About My Art
The Artist
I have been painting watercolors for over 20 years and have studied under 12 national and Sonoma County artists. After several years working with acrylics, I took a watercolor workshop and immediately immersed myself in this wonderful medium.
For over forty years my vocation has been landscape design and watercolors have been a natural extension, using colors, textures and shapes. I have won numerous awards including 3 Best of Show honors. I have taught several classes in Sonoma County over the years.
If you look through my website you can see the floral section has the most paintings in it. I have designed landscapes for over 40 years and never cease to love whatever is blooming at the time I see it. And when I see it I’m inspired to paint it. The gardening gene is a gift from my mother who gardened until the age of 98.
The Materials
– Paper
I use high quality cotton rag paper by Arches. 300# cold press is useful because it doesn’t warp or need to be taped down. I also use 300# to show a lot of texture or for a painting where I am going to lift colors.
Another choice is 140# cold press if I want a smoother surface but still have a good flow of paint and water. Normally I don’t soak my paper and just want to be able to grab it and paint. But I have soaked paper (140 cp) when I want to staple it to stretcher board and not have a frame around it.
I have fallen in love with 140 hot press paper but only use it when I know it’s properties will enhance the painting I have in mind. It behaves very differently than cold press paper but has some excellent qualities that I enjoy.
– Paints
My favorite paints are artist quality watercolor paints by Winsor and Newton, Daniel Smith, Cheap Joe’s, and Schminke. Opaque paints are useful from time to time for a special effect but otherwise they are transparent or semi transparent.
– Brushes
My brushes are a combination of synthetic blend and sable. I tend to use round brushes with an occasional flat brush and sizes 4 through 10. I buy brushes that have a good point; I’ll spend more for high quality brushes. I love detail and layering and smaller, round brushes seen to suit me.
– Prints
All my prints are made with inks and papers that are archival and Giclee quality. When you buy a print you also get a certificate of authenticity stating you are buying only the highest quality print.
If you would like to Purchase My Art
Numerous originals, prints, cards and panels are available for purchase through my website using PayPal or a credit card.
No credit card or PayPal account information is ever requested nor retained by my website. PayPal manages all purchase transactions, and you are transferred there briefly to authorize your purchase.
We will send you an acknowledgement email after purchase and another email once your products have been shipped.
Shipping
For all products shipped within the US, you can expect to receive your purchase 7-10 days after ordering. Shipping costs depend on the products you purchase:
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An Original Watercolor will be shipped in a large sturdy tube or a reinforced cardboard box and insured for full value. Fixed shipping rate $25 per original.
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A giclee print will be rolled loosely and shipped in an appropriately sized, sturdy cardboard tube. Fixed shipping rate $12 for one or more prints in a single tube.
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Greeting card assortments are shipped in a cardboard box or in bubble-wrapped packaging. Fixed shipping rate $12 for one or more assortments.
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Panels are shipped in a reinforced cardboard box. Fixed shipping rate $20 per panel
For all products shipped outside the US, most are delivered within 10-20 days of purchase. International shipping rates vary and will be provided via email shortly after purchase.
Return Policy
If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please email us within five days of receipt to shipping@mjcwatercolor.com.
You may return the painting in its original condition for a full refund. The customer is responsible for all return shipping charges, unless the product was damaged in transit.
