New Projects
Are you available for private commissions?
Yes! Learn about rates, process, turnaround, and more here. I’m usually booked a few months out, learn about my current availability status on the contact page for specific dates.
Are you available for pet portraits?
Yes! Learn how I make pet portraits and what you can expect as far as size, cost, and timeline are concerned here. Can't wait to learn all about your pup or cat! I’m usually booked a few months out, learn about my current availability status on the contact page for specific dates.
Do you paint portraits of people?
Sorry, no. I honestly don’t enjoy painting people the same way I do when I paint things from nature. Fortunately, there are tons of artists out there who love drawing and painting people! Find and support an artist who specializes in portraiture and whose portfolio resonates with you. That will make two people happy, you and the artist you choose to support!
Are you available for freelance or commercial illustrations projects?
I am! Please visit the contact page to reach out and share details. Rates vary based on the complexity of your project and what rights you are interested in purchasing.
Will you illustrate the kids book I wrote?
Although I absolutely love kids books, I don’t have much experience with illustrating them! You'd have a better product and enjoy the process more if you worked with an artist who either really wants to illustrate kids books or has a lot of experience doing so. If you think my portfolio really aligns with the concept of your book, I’d love to hear about it! Please visit the contact page to reach out and share details. Be sure to include concise information regarding what your book is about, what your timeline is and why, and what your budget is.
Would you design my album art or poster or shirt?
Yes! I’m happy to create an illustration for you. Please keep in mind I don’t do any typography design. Please visit the contact page to reach out and share details. Include concise information regarding what kind of music you make, what your timeline is and why, what your budget is, and most importantly what pieces in my portfolio align with your vision!
Do you design tattoos?
Sorry, I am not currently accepting tattoo design requests.
I recommend finding a tattoo artist whose work really resonates with you. I think the best tattoos come from artists who are working in their own style with clients who trust them! Instagram is a great place to find tattoo artists in your area whose work you love.
Quality work in a safe and sanitary environment costs money, so save up and tip your tattoo artist. If you can, support a woman-owned local-to-you tattoo shop!
Can get a tattoo of one of your existing paintings?
I’d love that! Please make sure your tattoo artist is comfortable with tattooing other people’s work first. Trust your tattooer if they recommend changes to the artwork, both to fit their art style and adapt the illustration to be better suited for a tattoo.
If your tattoo artist posts a picture to social media, please ask them to tag me and credit me as the original artist.
I’d love to see a photo of the final tattoo! Tag me on instagram, direct message me, or email me a picture!
Shop
Do you offer wholesale?
Yes! Thank you for your interest in carrying my products in your store! Please visit the contact page to reach out. I’ll get back to you shortly with terms, pricing, and my wholesale catalog.
Who prints your work?
I do! I print and package my prints in my studio using archival inks and paper.
What printer do you use?
I have an Epson R2880 that prints up to 13” x 19”. It makes great quality prints! It’s discontinued now because I purchased it back in 2011. Whenever it kicks the bucket I’ll most likely purchase one of Epson’s newer models. As for paper and inks, I stick with Epson’s products because they all work well together.
Can you make your prints larger?
The print sizes I offer in my shop are either the same size as the original painting or smaller. If I scale a painting up to create a larger print it becomes blurry and I don’t want to sell low quality prints to you! I do have some of my work available on Society6 and they offer larger sizes.
How can I buy an original you’ve already created?
I’m glad you are interested in an original! I have a few listed in my shop, but not all of them. Please visit the contact page to reach out and I'll let you know what I have available and their prices.
Materials & Process
What materials do you use?
My underdrawings are completed with a mechanical pencil and I paint with watercolors. I have a comprehensive list of of all my materials and where to buy them here if you are interested!
Were you always a watercolor gal or did you try lots of stuff and then land on it?
I experimented with all kinds of materials as a kid before landing on watercolor. From colored pencils to pastels to oil paint, I tried it all! I started focusing on watercolors in college and slowly that was the material I reached for first. When I imagined a final painting in my head, it gradually became watercolors exclusively. I’m open to trying and experimenting with new materials, so who knows what the future will hold! For now, watercolors hold the key to my art heart. And funnily enough, I generally consider myself a drawer over a painter!
What is your process for creating a piece?
Once I have an idea in mind, I find or take photos to work from. Sometimes I even collage my reference photos together in photoshop. Then I sketch! 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 explore color palettes. 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 final watercolor paper using a light box. Next I complete a detailed underdrawing with a drafting mechanical pencil. Then I finish it off with watercolors, painting light to dark.
I achieve flat washes in the background of my paintings by masking off my underdrawing with masking fluid. Once that is dry, I paint several layers of flat washes in varies directions letting each layer dry completely before the next. Then I peel up the masking (which is really satisfying!) and paint the main subject matter.
How do you frame your work?
I order almost all of my framing supplies from Westfall Framing 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. Learn more here.
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.
Inspiration
What influences you? Where do you get your inspiration?
I love creating pieces that use elements of nature metaphorically, influenced by stories, symbolism, and myths. I also find joy painting an object from nature with no conceptual intent, simply to enjoy and celebrate its magnificent existence. Nature is never-ending, it is wild and full of beautiful textures. It pairs wonderfully with watercolors which can be unrestrained and difficult to tame. Embracing this unpredictability yields organic textures similarly to the ones found in nature. I’m constantly delighted and surprised by both nature and the medium. Read more from my June 2016 interview with Made With Love.
Who are your favorite artists?
Alphonse Mucha
Furry Little Peach
James C. Christensen
J.A.W. Cooper
João Ruas
Mateusz Urbanowicz
Sam Weber
Shaun Tan
Teagan White
Tim Von Rueden
William-Adolphe Bouguereau
And so many more! Browse who I follow on Instagram to see more wonderful artists.
Have a question that isn’t listed here?