What are the measurements of the paintings?
Standard size: 54 x 72cm (about 21 x 28 inches). Small size: 38 x 28cm (15 x 11 inches). Extra-large size 150 x 100cm (60 x 40 inches).
Does the painting have a number, like the prints?
No, the original watercolour paintings are not numbered. Some artists number their originals as 1/1, but this is not common practice.
What constitutes a 'watercolour / watercolor' painting?
A watercolour painting is one that the artist has painted using water-based media. There is considerable debate about this topic. Purists believe that ‘true’ watercolours are painted with transparent watercolour paint only. Others believe that water-based media can include opaque, water-based paint. All of the paintings on this site are ‘true’ watercolours, with certain white highlights, like whiskers, painted with opaque white gouache.
How should my painting be framed?
It is very important for your painting to be "Conservation Framed". This framing method uses acid-free board, tape and glue. Any reputable framer will know about Conservation Framing. It is suggested that the prints be framed behind glass. It is customary to leave a small margin of white space between the printed area and the edge of the framing mount board. This margin of white space is where the signature and number of the print appear. Please! NEVER use non-reflective glass. It makes watercolour paintings appear dull and murky. See FRAMING below for more information.
Is it true that watercolour is the most difficult painting medium to use?
This is a subjective question but … Watercolour is a very unforgiving medium because once the paint is on the paper, it’s there for good. If still wet, a small amount of paint can be mopped up or lifted, but there is almost always a faint residue. For watercolourists there is no white paint. Any white in the painting comes from the paper itself, where no paint has been applied. Opaque white gouache can be used very sparingly over dark colours, but this tends to look chalky. So, yes, watercolour is difficult. Oil and acrylic painters can scrape off paint, or overpaint virtually limitlessly.
Can you ship a framed painting?
Yes. The painting is protected as much as possible against the glass breaking with bubble wrap, then a custom-built crate is made for freight shipping. South African orders are sent via courier to most addresses. Please note that shipping costs are higher.
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What paint is used (medium)?
Artists’ watercolour paints. Watercolour paints are available in two grades: "Artist" and "Student". Artist quality paints are richer in colour and produce vibrant mixes. Student grade paints have less pigment, and often are formulated using two or more less expensive pigments. “Artist” paints are more expensive but many consider the quality worth the higher cost. Sue uses only Winsor & Newton Artists’ quality watercolour paint for purity, quality and reliability.
What paper do you use?
Saunders Waterford paper, 300 or 600 g/m2. HP surface (medium rough texture). Saunders Waterford Series is the finest watercolor paper, is a 100% rag mould-made paper, acid free and buffered against atmospheric contamination giving archival permanence. The natural white sheet contains no optical brighteners, thus having excellent colour stability and surface strength.
Does the painting have a number, like the prints?
No, the original watercolour paintings are not numbered. Some artists number their originals as 1/1, but this is not common practice.
How do you package paintings for shipping?
Paintings are sent flat between 2 sheets of polystyrene.
Is an original painting a good investment?
Sue’s paintings sold for R1 500 in 1994. Their value has increased to R22 500 in 2007. The price will continue to rise and, perversely, will increase dramatically when Sue dies.
How do I know if my painting is an authentic Sue Dickinson painting?
Only buy an original painting from a reliable source. Sue keeps a record of every sale, so you can authenticate a painting through her. It is difficult to tell the difference between a painting and a print because print technology is so advanced. If you need to differentiate between the two, view the paint with a magnifying glass. A print will have a very small dot pattern. An original will not, though some watercolour paints do have a grainy appearance. If in doubt, get the help of an expert.
How do I protect my painting against damage?
Frame behind glass, using Conservation Framing. Spray the wall on which the painting is hanging regularly with insecticide. Fish moths love watercolour paintings! Hang the painting out of direct sunlight, and away from any source of condensation like a kettle or bath.
Are the original paintings signed by the artist?
Yes, always.
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