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Welcome and thank you for your interest in my work! I can't wait to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art for you. Below is a quick rundown of what you can expect when working with me. I know it may look like a lot, but it's mostly just boring (but necessary) details and paperwork. I'll handle most of the mundane stuff so that it's super easy for you and we can get to the fun stuff as quickly as possible! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

THE DETAILS

(Isn't that where the devil is?)

The initial consultation is free. We can discuss your project over the phone, through e-mail or preferably, in person. In order to provide you with an accurate quote, I will need the information outlined below. I may do a some very basic sketches or digital renderings to determine the intricacy of your desired style. Additional resources to help determine these details are available at http://www.shellydenning.com/faq.

For Freestanding Artwork and Murals

  1. What size would you like your final artwork to be?

  2. What is the subject of your artwork?

  3. Do you have a photo to work from, or will additional design work be required?

  4. In what artistic style would you like your artwork done? (examples include pop-art and photo-realism)

  5. Does your project require any special materials like gold leaf or sealants?

  6. On what surface would you like your artwork?

  7. Do you have a deadline for your artwork?

For Freestanding Artwork Only

  1. How will we be getting your artwork to you? Shipping and delivery will incur a fee, but you may pick your art up from my studio near Denton, Texas for free.

  2. In what medium would you like your artwork done?

For Murals Only

  1. Is your mural going to be indoors or outdoors?

  2. How high up will your mural be painted?

  3. Will it be on a ceiling?

  4. Is the surface ready to be painted or will priming/repairs be required?

A mural I created for an ATI Training Center (the building has since been demolished...sad face)

THE PAPERWORK

(The boring part. Yuck!)


Proposal

Once I have a clear understanding of the above, I will send a Proposal that includes pricing and other information. If the price is acceptable, you will e-sign the agreement through the online signature request that will be sent to you.


Non-Disclosure Agreement

If extensive designs are necessary, I may include a Non-Disclosure Agreement ensuring that my designs are not executed by another artist. This document must be e-signed as well prior to commencement of the design work.


50% Deposit

I will then send an Invoice for your 50% deposit. Payment options are listed on the invoice. If you are unable to pay the entire 50% at the time, payment arrangements may be available.


Commission Agreement

With the Invoice, I will send an e-sign request with your Commission Agreement that outlines all financial and legal details surround the transaction.


Final Payment

Once complete, an invoice for the remaining 50% will be sent. If your item is to be shipped or delivered, these costs will be included on your invoice. If you are unable to pay the entire 50% at the time, payment arrangements may be available. (I believe everyone should have art around them and I'll work with you to help make this a reality for you!)


Receipt

When the final payment is received, I will provide you with a receipt for the full amount paid.


Statement of Maintenance

A Statement of Maintenance outlining the products used and proper maintenance of your artwork will be provided.


THE ART PROCESS

(The fun stuff! And the reason you're here! Yay!)



My mockups are messy, but give you an idea of how your final artwork may look.

Once the deposit is received, I will provide basic drawings/designs, if required. When we've agreed on a final design, I will purchase any necessary items needed to complete your artwork and I will begin working. Throughout the process, I will share progress photos with you to ensure that the project is headed in the right direction.


I often record time lapse videos of my work and post them on YouTube. It's always fun to see your project come to life in a matter of minutes! If I do this for your project, I will send you the link when it's ready.


All art will be varnished for long-lasting protection from environmental factors and to make it easier to clean.


PRICING

(I'd do it for free if I could, but I like to eat almost every day.)


Very general price lists are available at http://www.shellydenning.com/pricing. Your project may fall into one or between any two of these categories, depending on the factors outlined above. ​


Additional fees that may affect your quote include:

  • Design fee may be assessed if merging of photos or other design-related tasks are required. No design fee will apply if you provide a single photo on which to base the artwork. The rate for design varies between $50 and $1,000 and includes up to 3 initial designs and 3 revisions of one design. Additional revisions are available for $150 each.

  • Design modifications or additions made after the design has been accepted and work has begun may incur additional fees, depending on the scope of the changes.

  • If you do not currently have a photo from which to work, I may be able to arrange a quick photo shoot for an additional fee, provided that you are in my geographical area (Denton, TX).

  • Additional subjects (human or otherwise) will incur an additional charge. The rate is dependent on the number of subjects and size of the artwork.

  • Non-traditional surfaces may incur an additional fee. Please let me know if you wish to have your project completed on a surface other than standard gallery-wrapped canvas, Bristol Board (thick drawing paper), watercolor paper, charcoal paper or a finished wall (for murals).

I hope that this information has taken out some of the mystery and cleared up any questions you may have had about working with me. If not, just ask! I'm not scary (as long as I've had my coffee).



"Sir Diablo" copyright Shelly Denning 2017

UPDATE July 24, 2018: I am now using Gamvar to varnish my oil paintings. This is a final varnish that can be applied when the painting is touch dry and still allows the paint to cure properly. However, the below is still good information for those who wish to varnish their artwork.


All of my oil paintings are delivered with a temporary varnish to help protect them from environmental pollutants. Oil paint is a special medium that doesn't “dry”, by definition. It “cures” as a chemical reaction takes place between the oil and oxygen. This is a slow process that can take up to a year to complete. Once a year has passed since it's completion, I will send you an e-mail notifying you that it's time for your final varnish. This will provide long-lasting protection to your artwork and ensure that it will maintain is richness and vibrance for generations.

Why do I need to varnish my painting?

Technically speaking, a final varnish is not 100% necessary. However, it adds the following benefits to your artwork:

  • It allows you to change the surface finish to gloss or matte.

  • It provides a more unified finish to the various areas of a painting.

  • It increases color saturation.

  • It provides environmental protection for the paint surface.

  • It allows for ease of cleaning.

  • It provides protection from UV radiation.

There are a few ways in which your final varnish may be done:

Option #1: Do it yourself – It's easy!

A couple of different varnish options are available. Instructions for application of both follow. I recommend a gloss varnish to enrich the colors of your painting, but satin and matte finishes are available as well. Make sure you purchase a varnish suitable for oil paintings. Visit your local craft store (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn, Asel, Dick Blick, etc.) and purchase your preferred varnish (recommendations may be found a the end of this post). Most of the large chain stores have 40% (or more) off coupons that can be accessed through their app. Regardless of the method used, I recommend listing the varnish brand and type on the Statement of Maintenance that was provided with your artwork.



BRUSH-ON VARNISH

  1. Prepare the area in which you will apply the varnish by laying down painter's plastic or a cut up trash bag. I recommend applying your varnish in a clean, indoor space so as to lessen the chance of insects, dust or other debris becoming embedded in the varnish as it dries.

  2. Prop your painting on wooden blocks or bricks so that you have access to the edges of the painting. By raising it up, you ensure that the varnish won't cause the painting to stick to the prepared work surface.

  3. Prepare your painting by gently wiping it with a damp cloth to remove any dust from the surface. Allow to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

  4. You'll need a cheap nylon brush. I recommend at least a 1-inch brush for smaller paintings or a 3-inch brush for larger surfaces.

  5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Some varnishes need to be diluted while others may be applied directly from the jar.

  6. Use the brush to spread it around in a thin layer, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges of the canvas. Keep in mind that some brush strokes may be visible in the final product. You can brush the varnish in long, parallel strokes, a criss-cross pattern or you can brush in the direction of the painting underneath. It's up to you.

  7. Allow the varnish to dry for the specified time on the container.

  8. Apply additional coats as suggested by the manufacturer.

  9. That's it! Your artwork is ready to be enjoyed for a lifetime!



SPRAY-ON VARNISH

  1. For a spray varnish, you'll want to work in a well-ventilated area. I usually work outdoors or in the garage. Be sure to wear a dust mask or ventilator so that you are not inhaling the varnish into your lungs.

  2. Prepare the area in which you will apply the varnish by laying down newspaper, painter's plastic or a cut up trash bag.

  3. Place your painting on wooden blocks or bricks so that you have access to the sides of the painting. By raising it up, you ensure that the varnish won't cause the painting to stick to the prepared work surface.

  4. Prepare your painting by gently wiping it with a damp cloth to remove any dust from the surface. Allow to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

  5. Follow manufacturer's instructions for preparation of the varnish. The can should be room-temperature and needs to be shaken vigorously for up to 2 minutes.

  6. Begin your spray stream off of the edge of the painting and use long, even strokes to move across the painting at an approximate 15 inches from the surface. Slightly overlap each stroke until the surface has been covered completely. Do the same for the edges of the canvas.

  7. Allow to dry per manufacturer's instructions.

  8. Repeat the process for a minimum of 3 coats. Apply as many coats as is preferred for a high-gloss effect.

  9. Your art is now ready to be enjoyed for generations!

BONUS OPTION: RESIN

A current trend in artwork is to encapsulate the final painting in a thick layer of resin, giving a glass-like appearance to the surface. Resin is usually purchased as a two-part liquid system that hardens when the two parts are mixed. The technique is fairly advanced and I would not recommend doing this yourself unless you are very familiar with the process.

Option #2: Let me do it for you

I am happy to complete the varnish for you, at no extra charge. If you prefer the resin option, a fee will apply based on the size of the painting. Get in touch with me at shellydenning1@gmail.com to arrange a time to deliver your painting or to work out shipping arrangements. If you will be bringing it by, you are welcome to wait (unless I am applying resin). We can chat over coffee while waiting for layers to dry. Otherwise, I will let you know when it is complete and we can arrange a time for you to pick it up. If you need me to pick up and return the painting, I may be able to do so for an additional fee.

Option #3: Hire someone local

If you are not local to the Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton area and prefer not to ship your artwork, you may be able to locate a service near you. Do a search online or contact your local art supply store or framing shop for recommendations. Be sure to check references to ensure that the person or shop that you hire possesses the experience and knowledge to complete your varnish or resin properly.

Recommended Supplies

BRUSHES

BRUSH-ON VARNISHES

SPRAY-ON VARNISHES

Additional Resources



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