What paints do you use?

I use oil paints from a variety of manufacturers. I have certain favorites, including Gamblin Oils. I love their Quick Dry White, as it helps with the speed of drying. I make sure the paints I use are high quality and that they use the best pigments and binders. I have always felt that the best materials is the way to go.

 

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What materials do you paint on?

I use Ampersand Archival Museum boards for all paintings that are small format. On the larger paintings, the boards are not available, so I use top quality portrait grade linen canvas. All surfaces are triple gessoed with Golden Acrylic Gesso, my favorite brand of acrylics. They are also archival. 

 

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How long does it take you to do a painting?

The funny answer would be: (actual time) plus 50 years! Since all my art experience and practice comes into play every time I paint something. But the actual answer is complex. It depends on a variety of things. The size, the complexity, and how complete my reference material is. My daily paintings can take many hours to a full day. The larger paintings can take a month. 

 

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Where do you get your ideas?

My ideas are from living life! I cannot go hiking, biking, fishing, shopping, to a concert, or even to dinner, without seeing someone or something that I want to paint! My husband lovingly refers to me as "Ansel Adams" because I lug a couple cameras everywhere we go, and I am always stopping to photograph! I generally use the photos for reference, and just paint and work and let my instincts take over from there! 

 

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How long have you been an artist?

For as long as I can remember! I started drawing very realistic portraits of people in early grade school. I also drew for every report, school project, and assignment (except math!) So I wasn't always the most popular kid, cause my extra efforts got me lots of "A's". But I have just recently been fortunate enough to be able to paint full time. Except all the computer and marketing time, of course! But I have always created art of some kind, on some surface, all my life. 

 

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Did you go to school to learn how to paint?

I took the basic art class required in grade school. I then took one painting class in high school. But the teacher was an abstractionist, so we didn't exactly see eye to eye on subject matter! I got married right out of high school, so I never took any classes, just did art any way I could. I taught myself the airbrush, and worked on freehand wildlife and portraits. I took a night class on oil painting a few years ago in San Diego. The rest is self-taught.  

 

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Do you do commission work?

I have been recently working on a body of works that are subjects near and dear to me. I am currently adding to that as they are completed. I am always open to looking at commissions, as that is what alot of my prior work was. 

 

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Do you teach classes?

I have been asked many times over the years if I would teach. I have always been very flattered, but also was busy raising kids and making a living, so teaching was not possible. It is something that I have considered in the future. I am also planning on making painting instructional videos and offering them for sale. I learn well by watching, as do some others, so by offering a video that you can watch, pause, rewind, etc. you can learn at your own pace and in the comfort of your own studio. 

 

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What is a giclee print?

The term "giclee print" connotes an elevation in printmaking technology. Images are generated from high resolution digital scans and printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates including canvas, fine art, and photo-base paper. The giclee printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction. The quality of the giclee print rivals traditional silver-halide and gelatin printing processes and is commonly found in museums, art galleries, and photographic galleries.  

 

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How are your paintings shipped?

All art boards are safely wrapped and shipped insured. All canvas prints are shipped in tubes. Large stretched canvas paintings are packaged carefully and shipped by the best method for the final destination. I can be contacted about specific shipping requirements as the need arises. 

 

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Do your prices include shipping?

The prices on my site are for the art only. As the paintings can be shipped virtually anywhere in the world, there are obviously many variables. I will quote pricing based on location upon request. 

 

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Do you have any guarantee?

All paintings are shipped insured (quoted in shipping prices) in case of any damage, the carrier is responsible for actual cost reimbursement. My guarantee is this--if you get your painting, and if for any reason you are not satisfied with it, you can simply pay shipping to return it, (in like-new condition) and I will refund the price of the painting or print. 

 

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How do I care for my painting or print?

Each art piece will come shipped with care instructions. They vary depending on substrate, coating, varnish, etc. 

 

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