Q: Why do I display my paintings on a white background rather than a black one?
A: Let's start with the white background. I used to use a black background. It really made my paintings pop. They looked like jewels or stained glass. However, most people are not going to hang the painting on a black wall. Many people have white or light walls in their homes. I think with the white background, more people are going to get a truer idea of how the painting will look in their home.
Q: Why do I work from photographs and not "real life"?
A: I work from photographs because I'm slow. My average paintings have 40-plus hours in them. If I worked outside, the light and the shades would be constantly changing. I don't require an excellent photograph because I can play God and move things around, or even take stuff out or add things in.
Q: Why do I frame the way I do?
A: When I first started painting, my husband was making my frames. Beautiful. Beautiful. However, my mentor came to me. "Those are lovely frames, but they do nothing for your paintings. I would suggest a gold frame." She was right.
Now, I use white and off-white mats for a reason. All the competitions and big shows require it. With the price of archival matting, it is tying up a lot of money to keep odd colors in stock. I originally had my friend, who I do art shows with, cutting my mats. I decided that when I get my mat cutter, I was going to use a less expensive mat. It was getting late at night, and I was getting ready for the art show the next day. I had picked up my last full sheet size. I got a paper cut, and my blood just made a trail down the face of the mat. You can't turn it over.
Now, what am I going to do? It's ruined. I can experiment with it! Well, I twisted up a piece of paper towel to a nice point. I wet the paper towel and gently and carefully patted it on only the blood. Since it was a top-quality archival mat, the blood lifted off it, and I was saved. So, another case of you get what you pay for. When I got my mat cutter, I used only archival mats. Trust me, it's worth the money.
Q: Why do you only deduct a very small amount from the total price per unit when you sell the painting without the frame?
A: When a framed piece is pulled out of its frame and sold, I do not like to do this. One man said, "I don't have any in my house with a gold frame." I usually only take $20 off the full price. See, I buy my frames in bulk. I got a really good price for them. Then, the frame is only there to protect the painting anyway.
Q: Why do I require you to call me before you can buy a painting (instead of ordering it online)?
A: These paintings are one of a kind. I ask you to call, just in case someone else has purchased it before you.