FAQ's
2022 UPDATE: As life has evolved and changed during recent Pandemic events, so too has my artwork and art practice. I’m including this update with my latest information. I would prefer to not delete any of the FAQ information below, as anything is possible. I say that, but please know that I am EXCLUSIVELY working in acrylics and watercolors these days. I throw in a little mixed media collage work too. My Instagram account (link above) has photos of my latest work and what I bring to markets and shows. I’ve also been dabbling in painting on fabrics and creating textile art pieces. I haven’t really painted with oils since 2019. Life changed drastically for me at that time and I found I needed a bit of a break from that medium. All this being said, if you see something or want something painted, I encourage you to reach out and start a conversation with me. I’m always happy to answer questions.
So You've Decided You Want A Commissioned Piece:
The first question I'll ask you is "what do you like?". After that, it will be a conversation of what you are looking for as an end result. Soft and dreamy? Or more highly saturated? Abstract or realistic? Did you have a favorite photo that you want me to paint? Have you seen something here on my website that you want me to paint? Or do you have a favorite memory you want me to paint for you? It is a conversation between you and I.
How Much Does It Cost?
Price will depend on which medium you want and size of the finished work. I also factor in how intricate the painting is and how much time it will take me to complete the work. Finally, sometimes materials used will greatly impact the end price - believe me when I say that framing work is HIGHLY expensive and one reason I no longer frame work. Sometimes there is no real set “rule” for pricing a painting - the best thing is to ask me. If you can afford it, then buy it. If not, no worries. I understand.
What Materials Do I Use?
Watercolor - Arches or Fluid cold press papers, and A. Gallo handmade paints from Italy.
Acrylic - Golden or Liquitex paints and Liquitex finishes. Paint on canvas or wood surfaces.
Oil - Gamblin paints, solvents, mediums and finishes.
NOTE: when you are asking for a commissioned piece, the quality of materials used is as important as composition. You are paying for a piece that should last more than a lifetime. All of my materials are professional grade. The saying, "you get what you pay for" is indeed true in the art world.
Anything Else?
Let's talk about deposits and expectations for payment. While I'd love to just dive in and start painting, I have to wear my Business Hat so that I can continue painting for years to come. I ask for a deposit. Always. Why? Because in case you back out of this transaction, I'm not out the time and expense that I've invested. How much is the deposit? It depends on the price quote that we've agreed upon with prior discussions. Sometimes it's half up front and remainder upon completion. Sometimes it's a portion of the full price. How do you pay me? Several ways: I have Square and Venmo accounts; if you are local we can do cash; if you want to send me an old-fashioned check that can be arranged too (one thing on checks, I will have to wait until the funds are cleared before I will start). Just know that I won't start painting until I have cash in hand. Yes, this sounds rather harsh, but I'm protecting my investment - me.
A Few Last Things...
I do ship! Note: larger oil paintings are expensive to ship. I do have framed work available (although my stockpile is dwindling down! Yay!!). Just ask. Lastly, let's talk about social media and reproduction rights. You will own the original piece. But I maintain the reproduction rights to any and all of my artwork. Now, that being said, there are exceptions. I have a few paintings that I've done for people that I would never share the finished piece on social media. Why? Because they've asked me and I've agreed. It's as simple as that. I have a photograph for my portfolio of the finished work. I don't like to make prints of my work either. I've done a few in the past - mainly because I got talked into "they would be great and people will buy them". No. People buy what they are interested in. So far for me, it's not prints. If that ever changes, I will openly communicate that. I am an avid Instagram user and like to share what I'm working on. See the little Instagram icon above this General Information section? It's a link to my Instagram page. Follow me and you'll see through my IG Stories and Posts what I'm working on or doing. I understand about people wanting to be private, so if you have a problem with me showing little snippets of in-progress photos or a completed work, please talk with me during our initial conversations.
So You've Decided You Want A Commissioned Piece:
The first question I'll ask you is "what do you like?". After that, it will be a conversation of what you are looking for as an end result. Soft and dreamy? Or more highly saturated? Abstract or realistic? Did you have a favorite photo that you want me to paint? Have you seen something here on my website that you want me to paint? Or do you have a favorite memory you want me to paint for you? It is a conversation between you and I.
How Much Does It Cost?
Price will depend on which medium you want and size of the finished work. I also factor in how intricate the painting is and how much time it will take me to complete the work. Finally, sometimes materials used will greatly impact the end price - believe me when I say that framing work is HIGHLY expensive and one reason I no longer frame work. Sometimes there is no real set “rule” for pricing a painting - the best thing is to ask me. If you can afford it, then buy it. If not, no worries. I understand.
What Materials Do I Use?
Watercolor - Arches or Fluid cold press papers, and A. Gallo handmade paints from Italy.
Acrylic - Golden or Liquitex paints and Liquitex finishes. Paint on canvas or wood surfaces.
Oil - Gamblin paints, solvents, mediums and finishes.
NOTE: when you are asking for a commissioned piece, the quality of materials used is as important as composition. You are paying for a piece that should last more than a lifetime. All of my materials are professional grade. The saying, "you get what you pay for" is indeed true in the art world.
Anything Else?
Let's talk about deposits and expectations for payment. While I'd love to just dive in and start painting, I have to wear my Business Hat so that I can continue painting for years to come. I ask for a deposit. Always. Why? Because in case you back out of this transaction, I'm not out the time and expense that I've invested. How much is the deposit? It depends on the price quote that we've agreed upon with prior discussions. Sometimes it's half up front and remainder upon completion. Sometimes it's a portion of the full price. How do you pay me? Several ways: I have Square and Venmo accounts; if you are local we can do cash; if you want to send me an old-fashioned check that can be arranged too (one thing on checks, I will have to wait until the funds are cleared before I will start). Just know that I won't start painting until I have cash in hand. Yes, this sounds rather harsh, but I'm protecting my investment - me.
A Few Last Things...
I do ship! Note: larger oil paintings are expensive to ship. I do have framed work available (although my stockpile is dwindling down! Yay!!). Just ask. Lastly, let's talk about social media and reproduction rights. You will own the original piece. But I maintain the reproduction rights to any and all of my artwork. Now, that being said, there are exceptions. I have a few paintings that I've done for people that I would never share the finished piece on social media. Why? Because they've asked me and I've agreed. It's as simple as that. I have a photograph for my portfolio of the finished work. I don't like to make prints of my work either. I've done a few in the past - mainly because I got talked into "they would be great and people will buy them". No. People buy what they are interested in. So far for me, it's not prints. If that ever changes, I will openly communicate that. I am an avid Instagram user and like to share what I'm working on. See the little Instagram icon above this General Information section? It's a link to my Instagram page. Follow me and you'll see through my IG Stories and Posts what I'm working on or doing. I understand about people wanting to be private, so if you have a problem with me showing little snippets of in-progress photos or a completed work, please talk with me during our initial conversations.