FAQs

How do you leave the white lines?

Very carefully! I use brushes that keep their shape and snap back to a point, and finely textured paper that allows me to create smooth lines when I paint. It’s a delicate and gentle process that takes time and mindfulness! I prefer not to use resists- it means my work is more intuitive and can adapt as I paint.

What paints and paper do you use?

It’s important to me that I use quality materials. They’re far more enjoyable to paint with, and being archival they’ll last hundreds of years! I prefer Fabriano Artistico or Arches Cold-Pressed papers. These are 100% cotton rag papers, which means they don’t discolour or degrade over time the way wood-based papers do.

I love using Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours (Winsor and Newton are great too). I choose lightfast, vivid pigments which keep their colour over time. I love Daniel Smith’s Primatek range, which is made out of minerals and semi-precious stones. They create amazing textures, and sometimes add a luxurious touch of sparkle to my paintings! I avoid toxic cadmium pigments.

I love to talk about art materials and techniques- check out the Log Book for tutorials or feel free to get in touch if you’d like to find out more!

What size mat and frame should I buy?

Here are some standard options- 8” x 10” art- 11” x 14” frame and mat with 8” x 10” aperture 11” x 14” art- 16” x 20” frame and mat with 11” x 14” aperture 16” x 20” art- 22” x 28” frame and mat with 16” x 20” aperture

You may find that the aperture is slightly smaller to ensure it covers the edges of the paper.

Why do I need a mat?

A mat keeps a gap between the artwork and the glass. In humid weather, it prevents tiny amounts of condensation on the glass from damaging your artwork.

If you don't want to use a mat, look for a box frame or shadow frame- the art will sit at the back of the frame with a big space in front of it.

What kind of mat should I buy?

Acid-free mats are a great choice to protect your artwork, and are very affordable. The paper used to make them had been processed so it won't damage your art work over time. Museum-quality or archival mats are an even better choice as they last even longer. It’s also a good idea to put a piece of cotton rag paper or a back mat behind the artwork to prevent chemicals from the frame back leaching through to your art. If you are having your art professionally framed, your framed will be able to advise you. If you’re framing yourself, then look for acid-free back mats or put a piece of artist-quality watercolour paper behind your painting.

Will the painting look the way it does on screen?

I do my best to ensure that photographs accurately represent the artwork. However, please be aware that your screen or monitor may show colours differently.

What if the painting doesn’t suit my room after all?

I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you find a painting does not quite suit your space, please contact me to arrange an exchange for art of equal value, or for equivalent store credit. The customer is responsible for paying for return shipping. If you would like to make an exchange, please contact me within 7 days of receiving the work.

Do you accept returns for sale items?

I do not offer exchanges, credit or returns on sale items.

My order got damaged in transit- what do I do?

I do my best to ensure that art, prints and cards are packaged securely to ensure their safe arrival. In the unlikely event that an item is damaged on delivery, please contact me with a photo of the damage to arrange a return and refund or exchange.

Who do you ship with?

I ship with Canada Post. All orders of $100 CAN and over are tracked within Canada, and for orders to the US, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand. I also use tracking to countries outside of this area when available.

How long will it take you to send my order out?

Original paintings usually take 5 business days to pack and ship. Prints are made-to-order and take 2-3 weeks to dispatch. Greeting cards usually ship within five days.

How long are shipping times?

Shipping time will depend on the province, state or country you are living in. Shipping within Canada usually takes 1-7 business days, orders to the US take 7 business days, orders to the UK and Europe take 1-3 weeks and orders to Australia and New Zealand take 2-4 weeks. Please note that these are estimates and may be affected by events such as holidays or hold ups with customs. Currently, COVID-19 is causing longer than average shipping times to most areas. Shipping may also take longer if you live in a remote or rural area.

What if you don't ship to my country?

Please contact me if you need a custom shipping quote.

Where do you ship to?

I currently ship within Canada, to the US, Australia and New Zealand. If you live in a different area, please contact me for a custom shipping quote.

Do you ship to the UK?

Following Brexit, the UK has changed its import laws. I have paused shipping to the UK whilst I learn about my VAT obligations and the registration process to ship to the British Isles.

Is local pickup available?

I’m happy to arrange local pick up when we’re in Victoria (usually October to May, though that might be extended this year)! Please email me if you would like to arrange local pickup; I can also give you a code so you don't need to pay for shipping.

Do you offer commissions?

I can create a unique landscape, seascape or wildlife watercolour based on your photos or using my sketches and paintings as inspiration. If you have an idea outside these themes, I’m happy to discuss it! Commission sizes usually start at 11” x 14”. You can find out more on the Commissions page or contact me to chat!