When Life Gives You…Limes, 2022

Story & Process

When Life Gives You… Limes is a painting all about the couple depicted in the centre of the painting. It was commissioned by the lady as a gift for her partner (who soon after became her husband), with the desire to create an artwork that encapsulates their energy as a couple.

During our consultation, we discussed about their relationship and all the things they enjoy doing together, such as traveling, spending a quiet afternoon doing the crosswords, and making delicious food and drinks. Our chat enabled me to request a list of reference images, such as portraits of them together and their travels, from which I began working on the composition.

While thinking about the visual landscape of the piece I decided that adding their actual crosswords to the painting would really make this piece all the more personal. I went back to my client with this idea, and she brought me one of their crossword books to work with. This brought a mixed media approach to the painting that required some trials ahead of starting the painting to ensure all the materials worked together.

Their portrait in the centre of the painting is full of movement and draws in the eye: immediately the viewer knows that this is a piece about them. Blooming around them a medley of components providing a snapshot of their story and interests. The crosswords completed by the couple, a reference to their beloved lazy Sundays and a symbol of problem-solving. At the top, a collaged travel article written by the client decorated with wisterias symbolising romance, loyalty and good luck, as well as including a component from a reference image that didn’t make the final composition. To the left, a sunset transporting them to a recent holiday. To the right, a scenic landscape with an arch from another recent trip, the arch a later discovered symbol of renewal. The limes a symbol of their love of food and drinks (particularly margaritas). The blue background offers a calm reminiscence of open spaces and freedom, while the orange complements that calm with a touch of vibrancy. Finally, the title When Life Gives You… Limes is a play on the known saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, which is all about being optimistic and making the best of things.

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When Life Gives You… Limes Timeline

  • October 2022-January 2023 (3 months)

  • October 2022 - consultation and start

  • 1 hand drawn sketch

  • 8 collage trials and mockups

  • 10-15 hours research

  • 120-140 hours painting (approximately)

  • January 2023 - completion & delivery