My largest commission painting ever..

A few months ago I was approached about making a very large abstract landscape painting. Over 2 meters in length! 2.6 meters to be exact! I have never painted anything over 1.5 meters before so this was very new and nerve-wracking.

First I researched a few canvas sizes and suppliers to give my client 4 options to choose from; 2 ready made canvases and 2 custom made options. Choosing the largest custom made option I was able to order and receive a canvas from Mobile Framing in about a week! Such great service and the canvas quality is amazing!

I then researched photo inspiration for the subject: the Maloti mountains in the Drakensberg mountain range South Africa. I chose three that resonates with me and created 3 different examples for potential paintings. This was great as I was able to combine elements from two sketches into the final idea.

Maloti - Inspiration Photo from Google

Drakensberg region, Inspiration Photo from Google

See below for some progress photos. I just love the initial stage of the texture medium and paint but it’s when it gets to the ‘final’ colour stages is when I start to doubt myself and my choices. I started with reds and yellows but the overall feel of the painting seemed too much like an autumn theme.

I always knew I wanted it darker and after buying a black-indigo acrylic tube I knew it had to be the main colour.

I don’t feel the first stages were a waste though because I was getting a feel for the size and space of the canvas and figuring out where the texture needed certain highlights and shadows.

The final results are below, while this could have a number of things added to it or changed; I feel this is a great end painting and the client loves it!

Maloti, Mixed media on canvas, 260x100cm, 2022