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For many, commissions can be a great way to have a painting created that checks every box in your wish list. It might be a special place you have traveled to, a special memory, a piece that reflects the local environment. As a collector, it is your chance to be a part of the creative process and bring to life something that you will connect with forever. It can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The end result is a painting like no other in the world!

My intent in this short blog is to outline my commission process and hopefully address any questions or concerns you might have.

My Process

The first step is to fully understand what you want to achieve. Size and color preferences will be discussed. Are there reference images available? I will ask about the mood and energy if known. If desired, I may come to your home to get a feel for the environment and the location for the final piece. I will capture these important details in a contract and a deposit is collected.

I often encourage the use of a Pinterest folder where you can post other photos, paintings and images that may help convey what you are seeking. We will have further discussions until we are clear on direction, content, colors, etc.

I generally will supply some sort of image plan(s) and preliminary that defines the piece and receive your comments before I proceed.

Next I go to work on your artwork and depending on the piece, I might send progress reports and images so you have a clear idea of where I am headed.

When close to completion, I again share either images or a video call to walk through the entire piece in detail. We will discuss any comments you may have and work to address any suggestions.

The piece is then finalized and delivered (if local) or shipped as needed. Final payment is received prior to shipping.

Here is the final installed at the client's home. A custom frame was added to finish off the look. These are available in several wood finishes.

Thank you

Kathy

Watercolors are beautiful and can have a distinct look. Traditionally, they are done on watercolor paper in #140 or higher weight. Care must be taken to protect the surface and unless specially treated, must be covered with glass and framed.

I still love the look of this medium and still do watercolor on paper. But, I have also achieved beautiful results on canvas! Canvas opens a world of possibilities in terms of size and with proper treatment, watercolor art can be hung without glass and frame. Here's how.

Canvas must be treated with an absorbent ground. I apply 3 thin layers of Golden Absorbent Ground, carefully drying after each application. Now I can use apply my watercolors, carefully managing the water-to-pigment ratio. Watercolor can be easily lifted off canvas so this is a benefit and also a detriment so care is needed. Pigment is added in multiple layers to bring out color intensity. The painting below was done in five layers. 

Foxy, a watercolor painting on canvas

See this artwork now

When finished, I apply Dorlands wax to seal  and protect. After drying and gentle buffing, its ready to hang. (no glass, no frame)

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Enjoy!

Kathy

Prior to starting with acrylics, I was exclusively working with watercolor. Like most watercolorists, I also often use #140 watercolor paper. I sometimes stretch the paper before beginning work, but oftentimes the final is still warped. Those "wavy" areas are not acceptable and it cannot be framed properly. So, I did some research on this common problem and can offer a solution...one that works really well for me.

These images show a before and after using a badly warped sheet of #140 Arches.

I carefully iron the back side with a steam iron, protecting the paper with a completely smooth, clean bedsheet. Gently rub the iron back and forth, over the entire surface. A gentle spray of water also helps. Wait a few second after spraying to iron.

Then, I stack a several large, heavy books (coffee table-type books) --- or use a few books as a base, and supplement with whatever else I can find for some additional weight (even hand-weights) and let the piece completely cool for an hour or so.

If you take to an art or frame store, or similar, to frame, they will not take out any ripples that are in the piece. So, my advice is to take the time to check over your piece before you head out for framing and follow the above procedure if not completely flat and ready for matting, mounting and framing.

Severe watercolor paper curl

Same piece after ironing