Faq
In other words, those questions I always get whether they are in person or online when someone purchases my work. I have another post prepared for all those other questions. And if there’s something you want to know, send me a note!
Below are some of the most popular questions I get from my collectors as they purchase their new art work.
Interested in a commission?
I want a specific piece of art for my Needs (size, description etc). How does that work?
If you’ve never experienced the world of commissioning an original piece of art, welcome! It’s exciting to get something so personalized and valuable. But it can be daunting if it’s your first time. Also, many artists have different ways of handling commissions, but below I’ve outlined all the questions I’ve received and my process for commissions.
The basic process works like this:
- Inquiry
- Deposit made
- I create the commissioned piece
- Delivery of the piece and payment in full
Inquiry
You’ve decided you want a piece of art that’s special to you. Congratulations! The first step is to contact me and let me know you’re interested in a commission. If you know exactly how you want it, fantastic! But it’s ok if you don’t. You really only need to have an idea of a subject, that’s a great place to start. We can discuss sizes, color, and more about the subject. Once we’ve hashed out what you want, we’ll discuss pricing.
Payment
Once you’ve decided on what you want, in order to get started, I require a 50% deposit. It can be paid in person with cash, via a link I send you to pay on my website, or through Venmo or Zelle. Then I get to work. Once I finish, payment is due in full before I ship it or at time of hand delivering it to you. If I ship it, I don’t mind letting you see before I send it your way.
My Process for Commissions
Wait times on commissions can vary depending on complexity, size, and if there are other commissions ahead of yours. I will be up front with you on how long it will take. I do take a limited number of commissions so that I can have them completed in a reasonable amount of time.
Once you’ve decided what you want, I start working on the piece by gathering inspiration. Depending on the subject matter, this may be in person photographs I take, photographs I’ve researched on royalty free sites, or anything you may provide. Of course, I will work from anything you provide. Want a portrait of your horse? I can come take the photograph or you can provide one.
After gathering the inspiration, I start working on thumbnail sketches to work out a composition. With that decided, I’ll begin work on a larger sketch to work out proportions and any other things that may come up through the creation process. Then I begin on the actual piece.
After the piece is finished, I sign it and apply a fixative. I let you know it’s finished and let you have a look. From here, if you’d like framing, I can do that or I begin the packing and shipping process.
If you’d like more information on commissions or to see if I have any availability, click here.
Popular Questions
If you have any others, contact me. I’d love to answer them!
This is such a valid question because most of my work is in charcoal and on paper, making it more susceptible to tears and other cringe worthy accidents. Also a lot of my work is on dark paper, which can fade over time if not protected.
First, I recommend a uv protective glass or acrylic. Acrylic is lighter and not susceptible to breakage like glass but looks just as beautiful. I recommend not hanging the piece where there is direct sunlight but if you have the perfect spot and that morning sun always hits there (making it even more beautiful) then definitely opt for a UV protection and non-glare glass or acrylic.
Second, since I work in charcoal it’s best to frame it with a mat. And do not go with a floater frame unless there is a spacer to keep the piece off the glass. Over time the fixative I use may rub off on the glass, or worse the charcoal if it touches the glass.
Finally, I recommend a local professional framer. They are knowledgeable and will be able to frame your piece with all care and protection in mind. Art on paper is a breathing thing that expands and contracts and is susceptible to heat and humidity and many of the other conditions we may see in our houses throughout the year. Professional framing will ensure the piece is protected.
Usually this is one I get in person. If you are purchasing online, obviously there’s a cart and you can check out there. It’s easiest. However, if you find something you love here and want to pick it up in person or I happen to see you in person at a show, I take cash, Venmo, Zelle, and all major credit cards.
Definitely!! I’d love to meet you. If you are in the western North Carolina area we can arrange to meet so I can deliver the art to you. If purchasing here in my studio shop, make your purchase indicating local pick up and in the notes section indicate you’d like to meet to pick it up. I’ll email you and we’ll arrange a time and place.
This is an all encompassing question because sometimes I get questions like is that a cyanotype, where did you learn to do this, do you work in other mediums? So, unfortunately you’ll have to wait until I create a new post with all the questions on my process and art. But I promise, it’s coming. If you want to add your question to the mix, contact me and ask away! I’ll reply directly and most likely add it to that post.
I can create art on paper in a size as small as a 5″x7″ up to 24″x36″. I may go larger but I haven’t yet – maybe you’ll get me out of my comfort zone . . .
Also, keep in mind the smaller the artwork, the less detail I can include. The larger the artwork, the longer it may take to finish.
Most often I love creating from flowers and people. But I also do animals and still life. Currently I do not create landscapes or architecture.
I almost always get this. And it can get a bit confusing because growing up I went by Kathleen, not shortened or even nicknamed. But many people from my doctor to my husband call me Mary because it’s easier and my husband likes to be contrarian. As I’ve gotten older, I came to like what my parents did, the whole name and at times preferring Mary for shortened reasons. In summary, I’m not too tied to any version but because everyone knows some version, I use the whole thing.
Interested to see what might be in the studio shop?
Interested in What I produce and Why?
It’s where I started. It’s where anyone starts with a crayon and a piece of paper. Yes, as a kid I used to make books of art (literally held together with yarn) but it never came seriously even in college as a studio art major. I was just having fun.
I’m still not sure if I’m serious. I just love it. I love the process. I love getting an idea and opening my sketchbook or studio notebook. Sketching is freeing and those sketches that turn into final products are beautiful to me. Even if they’re terrible art because there is always something I love in the process of using charcoal or pen. And there is always something to learn in the process. Whether it is an artistic technique or a methodology or a thought or reflection that is hashed out. Somehow it comes out in the art.
I have a complete love of stationery. I still prefer actual books over digital though I do both. I love the feel of paper under a pen and even more I love a good notebook full of writing and sketching.
I love seeing other people’s handwriting – it’s personal and artful at the same time. I love receiving a card in the mail. Suddenly seeing that 5×7 envelope with someone’s handwriting on it puts me into an excited mood that makes me forget all those long envelopes with typed addresses and bill included on the front.
I used to work in a stationery and book store where I learned how to create invitations, heat stamped gold leaf onto napkins, and was introduced to Crane and other big stationers. I loved it.
All of this means it’s a natural extension for me to offer stationery items and I hope to offer more in the future.
It seems to veer off course here, huh? It’s not that random though if you know my story.
In short after having kids and staying home with them as a full time mom, I needed an outlet and pulling out charcoal, pens and inks and paints was overwhelming to me. It started though with a class by Bonnie Christine on Creative Live where I was introduced to Adobe Illustrator and I fell in love with this new to me way to create that didn’t make me freeze up with the thought that my toddlers might get involved. From there, I dived into photography and pattern design. I loved both but because I had toddlers photography became more natural to learn. As they got older I leaned more into digital art and from there I keep coming back to lettering. And this lead to a natural progression into book cover and poster design (see Stationery and my love of paper).