Are your paintings made with quality materials?

  • Yes. All of my paintings are produced either on Strathmore 400 series, or Arches watercolor paper. Both are acid free and will last for generations if handled properly. I use paints from three manufacturers, M. Grahm, Daniel Smith, and Winsor & Newton. In my opinion, these are some of the best paints on the market. Of the colors offered, I only use those rated at the top two levels of light fastness (LF1; Excellent light fastness and LF2; Very good light fastness) by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Do you take commissions? If so, how do I commission a piece of artwork with you? What’s involved?

  • Absolutely, I love commissions. Not only is a sale almost certain (which makes the businessman in me happy) but I love the chance to collaborate with a client and help make their vision a reality. I specialize in pets, botanicals, animals, landscapes and architectural subjects.
  • To start the process to commission a work, simply drop me a note on the Contact Me page letting me know what you’re thinking. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can and we’ll discuss the project so that I can get a clear picture of what your vision is. Then I’ll produce an Agreement for Commissioned Art. This will contain, among other information, a description of the project, a completion date, and of course a price. Up until you sign the agreement you are under no obligation to carry on with the project. If you are satisfied with the agreement, then I ask for a 50% down payment to start the painting. After you have received the finished painting, you will have 7 days to decide if you are satisfied with it. If not, I will attempt to fix it, if I cannot, then your entire payment will be refunded.

Do you frame artwork? Any tips on framing?

  • I do offer framing services but only for my own artwork. I charge $15 in labor plus cost of materials, this assumes I cut a single mat, if you want to use a pre-cut mat or have me cut a double mat, labor costs will vary. I only use, and you should insist on the use of, acid free, archival materials when framing any valuable piece of art. This includes the mat (watercolor paintings should always have a mat, it provides air space between the glass and the painting to prevent moisture from condensing there), backing board, and tape. A piece of UV-resistant glass is a good idea as well. Here is a pretty good video on the framing process.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfo4T97LSHk

Any tips on displaying your art work?

  • Probably the most important consideration when displaying a painting is to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. I do use watercolor paints with light fast pigments, however, very few pigments, regardless of quality, can hold up long under the high UV light levels of natural sunlight.
  • High humidity levels can also damage watercolor paintings, however it is my experience that the humidity levels in a typical home environment are acceptable; even in Iowa in July.

When I buy one of your paintings do I own all rights to the painting? Can I make prints?

  • Sorry no. When you purchase a painting you only take ownership of the physical work of art. Unless specifically stated in the art sale agreement, I reserve all reproduction rights, including the right to claim statutory copyright, in the artwork. The artwork may not be photographed, sketched, painted, or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express, written consent of the Artist. All approved reproductions shall bear the following copyright notice: by WB Allen (Year____).
  • That being said, if you wish for me to create artwork for note cards, Christmas cards, etc. for your own personal use, I’m happy to do that and will note in the art sale agreement your permission to reproduce the artwork for such use.

Any other questions?

  • If you have any other questions please contact me via the Contact Me page and I will do my best to answer them.