FAQs

Here you’ll find answers to the questions I find most frequently asked. If you have a question
not answered here or want further insight, please feel free to CONTACT ME.

Purchasing & Shipping

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN NEW WORK IS AVAILABLE & RELEASED?

The best way is to join my Creatives Club Art Letter / Email List to be the first to know when new paintings are added to the website and also follow me on Instagram and or Facebook (@WhitneyDesignStudios) where you’ll see works in progress and projects upcoming in the studio.

DO YOU DO COMMISSIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS?

Yes, please see the COMMISSION PAGE for more information about the commission process and how to contact me about a commission or special art project.

CAN I GET A PAINTING SHIPPED TO ME OUTSIDE OF YOUR LOCAL AREA?

Absolutely! I use USPS, FedEx Ground or appropriate shipping company to be sure they arrive safely. Check out the SHIPPING POLICIES for full information. You will also see the shipping charge applied at check out. If you have specific shipping needs or are out of the continental US, please contact me with the artwork you’re interested in, your shipping address and postal code for more detailed shipping information.

CAN I PICK UP MY ARTWORK AT YOUR STUDIO? or DO YOU DELIVER WITHIN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BAY AREA?  

Yes, I love studio visits! If you prefer to pick up your painting, contact me to arrange a time to come see the studios and pick up your artwork. I can accommodate most delivery requests within an hour of the studio as well, especially if the paintings are large. Select “LOCAL PICKUPS” in the Shipping Options.

WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE IF THE PAINTING IS THE RIGHT SIZE OR LOOK FOR MY SPACE?

Did you fall in love with a painting but not sure how it will look in your room or if it will fit? I have a solution for you and it’s free! I can pop the painting into a picture of your wall and email or text it to you so you can see what it will REALLY look like. Here’s how:

Check the measurement of the artwork as listed. Then, get some blue painters tape or similar tape and tape out that dimension on your wall exactly where you want to place the artwork. You only need to mark the corners of the artwork size with the tape so it is clearly visible on the wall. Even just 2 corners, 1 above and 1 below on the diagonal will be enough for me to figure out the scale. Make sure the light is decent but not glaring and then stand back and take a photo straight on and be sure the tape marks are clearly showing.

A few photo tips: try to get as much of the room in view as you like but photograph the walls as straight as you can. Hold your phone perpendicular to the floor, either vertical or horizontal as you think best suits the view you want to capture, just don’t let the phone tilt forward or backwards much as it will skew the walls. Take the photo from straight on. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just close enough and I can work with the rest! Then use the contact form on the bottom of this page to message me and I’ll be in touch for you to email me with the info about the artwork and the picture you took of your wall. Next, I’ll pop the painting into your picture for you & email it to you for your review. If you have questions or need more help, please contact me though the form at the bottom of the page. Here’s an example from a previous collector:

Are the color & size I see online an exact representation of the color & size of the artwork?

Every image of artwork is created with special care & the fullest transparency possible.  My goal is for you to fall completely in love with your artwork! However, as not all computer monitors or mobile devices are the same, colors may very slightly from actual artwork. These screen related color differences are beyond our control. If you are concerned about the color, we suggest you view the artwork on the site through 2 different types of devices (computer and phone, etc). Please note- For sizing, use the sizes listed in the artwork description as these are accurate. The scale of paintings to furniture or interiors in images may not be exact. Images are meant only to give approximate reference & an idea of how the art looks hung on a wall.

I purchased artwork, do I now own the rights to do anything I want with it?

I retain all rights to all the artwork I create.  This includes all rights to any images of sold as well as commissioned original paintings. I reserve the right to make reproductions of any and all artwork I create unless you purchase full or partial rights to the artwork (this is in addition to purchasing the original).

You may not reproduce the artwork in any way without my clear written permission. 

If the artwork ends up being published, photographed or reproduced in a magazine or other media for something like an interior design article, blog or video; you and/or the publishing agency will just need to credit the artwork to me in the printing, website or video, etc. And hooray for you! I am honored to have my art be a part of your celebrated and beautiful space!

When you purchase an original painting you have the right to display the artwork in any way you want in your space, home or business but the artwork may not be reproduced or resold without my written permission.

Please contact me if you want to know more about purchasing full or partial rights to artwork. This may include purchasing the right to reproduce the artwork to ensure it will never become a print and will be exclusively yours, especially for commissions. I am always happy to discuss this more with you if you’re interested!

Returns / Exchanges

Every piece of art, order, commission, and sale is handled with care and as much clarity and transparency as possible. My goal is for you to fall completely fall in love with your purchase! But in case there are any issues, please see my SHIPPING AND RETURN POLICIES for full and complete information.

Framing, Finishing & Hanging Artwork

Do I need to frame my painting?

That depends on the artwork you selected:

Original Paper paintings will need to be framed to protect the art. You can take them to a frame shop or if you’re handy you may want to frame it yourself. I have provided a framing guide at the bottom of this page with most of the information important to framing- including a few places to source frames. I also always recommend a mat to create a barrier between the artwork and the glass to prevent damaging the art over time. Also, I recommend the use UV glass if possible and keep art out of direct sunlight. (I have A RESOURCE LIBRARY in the works and it will be added to this site later this year so you can find all the helpful tips and DIY info in one place!)

Paper prints may be framed similarly, or you may frame them in an open poster frame.

Stretched canvas or cradled wood panels do not need to be framed. These types or artworks create their own frame with a 1-4" depth and can be hung without a frame. I tend to paint the sides of the painting, either like a frame in a solid coordinating color or as if the image wraps around the sides for a finished look. But certainly, you can frame your piece if you prefer a frame. I recommend using a floater frame that leaves a small gap between the edge of the art and the frame. They can be purchased readymade or custom built in different finishes. The floater frames usually look best with the contemporary style of the art, but that’s a style choice I’ll leave up to you. Sometimes the contrast of a traditional frame with contemporary art can make quite a fun statement too!

What do the sides of the paintings look like?

If the painting encompasses the whole canvas with not much white space, then I normally paint the sides of the canvas a solid coordinating color or sometimes the painting wraps or continues around the edges. If the artwork is surrounded by a lot of whitespace, I leave the edges white. You may occasionally find a drip or splatter on the sides and that is a normal part of the painting process. I find it adds another layer of interest and honesty to the art.

Do you put a finish on the paintings?

Yes. I use Windsor and Newton UV matte varnish on paper pieces and a mix of the Windsor & Newton UV varnish, Liquitex Soluvar satin, gloss or matte varnishes on canvas and wood panels.  Some are sprayed on and some are brushed on. All are made to protect the artwork from dust and light. The specific finish on canvas and wood paintings are handwritten on the back of the wood or stretcher bars along with the mediums used and the title. Even with the protective finish, it is highly recommended to keep artwork out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage.

Are canvas and cradled wood panel paintings wired and ready to hang?

Yes, all canvas or wood panel paintings are signed, wired, and ready to hang for easy installation. Paper paintings will need to be framed to protect the artwork. See Framing FAQs above.

How is the canvas attached to the frame?

I use a mix of prestretched canvases, either gallery wrapped or back stapled format. Gallery wrapped canvases usually have thicker wood framing bars and no visible staples on the back. The canvas is tucked into the wooden stretcher bars with a length of corded splining. Some gallery wrapped canvases may still have a few staples showing just at the corner.

Back stapled stretched canvases have the canvas stretched over the frame and stapled to the back with visible staples. The stretcher bars on this type of canvas tend to be a bit thinner. I make sure my canvases have a tight corner stretched and stapled as flat as possible so they are appropriate for hanging without a frame. More traditional stretched canvas may have staples on the side, but I rarely if ever use this kind as it always requires a frame due to the many staples.

Can I special order artwork with a frame?

Possibly! I sometimes do special custom orders with frames although the shipping goes up quite a bit. Contact me through the contact form at the bottom of the page and we can see if we can make it happen!

Materials, Process and Technique

What supplies do you use in artwork labeled "Mixed Media"?

Materials can vary greatly in the studio. For the most part I use acrylic paints (Liquitex & Golden primarily and sometimes Amsterdam, Novacolor or  Sennelier). I tend to use high flow acrylics and acrylic inks frequently. I also use mediums or enhancers for the texture and flow of the paints (i.e. molding paste, gels, matte mediums and extender polymers).  On paper pieces I may add watercolor into the mix. From there, I typically add acrylic paint pens, water-soluble graphite, charcoal, chalk and oil pastels and other water-soluble pencils for mark making. Sometimes collage may be incorporated to include a multitude of vintage or contemporary printed papers and textural bits.

Are those watery washes of color on the canvas watercolor paint?

While I have used watercolor on canvas, it requires a special watercolor ground medium. I have a few paintings that used this technique, but I prefer to use acrylic inks. Acrylic ink may look like watercolor, but it has a more colorfast and saturated pigment for working on canvas. I do still sometimes use watercolors on the paper paintings. All canvas paintings (and most paper paintings) are labeled on the back or back of the stretcher bars with the mediums used in that particular artwork.

How do you start a painting?

It depends on the painting but 2 of my favorite ways include starting the painting with water (for inks especially). I push and pull the water into shapes and motions I like and then add the acrylic ink. For thicker paints, I add paint first then water and repeat the push and pull motions with either a brush or a silicon wedge repeatedly. Then more paint in differing shades can be added to define light and dark areas while always keeping the energy and the rhythm of movement. I work in a series of layers to build up interest, texture and depth in the painting. I add marks with charcoal, chalks, pastels and paint pens- usually more toward the final layers of the painting. Water soluble graphite is another of my go to favorites.

Workshops & Classes

I love to host painting workshops and classes my studio! I will be hosting live events as well as online offerings and downloads. It’s all in progress! Check the workshops page and sign up for my mailing list to stay up to date. Later I hope to offer creative retreats once or twice a year. So many things are in the works for you!

Stockists & Galleries

I am honored you would like to add my artwork to your walls and in your shop! Gallery owners, please CONTACT ME to discuss your gallery and ideas.

Interior Designers

I love working with designers and decorators and I feel a special connection as I have been working in the design industry myself for over 13 years. I know what art can do for a room as well as what a beautifully designed room can do for a piece of art! I would be honored to assist you in finding the perfect piece. I offer designers a trade discount but do not allow my work to be marked up above my published MSRP. I’m also open to selling digital images to you for prints. Please CONTACT ME to discuss your needs and set up a specific coupon code for you to use frequently. 

Press

I love working with podcasters, bloggers, vloggers, editors, stylists, and writers!  I can provide you with images to use for your article or event. Please credit both me & any photographers listed. If you have any questions, GET IN TOUCH. I am always open to interviews, love talking about art and interior design and am happy sharing my story with you and your audience.

Framing Guide- tips and ideas

Framing and hanging are the final steps in your art collecting journey. Your style and aesthetic tastes plays the starring role in how you want your painting to look in your space, but if you’re having trouble deciding if and how to frame a piece, here are some things to consider to get you on the right track.

Consider your space

Where do you want hang your new artwork and how much space will you need around it? If you have a large space you may want to consider a larger piece and maybe a larger frame. If you’re framing paper artwork, a nice wide mat will give a more clean and contemporary feel- perfect for a modern space. A larger mat around the painting will also draw your eye in nicely. 

Have a painting on canvas with nice white or painted sides? You don’t need a frame, its ready to hang! But, if you want the tailored feel of a frame, try a floater frame. This style leaves a small even gap between the painting and the frame, creating an accent around the artwork. These are perfect for contemporary and abstract art. They give a nic clean finish. You can find these frames readymade or have a framer custom make one for your art. There are lots of manufacturers of this type of frame online as well in many standard sizes. They are very easy to attach to your art, with a few screws and a screwdriver or screw gun, and then you’re ready to hang!

What color?

Frames come in many sizes and colors these days. If you’re going through frame shop then you can choose from a selection of colors for your frame and matboards for paper paintings  too. A professional framer will be able to give you advice and best options based on the artwork and look you want. But if you want to DIY your frame, that’s pretty easy too. You can always have a framer cut matboard for paper paintings and then purchase a readymade frame for a fraction of what it costs for custom framing.  Bring your artwork into the frame shop so you can see what color mat and frame work best with the art. Whatever color you are considering, don’t forget to factor in the color of the wall it will be hanging on. If in doubt, a simple white always works well.

Want a gallery wall, but not sure what frames and what if the artwork is all very different?

No problem! As an interior designer I’ve helped many clients take art collections with all kinds of colors and styles and tied them together with this easy tip: choose 1-3 style/colors of frames and stick with those only. Uniting all the frames ties the art collection together in a pleasing and eye catching way. Now the traditional landscape painting you inherited from your grandmother can sit next to the contemporary abstract you recently purchased with no problem! AND…Your art doesn’t need to match the furniture- it just needs to bring you JOY and be tied together with a few choice frames!

How to hang or display your art

I’ve seen all kinds of ideas and DIY ways to creatively hang art and you can find lots of examples on Pinterest and YouTube. I tend to hang my art in more traditional ways without the hangers showing, letting the art be the star of the show. However, here are a few tips from a designer (me!): Stack a few pieces leaning up together on a skinny floating shelf to make it visually interesting. Change out your art occasionally. You can just switch pieces out or trade places with art in other rooms to change it up.  Don’t have room for a big gallery wall? No problem, just group 3-5 smaller pieces together. Always group in odd numbers to keep it interesting and balanced asymmetry is also your friend!

If you want to buy a quick readymade frame here are some tips to help you pick the right one. If your piece came already matted, you can buy a frame to fit the mat size and replace the one that comes with the frame. If you’re on a budget, the IKEA Ribba frames with either the thin or thicker frame work well- just check the sizes as they are listed in European standard sizes. You can just have a mat cut to size at the frame shop. Or try the IKEA HOVSTA. Alternatively Michaels carries a reasonable shadowbox style (Belmont Shadow box) frame in a few sizes and finishes. These come with a muslin back panel and mounting board so the artwork floats free in the frame.

For canvas framing, you can have a floater frame made at the frame shop, make your own (there are lots of YouTube how to videos out there if you’re handy!) or try an art store like Blick Art or Jerry’s Artarama or even Amazon.

*Please note this guide is just to give you a few ideas. Please measure and convert sizes carefully before buying. If you have questions, feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to help.  Also, remember that when it comes to frames, you generally get what you pay for. Depending on the art and your budget, it may be worth going to a professional. Framing doesn’t just make your artwork stand out, it protects it from dust, moisture and light so it will last for many years.

PS - I’d really love to see what art you’ve chosen and how you’ve styled it in your space!
Send me a picture via email at wdstudios.sc@gmail.com or tag me on Facebook / Instagram @WhitneyDesignStudios

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Contact Me

Have questions about commissions, collaborations or how a painting would look in your space? Contact me here.
I love to talk about art & I would love to hear from you!