Commission: Presence in Everything

This was one of my first commissions. I had just finished my studio and was feeling rather inspired to do something large. Up until this time I had only been doing small pieces; less than 8” x 10”. This project was a big step up as it was a 4 foot by 5 foot canvas. I named the painting Presence in Everything because I was so immersed, mesmerized, blissful, in every step of the process. I learned mixing color, creating texture and depth, finding the right tones and contrast within the piece. I felt much more free and expressive with large marks and brush strokes given the size of the canvas. This commission was for a bed and breakfast in Yamhill-Carlton, wine country south of Portland, Oregon, in northern Willamette Valley. Rolling hills with rows and rows of grapes, and big horizons, make this area stunning. The owners asked for a large, peaceful painting, subtle in color and representational of the area. 

“As we were remodeling our house to open the Gaard House B&B, we needed a statement piece in our entryway to cover a 1990’s architectural ‘element’. It was an odd space and we needed just the right artwork to welcome folks and set the tone of the experience. Marcelle created the PERFECT piece to fit our space and feel.” -Amy, owner Garrd House B&B