Yellow

Yellow

“In my world, yellow lives its best life in the company of neutrals”. Z. Edwards

 

Every colour has meaning that we either inherently sense or have learned about by association or conditioning. Yellow is the colour most often attached to the warmth and joyfulness of sun. It is the most visible colour on the spectrum and it captures our attention more than any other colour.

In the natural world, yellow is the colour of sunflowers and daffodils, egg yolks and lemons, canaries and bees. In our contemporary human-made world, yellow is the colour of Sponge Bob, the Tour de France winner’s jersey, emojis that reflect growing smorgasbord of emotions, post its, and signs that alert us to danger or caution.

In modern times, the colour yellow was used as a way to treat depression and boost moods as early as 1917. During World War I, a colour researcher Howard Kemp Prossor designed hospital rooms meant to calm the nerves of shell-shocked troops. No surprise then that the vibrant sunflower has become a symbol for depression-successfully treated.

Though there are countless positive associations, yellow has had a bumpy ride in history. If you’re tickled to know why yellow is the colour of controversy and what’s a Ketchup and Mustard Theory, pop over to 6 interesting facts about the colour yellow.

As for our perception of the spectrum – lighter pastel yellows are seen as childlike and immature while canary yellow is feathery and soft to the touch. Slightly greenish Dijons and curries lean more to the exotic side of the yellow family, while ambers and topaz are viewed as more ‘upscale’ and luxurious. The closer to orange it moves, the more garrulous and outgoing yellow becomes.

Commissioning artwork

Commissioning artwork

To some it may be obvious but let’s cover the basics – what is a commission. An art commission refers to a client paying an artist to create a custom work of art. Typically, this means that the artist will be making a piece for the client’s personal collection, but it can also be for a special event, business, corporate collection, museum, or other institution. 

I’ll focus on commissions for personal collection. An example of my response to a commission enquiry will give you a better idea of how the process works and what needs to be considered and agreed. I chose a commission of  a golfer figure. 

Approach: In my sports paintings, I focus on the energy and movement of the characters. Though I can work from a photo, a video footage works better for this particular subject…I can study the movement and choose an interesting moment and composition. Good light is important and a footage from sunny or a light day would be a great help. 

Style and Colour: What style appeals to you and are there any particular paintings of mine you find compelling? I typically work with a fresh but limited colour palette or in monochrome. Is there a particular colour preference you’d like me to consider?

Size: Movement pieces in watercolour work well on sizes 28 x 38 cm or larger. Please confirm what size and format suits you (portrait, landscape or square).

Pricing: My commissions start from £____ per painting (that applies for the above mentioned size or similar). Considerable savings can be made when commissioning multiple paintings.

The price includes painting on paper, an archival backing board, clear sleeve and a secure packaging, ready for posting. Postage within the UK is included in the price. International postage depends on the destination. Typically, within Europe the postage is £30 and outside Europe ca £60.

Payment: Online transfer to my business account. 50 % is payable in advance and 50% upon completion. I’ll send over the photos of the finished piece for approval prior to posting. 

Timing: Allow for a week for the painting and a week for delivery. The process can be expedited, should there be a need.

Framing or mounting is available upon request at additional cost. I’m happy to suggest framing options that would suit the piece and places where to source them. 

Authentication: The works come signed on the front and with a Certificate of Authenticity attached to the back.

So much for the bones but as for the details each commission is individual to the personal preferences of a client. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me via the website or drop me a line to [email protected]


Client review:

Shot Tower, commission art by Zuzana Edwards

Shot Tower – Crane Nature Reserve, commission art by Zuzana Edwards

“Having been gifted ‘a piece of art of my choice’ for my birthday, Zuzana’s work was among the first I thought to look through. Being an existing owner of her work, I was keen to add to my collection. I was looking for something specific and meaningful so decided to go down the route of a commission.

Talking to Zuzana about what I was looking for was easy and the process felt very natural – specifying a subject, thoughts on what to include in the composition and painting style were all discussed. I was amazed when two absolutely stunning options came through on email less than 8 days after my initial request!  Framing and postage were then discussed and arranged meaning I would have a completely finished piece ready to hang. 

I’m so happy with the painting and feel as though Zuzana has captured the beauty and mystery of the Shot Tower and how it stands confidently among the lushness of Crane Park. A perfect way to mark my 40th birthday that will be cherished and enjoyed for years to come. Thank you Zuzana!”

-Sukh, art collector-

Framing Art – Tips and Inspiration

Framing Art – Tips and Inspiration

With so many choices available selecting the right frame can be a bit of a pain. Here are some simple tips and visual references for works on paper.

Floating, Matting or Bleeding to the edge

Floating means the artwork is attached to a backing material like an acid-free core (a thick foamy card) or a wood panel, allowing for a gap between the work and the frame. This type of mounting creates a shadow around the work and adds another dimension. It’s suitable for original paintings on paper with an interesting texture or edges.

 

Conspiring by Zuzana Edwards, watercolour painting of ostriches, 9 x 12 inch (22.8 x 30.5 cm)

 

Matting is a common way of presenting art. A white or an off-white mat is a safe choice and often the most effective in letting the art stand out. If you’re tempted by coloured mat then don’t go for lighter than the lightest or darker than the darkest colour/tone in the painting. One mount is clean and classic, but if you do go for second – accent mat choose a colour from the painting. Matting works well with small and medium sized artworks. Large mats on a small detailed artworks can look particularly attractive.

 

Dreaming of spuds by Zuzana Edwards, Pigs sleeping, whimsical watercolour painting. Original in double mount, unframed.

 

Bleeding to the edge is what it says on the tin and is as straight forward as it gets. It’s suitable for larger artwork or prints and for pieces with white border or plenty of white space around the subject.

 

 

For further framing consultation get in touch [email protected].

Is it original?

Is it original?

What to look out for before you buy.

You found a piece of art you love – and there is no better reason to own one than love. It moves you, it lifts your soul and your happy hormones are having a party, just looking at it.

Now for the matter of mind. It’s not always clear what type of artwork is presented – is it original painting, print or is it a poster?

Here are some of the most common types of 2D artwork sold and terminology that goes with it.

Originals

Original painting – refers to one of a kind, unique piece of art – painting created, signed and certified by the artist. They hold most value (financial and emotional) and in some cases appreciate with time.

Original copy in an edition – refers to multiple copies of a painting, produced – painted (not printed) by the same artist. Essentially, it’s the same image painted multiple times. These are still originals, but the artist needs to declare the item number and how many copies are there are in an edition. It’s usually displayed as a fraction 5/25 on the painting. Anything that isn’t numbered should be a one of a kind original piece of artwork. If there are multiple copies that exist of a particular painting and they aren’t identified with an edition number, it is classified as wall art and not considered original.

Prints

There are two types of prints what is referred to as original hand pulled prints and limited edition artist approved prints.

We’ll cover here the latter – limited edition prints. They are created from original works of art – paintings. These are also signed and numbered by the original artist giving permission for these prints to be made. In this category you have limited edition prints and canvas prints.

If artworks are copied and not signed or numbered then it is considered a poster, wall art, or décor art and not original. It can also be assumed to have been copied without permission of the artist is therefore an open edition copy and has no value. Open editions are the same as posters; they are reproductions or copies only without any value. Any prints outside an edition are also posters or décor art.

Fine art versus digital prints

Simply put, it boils down to longevity.

Fine art, also known as giclee prints refer to printing process using inkjet printers on archival, high quality paper. Giclee prints are far superior to all other forms of printing. When done correctly, it’s the closest an artist can get to matching their original 2-D artwork. Perhaps even more importantly, fine art prints (unlike digital prints) will last. If kept out of the sunlight they remain true for decades, not weeks as the case would be with digital prints.

I hope this offers a bit of clarity before make your next art purchase.