I’ve not ever been one for roller coasters, that said the art business has always been a bit of a roller coaster. Sometimes you hit those highs, other times low, lows and one thing for sure you just keep , keeping on, moving forward…creating art, exhibiting it and making those collector connections when you can. I welcome commissions and have started 2026 with 5 on my easel for 3 different collectors, each having acquired pieces from me before, some several artworks.
Commissions offer certain challenges, the primary one bridging someone else’s vision with your own. This is why the number #1 priority is making sure the person knows & understands as an artist you do what you do and if they’re looking for something different, perhaps finding another artist to do the job is the ticket.,
This, 2 piece commissioned abstract is completed. Each piece is 20”x 40” mixed media gallery wrapped cotton duck. This collector has 2 other of my artworks in their collection, one a Chicago Theater piece in there Illinois home, the second an abstract for their Florida home and these 2 will be added to there as well. Here’s what they said when I texted an image of the new pieces…”Richard can’t tell you how much we love them…Can’t thank you enough. Can’t wait to hang them.” Richard & Mary P.
Another long time collector had chimed in on a post that was acknowledging that American Crow Homage had sold to a new collector, this being his second piece added to his Sperry collection.
Reminds me of VanGogh painting. What is the size of painting? Love this!
Suzanne K., it’s 30”x30” and just sold . He said the same thing. lol
Thank you.
May come into shop to talk to you about something similar.
Suzanne K. love to see you and talk art
So with further direction, it being 18”x14” with a bit more gold tones I set forth to paint it. When she came in to the gallery to choose a frame for it, she saw another of my artworks, Cliffs at Highland Light and asked if I could paint a smaller, 14”x 18” variation of it, so I did, with her adding both pieces to her collection. Sue is a long time collector of my artwork, going back over 20 years having purchased a piece from a series, enthusiastically received, the tree of life, drip artworks.
The other potential commission was for a couple that had acquired a piece, The Aragon, just before Christmas 2025. At that time she had expressed her like and interest in a serene & calming piece from my successful Meditations series. Only they wanted it a bit larger, 60”x40” and for their Wisconsin home.
I went through some of my photo references and found one immediately. After some weeks The piece was painted in my head and I knew I had to put in on canvas, so I did. Working diligently, it was completed at the end of January 2026. I photographed it and sent an image to her, her response was. “It’s beautiful but not what I’m envisioning for the space. Thank you for thinking of us and your consideration! Your talented.” Brenda C.
Its a piece I felt compelled to paint, so no worries here and I hope to give it another whirl down the road, as for now it will be showcased at the gallery, along with a few other beach pieces during our winter cold snap vortex here in Chicagoland.
What a great start to my 2026 painting year, I’m grateful for every challenge and gift given & received.
If you’ve ever had an idea or thought to have a commissioned piece done and my work aligns stylistically with your vision, feel free to contact me and discuss the possibilities. I’m easy to work with, love the challenges and look forward to making your vision a reality.
As always your question are welcome,
Richard
My life is a complete work of art and I won't deny one part of it support another. ~R. Sperry
‘Birds Of Paradise #1 & #2, mixed-media/ SOLD private collection
‘As a Crow Flies’ 14”x18” oil/ SOLD private colection
‘Cliffs’ 14”x18” oil/ SOLD private collection
Peaceful Easy Feeling 60”x40” oil available at Proud Fox Gallery & Frame Shop, Geneva Il.