Frequently Asked Questions
where did you learn to paint?
I am self taught. My last art classes were in high school (I did have wonderful teacher, who I actually chose to interview for a paper I had to write in college). I watched a lot of videos on YouTube and bought a multiple DVD set from Bob Davies which really taught me the basics and much more. I still rely on Youtube to discover and learn new techniques and media.
It might seem strange for a former teacher to not like to take classes, but I think that years of learning most developments in computers by constant reading taught me to learn by myself!
It might seem strange for a former teacher to not like to take classes, but I think that years of learning most developments in computers by constant reading taught me to learn by myself!
do you sell your paintings directly online? do I still have to contact you?
I find that buying a painting is a special experience, and can't easily be brought down to clicking a "Buy Now" button. Each painting, like each collector, is unique, and the transfer of ownership requires some time and effort. Figuring out how to get it safely to you for example, can require significant discussion. You may want also more information about the painting, extra photos, etc. That's why we have to talk. While there is a "Painting" category in my online store, its main purpose is to show you what is available, but we still have to discuss framing and shipping options that will work for you!
What is an ACEO?
An ACEO is a miniature painting, the same size as a sports trading card (2.5 x 3.5 inches). They can be either hand made or mechanically reproduced, but in my case, all my ACEOs are original, hand painted, one-of-a-kind paintings, not reproductions.
I gave more information about the origins of ACEOs in my Feb 4, 2021 blog: what-are-aceos.html
I gave more information about the origins of ACEOs in my Feb 4, 2021 blog: what-are-aceos.html
Where do you get your ideas for paintings?
I most often get my ideas from photographs that I find very appealing. But lately I have been getting inspiration from things I see around me; I will think about it for days or even weeks, then make a few sketches to try to put on paper what I see in my mind. I discuss my inspiration in more detail in my Dec 10, 2020 blog post describing the first step of my painting process: my-painting-process-part-1.html
2024 update: This process has changed quite a bit since I first wrote this, as I rarely paint from photos any more. For stylised paintings, I will draw several sketches until I find a composition that I like, then I will draw a very rough outline on the watercolor paper, adding colors layer by layer, using large brushes to paint soft blended wet-in-wet colors and adding "dryer" paint to define harder edges. I will then finish with strong calligraphics very dark, almost black strokes made with smaller "rigger" type brushes. For purely abstract works, the process will be similar, but without the preliminary sketches and guiding lines, starting right away with paint.
2024 update: This process has changed quite a bit since I first wrote this, as I rarely paint from photos any more. For stylised paintings, I will draw several sketches until I find a composition that I like, then I will draw a very rough outline on the watercolor paper, adding colors layer by layer, using large brushes to paint soft blended wet-in-wet colors and adding "dryer" paint to define harder edges. I will then finish with strong calligraphics very dark, almost black strokes made with smaller "rigger" type brushes. For purely abstract works, the process will be similar, but without the preliminary sketches and guiding lines, starting right away with paint.
Why should I buy original art?
That is a really good question! Like the question "Why should I buy art", the answer will be different for everyone, but it will usually be "Because I like it". You should probably not be buying original art only for its investment value. The "fine art" market is a very tricky one, where very few people, other than galleries and auction houses, make any money. The price of fine art is artificially boosted by a few very rich collectors who can afford to pay ridiculous amounts for art that will give them bragging rights. I encourage you to read (and view the video) about this here.
Of course there is also the question of original versus reproductions, or prints. Artists know that many people simply can't afford to purchase the original painting, but would still like to own some art they really like, so they may also sell prints or numbered editions of their original work. Confused yet? That could be because "original" may have 2 meanings: 1) a piece of art that is one of a kind or 2) a piece of art that no other artist has created before. So an original painting would be the actual painting that is not a copy of anything, but you could have prints made of this painting and they would be called original prints. These prints could be mass produced, or they could be produced in a limited number, hand numbered and signed by the original artist. Those are obviously more valuable than the mass produced prints, but less than the original painting. Then there is the subject of copies of originals, which are hand painted, but rarely by the original artist. For an eye opener on Chinese paint factories click here.
So unless you are very rich, have lots of time to become an art expert, and don't worry about losing a lot of money on one bad investment, I would suggest you buy art for the simple reason that you like it. As to buying original art versus mass produced art, I guess it really comes down to how you approach buying anything: if you care about supporting the work of farmers or local businesses, you will probably also care about supporting artists who create in studios rather than piece workers who "paint" in mass production factories. And you can act like the millionaires by telling your friends: "I know the artist!" ;-)
And if you are curious about why I think original art is magical, read my blog post from September 2021.
Of course there is also the question of original versus reproductions, or prints. Artists know that many people simply can't afford to purchase the original painting, but would still like to own some art they really like, so they may also sell prints or numbered editions of their original work. Confused yet? That could be because "original" may have 2 meanings: 1) a piece of art that is one of a kind or 2) a piece of art that no other artist has created before. So an original painting would be the actual painting that is not a copy of anything, but you could have prints made of this painting and they would be called original prints. These prints could be mass produced, or they could be produced in a limited number, hand numbered and signed by the original artist. Those are obviously more valuable than the mass produced prints, but less than the original painting. Then there is the subject of copies of originals, which are hand painted, but rarely by the original artist. For an eye opener on Chinese paint factories click here.
So unless you are very rich, have lots of time to become an art expert, and don't worry about losing a lot of money on one bad investment, I would suggest you buy art for the simple reason that you like it. As to buying original art versus mass produced art, I guess it really comes down to how you approach buying anything: if you care about supporting the work of farmers or local businesses, you will probably also care about supporting artists who create in studios rather than piece workers who "paint" in mass production factories. And you can act like the millionaires by telling your friends: "I know the artist!" ;-)
And if you are curious about why I think original art is magical, read my blog post from September 2021.
What is a commission?
A commission is an order for a custom made work of art. The customer or patron will give instructions to the artist of what they want, and the artist will discuss terms and conditions, include size, medium, schedule, etc. Subjects can range from portraits of people or pets, to paintings of significant events, favorite holiday destinations, homes, cars, etc. A commission assures you of owning a unique and very special piece of art like no other!
You can find out more about how I handle commissions here and here.
You can find out more about how I handle commissions here and here.
How long does a commission take?
A commission is a made-to-order painting. The collector and I will discuss what is wanted and when it is needed. Unless I am particularly busy or the commission is especially large or complicated, it will usually take no more than a few weeks from the time the details are agreed upon. See more about commissions on the Custom Work page
Can you paint anything from a photograph?
Some things are difficult to paint in watercolor, especially very bright light, simply because the white of the paper is the brightest or lightest color you can have. There is no white paint in watercolor. It is also difficult, but not impossible, to get tiny details in watercolor. Some artists believe it is impossible to get good paintings from using only photographs, but I don’t agree. I will use the good parts of the photograph, while dismissing its less desirable elements; because of this, people often say that the painting looks better than the photo!
What are the modes of payment that you accept?
For purchases made from my online store, the pay system I use accepts credit cards only. If you are picking the order up at the studio, you can pay cash, or by credit card with my Square reader, or you could also use Interac from your own phone (just don't complete the order online if you want to pay in person--contact me directly). I will accept checks from people I know.
Do you only sell paintings?
I have some greeting cards made from some of my paintings. You can see what is currently available on this page. On that same page, I also have a link which you can use to send a free e-card! There is a limited quantity of these available per month, so first come first served!
I also have a few reproductions and “derivative” products, including a beautiful, Canadian-made, decorative pillow cover, which are available to order directly from the ArtofWhere site. I also have a wide variety of products available, including wall prints and phone cases' for direct order from Fine Art America. Check this page for details and links to both stores.
Finally, I also offer Electronic Gift Cards which are automatically emailed to the recipient! Perfect for last minute gifts or when you want the recipient to choose their own gift! Gift Cards are available on both the Cards and ACEO pages. They could also be used to purchase an original painting (contact me for details)
I also have a few reproductions and “derivative” products, including a beautiful, Canadian-made, decorative pillow cover, which are available to order directly from the ArtofWhere site. I also have a wide variety of products available, including wall prints and phone cases' for direct order from Fine Art America. Check this page for details and links to both stores.
Finally, I also offer Electronic Gift Cards which are automatically emailed to the recipient! Perfect for last minute gifts or when you want the recipient to choose their own gift! Gift Cards are available on both the Cards and ACEO pages. They could also be used to purchase an original painting (contact me for details)
Is a watercolor painting hard to take care of?
Watercolor has two mortal enemies: liquid and sunlight. Watercolor is rewettable, so water or any liquid can cause spotting or runs that can not be fixed. It could also cause the paper to buckle or mold. Watercolors are usually framed under an acid-free mat and protective glass, but dampness could still get in, so avoid hanging your painting in damp areas. The mat is to keep the paint surface from touching the glass, to which it could stick after a while.
Just as it does to furniture or carpets, sunlight will fade the pigments in watercolor, slowly making parts of the image disappear, as not all pigments are equally affected. Avoid direct sun exposure and use UV (ultra-violet) protective glass if possible.
Waxed watercolor is covered with a product called cold wax medium, which is mainly bee's wax, This protects it against water, but not against UV rays, so avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Both types of framing will require a light dusting of the frame. The glass can be wiped with a barely damp cloth, but avoid spraying glass cleaner which could seep behind the glass and stain the mat. Waxed watercolor can also be gently wiped clean if necessary, avoiding solvents. An occasional very light buffing of the waxed surface can also give it a soft sheen.
In 2024 I started getting some abstract work framed without glass, mounted to MDF board. These are protected with a light varnish and need very little care, except for keeping them out of direct sunlight.
Just as it does to furniture or carpets, sunlight will fade the pigments in watercolor, slowly making parts of the image disappear, as not all pigments are equally affected. Avoid direct sun exposure and use UV (ultra-violet) protective glass if possible.
Waxed watercolor is covered with a product called cold wax medium, which is mainly bee's wax, This protects it against water, but not against UV rays, so avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Both types of framing will require a light dusting of the frame. The glass can be wiped with a barely damp cloth, but avoid spraying glass cleaner which could seep behind the glass and stain the mat. Waxed watercolor can also be gently wiped clean if necessary, avoiding solvents. An occasional very light buffing of the waxed surface can also give it a soft sheen.
In 2024 I started getting some abstract work framed without glass, mounted to MDF board. These are protected with a light varnish and need very little care, except for keeping them out of direct sunlight.
What if I don't like the painting once I have it home?
Subscribers to my mailing list have a special perk: they can return (at their cost) or exchange any framed painting, of a value of at least $100, that they purchased from me, as long as it is in the original condition.