Wonderful! I'm so glad you're enjoying the piece, E Tsoupanarias.

I'm so pleased to hear how much you enjoy the painting, M Dawson! I stumbled upon that tree while taking a long walk one afternoon, and was absolutely struck by its beautiful lines and structure. It was a joy to paint.

One of my watercolor paintings will be part of the prestigious Root to Bloom juried exhibition being held at Principle Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia, from November 11th through December 9th.

Thank you, J Dunster...Very appreciated.

Today’s professional-grade paints and papers (which is all I use) are rigorously tested for lightfastness (aka how they resist fading under normal circumstances). A professionally painted watercolor framed with UV-filtering glass or acrylic should last for many generations without deterioration. My Products: Typically, I paint my watercolors on Arches 300lb cold-pressed 100% rag watercolor paper, a paper that’s been in production in France since 1492. This paper is designed to meet gallery and museum longevity requirements. In fact, most professional-grade watercolor papers reflect the same high quality. In addition, I personally make it a point to only select paints that meet the highest lightfast ratings within each brand, meaning the color should remain unchanged for over 200 years. Of course, any work of art or valuable document should be kept out of direct sunlight due to the bleaching power of direct light beams.

Thank you, M. Stanton. Very kind of you...

Over the weekend, I visited the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. in order to see their special exhibit on Andrew Wyeth - one of my favorite artists. Every time I visit an art museum, it occurs to me that in addition to archaeology and written text, artists have had a prominent role in teaching us about the past. Through historical paintings, we gain insight into prior culture and customs. Little did they know how much their work would impact future generations.

Y Durr, I’m so glad it’s safely in your possession and that you’re pleased with the piece. My husband and I occasionally pass that tree on our evening walks. Whenever we do, I continue to be struck by its size and how it towers over us. What a pleasure it was to paint it. Again, I’m so pleased that you enjoy it.

Did you know that professional watercolor paintings are extremely archival? Many people don’t realize that today’s professional-grade paints and papers (which is all I use) are rigorously tested for lightfastness (aka how they resist fading under normal circumstances). A professionally painted watercolor framed with UV-filtering glass or acrylic should last for many generations without deterioration. My Products: Typically, I paint my watercolors on Arches 300lb cold-pressed 100% rag watercolor paper, a paper that’s been in production in France since 1492. This paper is designed to meet gallery and museum longevity requirements. In fact, most professional-grade watercolor papers reflect the same high quality. In addition, I personally make it a point to only select paints that meet the highest lightfast ratings within each brand, meaning the color should remain unchanged for over 200 years. Of course, any work of art or valuable document should be kept out of direct sunlight due to the bleaching power of direct light beams.

SummerGirl, your message is a nice way to start things off for me on UGallery - thank you!