Watercolour Questions
How do you leave the white lines?
Very carefully! I use brushes that keep their shape and snap back to a point, and finely textured paper that allows me to create smooth lines when I paint. It’s a delicate and gentle process that takes time and mindfulness! I prefer not to use resists- it means my work is more intuitive and can adapt as I paint.
What paints and paper do you use?
It’s important to me that I use quality materials. They’re far more enjoyable to paint with, and being archival they’ll last hundreds of years! I prefer Fabriano Artistico or Arches Cold-Pressed papers. These are 100% cotton rag papers, which means they don’t discolour or degrade over time the way wood-based papers do.
I love using Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours (Winsor and Newton are great too). I choose lightfast, vivid pigments which keep their colour over time. I love Daniel Smith’s Primatek range, which is made out of minerals and semi-precious stones. They create amazing textures, and sometimes add a luxurious touch of sparkle to my paintings! I avoid toxic cadmium pigments.
I love to talk about art materials and techniques- check out the Log Book for tutorials or feel free to get in touch if you’d like to find out more!
I love using Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours (Winsor and Newton are great too). I choose lightfast, vivid pigments which keep their colour over time. I love Daniel Smith’s Primatek range, which is made out of minerals and semi-precious stones. They create amazing textures, and sometimes add a luxurious touch of sparkle to my paintings! I avoid toxic cadmium pigments.
I love to talk about art materials and techniques- check out the Log Book for tutorials or feel free to get in touch if you’d like to find out more!
Commissions
Do you offer commissions?
I can create a unique landscape, seascape or wildlife watercolour based on your photos or using my sketches and paintings as inspiration. If you have an idea outside these themes, I’m happy to discuss it! Commission sizes usually start at 11” x 14”. Please contact me to find out more.
Framing Art
What size mat and frame should I buy?
Here are some standard options-
8” x 10” art- 11” x 14” frame and mat with 8” x 10” aperture
11” x 14” art- 16” x 20” frame and mat with 11” x 14” aperture
16” x 20” art- 22” x 28” frame and mat with 16” x 20” aperture
You may find that the aperture is slightly smaller to ensure it covers the edges of the paper.
8” x 10” art- 11” x 14” frame and mat with 8” x 10” aperture
11” x 14” art- 16” x 20” frame and mat with 11” x 14” aperture
16” x 20” art- 22” x 28” frame and mat with 16” x 20” aperture
You may find that the aperture is slightly smaller to ensure it covers the edges of the paper.
Why do I need a mat?
A mat keeps a gap between the artwork and the glass. In humid weather, it prevents tiny amounts of condensation on the glass from damaging your artwork.
What kind of mat should I buy?
A museum-quality or archival mat will best protect your artwork and won’t contain any chemicals that will cause the paper to discolour over time. It’s also a good idea to put archival board or a back mat behind the artwork to prevent chemicals from the frame back leaching through to your art. If you are having your art professionally framed, your framed will be able to advise you. If you’re framing yourself, then look for museum-quality back mats or put a piece of cotton rag paper behind your painting.
Purchasing Art
Will the painting look the way it does on screen?
I do my best to ensure that photographs accurately represent the artwork. However, please be aware that your screen or monitor may show colours differently.
What if the painting doesn’t suit my room after all?
I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you find a painting does not quite suit your space, please contact me to arrange an exchange for art of equal value, or for equivalent store credit. The customer is responsible for paying for return shipping. If you would like to make an exchange, please contact me within 7 days of receiving the work.
Do you accept returns for sale items?
I do not offer exchanges, credit or returns on sale items.
My order got damaged in transit- what do I do?
I do my best to ensure that art, prints and cards are packaged securely to ensure their safe arrival. In the unlikely event that an item is damaged on delivery, please contact me with a photo of the damage to arrange a return and refund or exchange.
I do my best to ensure that photographs accurately represent the artwork. However, please be aware that your screen or monitor may show colours differently.
What if the painting doesn’t suit my room after all?
I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you find a painting does not quite suit your space, please contact me to arrange an exchange for art of equal value, or for equivalent store credit. The customer is responsible for paying for return shipping. If you would like to make an exchange, please contact me within 7 days of receiving the work.
Do you accept returns for sale items?
I do not offer exchanges, credit or returns on sale items.
My order got damaged in transit- what do I do?
I do my best to ensure that art, prints and cards are packaged securely to ensure their safe arrival. In the unlikely event that an item is damaged on delivery, please contact me with a photo of the damage to arrange a return and refund or exchange.
Shipping Orders
Who do you ship with?
I ship with Canada Post. For orders within Canada and the US, orders of $150 and over will be tracked. Please select the tracking upgrade if you are buying original art and live outside these areas.
How long will it take you to send my order out?
Handling time is usually five business days between receiving and shipping your order. If you need an order shipped in a rush, please contact me and I'll do my best to help! I can provide quotes for expedited shipping if you need something fast!
How long are shipping times?
Shipping time will depend on the province, state or country you are living in. Orders within Canada usually take 1-4 business days, orders to the US take 2-7 business days, orders to the UK and Europe take 1-2 weeks and orders to Australia and New Zealand take 2-3 weeks. Please note that these are estimates and may be affected by events such as holidays or hold ups with customs. Currently, COVID-19 is causing longer than average shipping times to most areas. Shipping may also take longer if you live in a remote or rural area.
What if you don't ship to my country?
Please contact me if you need a custom shipping quote.
Where do you ship to?
I currently ship within Canada, to the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. If you live in a different area, please contact me for a custom shipping quote.
Is local pickup available?
I’m happy to arrange local pick up when we’re in Victoria (usually October to May, though that might be extended this year)! Please email me if you would like to arrange local pickup; I can also give you a discount code for shipping if you are collecting your order.
I ship with Canada Post. For orders within Canada and the US, orders of $150 and over will be tracked. Please select the tracking upgrade if you are buying original art and live outside these areas.
How long will it take you to send my order out?
Handling time is usually five business days between receiving and shipping your order. If you need an order shipped in a rush, please contact me and I'll do my best to help! I can provide quotes for expedited shipping if you need something fast!
How long are shipping times?
Shipping time will depend on the province, state or country you are living in. Orders within Canada usually take 1-4 business days, orders to the US take 2-7 business days, orders to the UK and Europe take 1-2 weeks and orders to Australia and New Zealand take 2-3 weeks. Please note that these are estimates and may be affected by events such as holidays or hold ups with customs. Currently, COVID-19 is causing longer than average shipping times to most areas. Shipping may also take longer if you live in a remote or rural area.
What if you don't ship to my country?
Please contact me if you need a custom shipping quote.
Where do you ship to?
I currently ship within Canada, to the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. If you live in a different area, please contact me for a custom shipping quote.
Is local pickup available?
I’m happy to arrange local pick up when we’re in Victoria (usually October to May, though that might be extended this year)! Please email me if you would like to arrange local pickup; I can also give you a discount code for shipping if you are collecting your order.