Portrait Materials

  • Portraits will be painted on Arches cold pressed 300 lb acid-free watercolor paper.
  • Watercolor pigments used for the portrait will be of highest quality and lightfast (not prone to discolor when exposed to light).
  • Final portraits are matted with archival quality artboard, acid-free backing, and shipped flat.
  • Framing is NOT included in the cost of a commissioned portrait.  (If you would like to have your portrait completed with a frame, additional charges and shipping fees will be applied).
Archival Matting
The way your portrait is framed is important to make it last for years of enjoyment. To help keep it from deteriorating over time, your portrait will come with a neutral colored archival mat that compliments the white of the watercolor paper, as well as an acid-free backing board. If you would like to later change the size or color of the mat provided, please keep archival quality supplies in mind for proper care.

Framing Tips

All portraits are mounted to fit into standard ready made frames to reduce your framing costs. Please be sure to select a ready made frame that has enough depth in the recess at the back (also known as rabbet depth) to encompass: the glass, mat, thick watercolor paper, and backing board. No less than 1/2" rabbet depth would be ideal.

UV-blocking Glass
When framing your portrait, please also consider selecting a conservation glass. Conservation UV- blocking glass has been proven to protect and maintain art as close to its original condition as possible.