About Sharon Matchett

My photo
I'm a retired, classically trained singer (and frustrated flautist) who has discovered another voice within which I now express through the medium of watercolors. Although the art of painting is something completely new to me (I am self taught), the language has turned out to be very familiar. As with singing an aria beautifully, expressing myself in a beautiful and meaningful way in watercolors involves excellent timing, rhythm, tempo, coloration, and artistry. For me, painting with watercolors is like music flowing from my brush. It fulfills that deepest need which I believe lies within us all, the need to feel connected. As I paint I am immersed in and connected to my subject. I become my most creative self, and, in those moments, I feel I am at one with the universe - a marvelous feeling for sure! If what I paint somehow connects with the viewer .... what more could an artist wish for?

COMMISSIONING A WATERCOLOR PAINTING FROM YOUR PHOTO

Commissioning A Watercolor Painting From Your Photo

In an effort to make the project of commissioning a watercolor painting from a photograph a little less confusing as we communicate back and forth about it, I’ve put together some information I hope will be helpful.  
  • Watercolor paintings require a matte between the painting and the glass of the frame. I usually paint in standard sizes which can make framing less expensive.  The sizes I paint in are:
5 x  7 which, when matted, fits into an 8 x 10 frame opening.
8 x 10 which, when matted, fits into an 11 x 14 frame opening.  
8 x 12 which, when matted, also fits into an 11 x 14 frame opening.
11 x 14 which, when matted,  fits into a 16 x 20 frame opening
  • I am unable to paint from a poor quality photo.  High resolution digital photos give me necessary information about lighting, shadows, textures, colors, values, facial details, expressions, and so on.  I can use artistic license (what I think would look good) to paint the skin coloring of a person sitting in a shadow, but my interpretation may be far from the reality.  When it comes to painting people and pets, multiple photos are sometimes helpful.  However, if each photo is taken in different lighting, I may still have difficulty in determining coloration.  This is where communication between us comes in handy.  Even when painting from photographs of landscapes, cityscapes and florals, communication is very important.


  • Often what appears to be a really good photo will not translate to a good painting.  We tend to accept what our eyes see in a photo as being OK.  A camera will  focus on one subject and blur the background.  We’ll accept it, even though in life (and paintings) backgrounds aren’t blurred unless it makes sense artistically. Sometimes the subject of a photo is wonderful for a painting but the background is uninteresting or a complete mess of distracting objects.  We ignore them in photos but they would be unacceptable in a painting.  In that case, I can use  “artistic license”  to omit, simplify, or blur the background.  Again, I’ll communicate with you about this before starting to paint.


  • It’s important to consider the composition of a photograph  when thinking about using it for a painting.  A cute couple sitting on a sofa or standing side by side in front of a door might bring back fond memories of a good time, but it would most likely make for a very stiff and uninteresting painting.  
  • I usually charge more for a commissioned painting from a photo than a painting of my own choosing where I am free to take artistic license in adjusting composition and coloration.  I will take great care to try and meet your expectations.  I often email progress photos to make sure I’m taking a painting in the right direction.   When determining the cost of your painting I take into consideration the following:
Size
Number of subjects (human / pets / house)
Difficulty of the subject matter
Time necessary to adjust and alter the composition
The degree of realism required
Currently, an 8 x 10 painting with two subjects has been averaging $175.  I will tell you the cost upfront, and you may take as long as you like to think about it before proceeding.  So far I haven’t found it necessary to ask for any money up front before beginning a commission.


  • When I finish a painting I photograph it, trying to capture the colors as accurately as possible, and then email it to you.  If the photograph meets with your approval, I will ship the painting out as soon as I receive payment.  I can email you an invoice  and will accept a check via snail mail if that’s your preference.  I  can also use PayPal to email invoices and accept payment.  It’s convenient and fast.  
If  you’re not happy with your painting you may return it within ten days for a full refund.  I hope you will explain what it is that doesn’t work for you so that I can learn from the experience.  You would be responsible for the cost of shipping.  

  • I ship my paintings unframed, encased in a clear acid free protective vinyl sleeve, with a single, white, acid free matte and acid free foam board backing.  I include an information sheet on the best way to care for your  watercolor painting.
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