Are you available for private commissions?
Yes! Learn about rates, process, turnaround, and more here.

MATERIALS AND PROCESS

What materials do you use?
I use a variety of materials and paints depending on the project and the desired outcome.  I am working on putting a material/supplies list together for you so you can come back and see exactly what I use and for what.  I will also share my process and steps I take to achieve the desired look I​'m searching for.  

How did you become such a versatile artist?
I experimented with all kinds of materials and mediums over the years.  I found that each has a special function and look for creating art. From colored pencils to oil paint, I tried it all! I studies art in college and slowly was introduced to many materials an mediums. I learned over the years how to combine certain skills when I paint to achieve the outcome I desired.  For example, watercolors are translucent and flow beautifully on paper, but using them on wood has it's challenges but the end results can be just as fantastic. When I imagined a final painting in my head, it gradually became an open book to explore what I wanted to use. I’m open to trying and experimenting with new materials, so who knows what the future will hold! For now, I generally consider myself an illustrator with the ability to paint in any medium!

What is your process for creating a piece?
Once I have an idea in mind, I find or take reference photos to work from. Sometimes I even collage my reference photos together in photoshop or procreate. Then I sketch! Sometimes I sketch in a sketchbook but more recently I've been sketching on my iPad with Procreate. When I’m happy with the sketch, I scan it into my computer and make edits in photoshop, scale it to the desired final size, and get started. The researching and sketching process can sometimes take just as long as it takes me to complete the final painting! From there I print the edited sketch and trace it onto my surface. I work on watercolor paper, canvas or wood board.  Next, I complete a detailed underdrawing with a drafting mechanical pencil. Then, I start the painting process usually painting light to dark.  Each surface has a different preparation process. When I use watercolor paper, I soak it an stretch it out and let it dry before I transfer a drawing.  Canvas requires some extra gesso and sometimes light sanding to achieve the desired smoothness.  My favorite surface is wood, and depending on what I'm painting I will use different methods to prepare it.  Sometimes I stain the raw wood to allow for the natural wood grain to show, then I would use a clear gesso and sand it a bit.  For painting that don't show the wood grain, I use white gesso and stain it after I have added the initial drawing.  When I paint watercolors on any other surface other than paper, I use watercolor ground to help it adhere to the intended surface.  It's all about the final idea in my mind that leads me to make my artistic choices.  

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How do you frame your work?
I order almost all of my framing supplies from Westfall Framing and Picturefames.com and assemble the frames myself, float mounting the work. Westfall Framing sells wonderful materials including acid-free foam and mat board, UV filtering glazing, and FSC certified lumber that is available in several beautiful types and finishes. 

If I’m on a budget, I like these Ambiance Gallery Mini Wood Frames and these Ambiance Gallery Deep Wood Frames from Jerry’s Artarama.