Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do commissions?
Yes! Please contact me to discuss your idea.

Can you ship outside of the United States?
Yes! Please contact me to discuss.

Is the artwork featured in your portfolio for sale?
Yes. If you see something on my portfolio pages that you like, please contact me about it.  If the piece you are interested in has been sold, then it is not available, but I would be happy to make something similar.

Can the piece be created in a different size or color?
That depends on the piece. Please contact me to discuss.

What forms of payment do you accept?
My online shop accepts credit and debit card payments.

What is printmaking?
Printmaking encompasses different processes for creating multiples of original works of art.  

What is an original print like an etching or relief?
There are different forms and processes used for creating original prints.  I have gone into detail about the printmaking process below. More info on each specific process can be found on my page titled “About my Processes.”  This page goes into detail about the different types of original prints like intaglio, relief, and silk screen.

To create an original print, all of the processes start with an idea, which I then draw out.  I make the drawing based on the print that I would like to create.  I then transfer my drawing onto the printmaking surface (this can be a linoleum block, a copper plate, or a piece of Plexiglas) the surface material depends on the type of print being produced.

Once the drawing is on the surface, I then carve or etch the image onto the surface.  Once the image is on the printmaking plate, I then ink the surface, and run the plate through a printing press by hand.  The inked image is then transferred to the paper.  And then you have a print. This process is repeated over and over again to make an edition.

This is the general process for creating original prints. I craft each print from start to finish.  If you would like more info on the various types of printmaking techniques, please visit my page titled “About My Processes.”

What is a giclée? And how does it differ from an original print?
A giclée is a high quality, fine art print of an original work of art.  A specialty inkjet printer is used to produce a giclée.  A giclée is usually (and always when referring to my giclée prints), printed as a limited edition and signed and numbered by me (the artist).  I hand sign and number each one.  This ensures that the quality of the print has been checked by me, and it meets my standards.  This also ensures that it is part of the limited edition.

Like stated above, a giclée is created on a high quality ink jet printer – and printed on fine art paper. It is a print of an original work.  An original print differs because it is hand printed by the artist and not an inkjet printer. Original prints are unique, and each original print will vary slightly (no two are exactly the same even though they are all printed from the same plate). Since an original print is handled by a human from start to finish, slight nuances occur in printing when all variables are taken into consideration – from pressure to the amount of ink applied and how that ink was wiped. Prints from a giclée edition will all look exactly the same.

How should I care for my artwork?
Please see my page titled “Caring for Your Artwork.”   I answer most questions there.

What paper, paint, ink, and brushes do you use?
This varies among the projects. But here’s a list of my typical and favorite supplies and brands.  Specifics about materials are usually stated in the info section about each work.

Paper:
Printmaking paper – Rives BFK or Arches
Watercolor paper – hot or cold press, usually 300gsm/140lb, and various brands, but I do really like the Fluid brand which comes in blocks

Paint:
Watercolor: various brands such as, Grumbacher, Reeves, & Winsor & Newton
Oil: Gamblin brand paint
Acrylic: Golden brand paint

Ink:
Oil based: Gamblin printmaking inks
Water based: Speedball inks

Brushes:
Watercolor brushes: Winsor & Newton Cotman brushes are my favorite!
Oil brushes: this varies. I have many different brands.

Printmaking tools
Usually Speedball tools for carving linoleum and Speedball rollers for inking.
For etching I use a double-sided twisted etching needle or scribe.