission I completed in late 2023, this project called for vibrant colors and heavy texture.
The home itself was being designed to feature earth and light tones and minimalistic textures, but the initial conversations made it clear that the finished artwork would serve as a bold and striking contrast to the space. I also saw some samples of paintings included in their current collections. Collaborating with the clients and designer turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Their openness and thoughtful feedback elevated the project, and their enthusiasm for the collaborative process was deeply energizing.

Making use of a light projector to articulate ideas at a large scale

For the final painting, I used a light projector to refine the larger-scale composition. The smaller studies were hand-drawn, which helped me flesh out the foundational ideas, but the projector allowed me to translate them into a cohesive design for the final piece.

Hunting, nature, and cars

The clients shared an interest in hunting, taxidermy, and nature, which became key focal points in the artwork. Although I didn’t typically gravitate toward hunting themes, I found the imagery of deer compelling and symbolic. The family’s vehicles, including their trucks, also became an unexpected and intriguing element in the composition.
Rather than focusing solely on hunting, I emphasized the relationship between the client and the natural world. This is a pretty common thing in places like Texas. Additionally, the family’s pets played a significant role in the narrative, and I felt their presence was communicated effectively in the final piece.

Exploring religious iconography in a subtle manner

The family requested a reference to the Bible. I included this in a light and subtle manner, reflecting a more nuanced and soothing influence.
My background in illustration at SCAD often required me to explore iconography and ideas that go beyond my personal perspective, and I brought that same openness to this project.

Country music and the musical legacy of a family

Music has always played a significant role in my creative process. For this commission, I listened to several country songs that inspired the emotional tone of the artwork. Songs like “For the Sake of the Song” by Townes Van Zandt influenced the mood, balancing harsh truths with a comforting melody.
The clients’ appreciation for artists like Wade Bowen also informed the painting. A song from my playlist, “I’ll Fly Away,” with its lighthearted gospel roots, reflected themes of home, community, and connection that aligned beautifully with the family’s story.

My country music playlist on Apple Music. 

Reflecting on health and celebrating life

The client requested that I include iconography that related to supporting breast cancer survivors and wine. To me this adds to the richness of the narrative by hilighting their empathy and a celebration of life. They also wanted to include a reference to an iconic seaside arch in Punta Mita, a favorite vacation spot of theirs in Mexico. It shows how close and connected they are as a family as well.

Reflecting on the success and growth of this commission

The completed artwork allowed me to explore the interplay of foreground and background in new and meaningful ways. Some elements gained prominence through scale and texture, while others were more subtle and subdued, adding emotional depth to the piece.

Final thoughts

This project was deeply gratifying, as it captured the journey of a family beginning a chapter in their new home. Seeing their joy as they viewed the final painting and hearing how it resonated with their story was a profoundly rewarding experience.
This version maintains the reflective tone of your original text while improving readability and consistency in past tense. Let me know if you’d like any additional changes!