About the Paintings
How closely do the images on the computer match the actual painting?
Fairly close, but it really depends on your monitor's resolution and the kind of computer you are using. They look very different on Macs than they do on PCs. I use a Mac in my studio, so I try to get the color to match the painting. Most of my paintings feature naturally bright, sunny skies with puffy clouds and feature some kind of water. I try to be as true to the original scene as possible with natural colors, so keep this in mind when viewing. If you're looking at a terrifying teal blue ocean, chances are pretty good it's a resolution issue!
What is the difference between watercolor and acrylic paintings?
Watercolors are done on Arches watercolor paper using thin glazes of color and lots of water. They are matted and framed under glass. Acrylics are done on multimedia art board (a revolutionary archival painting substrate) or on canvas. They are treated with a varnish finish to protect from the environment (including UV rays) and framed without a mat or glass. This makes them much lighter.
I personally find watercolors to be much easier to work with because they are so much more precise and easy to manipulate. Simply draw the scene in great detail and then stain the paper with colored water. Easy! I love the look of acrylics applied thickly like oils, but I find them to be too difficult to control because the navigation lines disappear under the paint. Most people would disagree with this, but I just don't "think" like an oil or acrylic painter, making the process unnatural and really hard.
What is the difference between image size and mat size?
Image size is the part of the painting you can see (inside the mat). Mat or frame size is the part of the painting and mat that actually fit inside the frame. This is the dimension you need when purchasing a frame. I haven't seen a need for the very outside dimension of the piece, but it is usually 3-5" beyond the frame size. Because acrylics don't require matting, the image size and frame size are the same.
How are the paintings finished (matted and/or framed)? What are my framing options?
All watercolor paintings are archivally matted with Bainbridge AlphaMats and archival FoamCor backing. There is a big difference in the quality of mats, and this is truly the best. The inside bevel will not yellow like even "acid free" mats will. I love each painting I sell and want to make sure they are finished properly. The outside color is Matte White and the 1/4" or 1/8" inside color is Medieval Forest or Sapphire. The color I choose depends on the painting itself and is meant to enhance the scene, not participate in it. That little strip of color really makes the painting pop. Acrylic paintings are varnished and do not require matting.
Paintings are available with or without frames, but are priced without a frame included. Framing is the final element that completes a painting, and the selection is really a personal choice. A number of my clients have chosen to frame pieces themselves because it allows them to participate in the artistic process and match with their decor. Others prefer to leave the frame choice up to me and receive a piece that's ready to hang. I have several wonderful frame profiles that nicely complement my watercolors and acrylics, which I'm happy to discuss with you. Please contact me for more information about framing, including style, color, and pricing.
What frame profiles do you offer?
I have a number of frame profiles that look great with my paintings. My current favorite is a gorgeous honey bamboo that is very solid with clean lines, perfect for a contemporary or traditional decor. I also use a darker wood profile or traditional gold profiles (particularly good with acrylics). Please contact me to discuss framing options.
What is plein air painting and do you do it?
Plein air painting is done in the great outdoors, on site. I have tried it, but find it too cumbersome for my liking (it involves a lot of extra work such as packing your gear, driving to the site, unpacking your gear, planning the painting, etc.). I prefer to paint in the studio from photographs (I have thousands of them on my computer). Painting from photographs enables me to paint whenever the mood strikes without any thought to weather or location. I also prefer to paint upside down, and the photographs make this a bit easier than standing on my head.
Do you paint commissioned pieces?
Occasionally, but it really depends on the subject matter and whether or not I have taken the original photo and how well I "know" the subject. Some scenes are just not inspiring to me (even if I have taken the picture), which means the painting process is very difficult and the results may not be to my liking. I welcome suggestions of particular subjects or locations for future paintings, so please let me know what interests you.
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