Making studies is an excellent way to learn and show clients what I can do.

I can get by now with only showing completed work, but in my earlier years, it was impossible to produce the volume of work needed to show finished pieces. I could create an excellent study in a day.

Whether selling through commissions, galleries, or shows, I always work partly within someone else’s aesthetics to sell my work. I do commission work because I work with only one or two people or a small group. Even after they have their input, I’m in charge of completing around 95% of the project. It’s my job to complete every line and coordinate all the colors. Choosing the volume of each color is a lot of what I do.

Having completed many studies over the years, working through commissions is easier. Most components were right before us, and finalizing the details took little time.

Along the way, I learned an important lesson. Some people buy art based on what they believe the artist’s potential is—like the way some people choose stocks. The past is important, but where is the artist going from here?