I clearly have a penchant for the outdoors, this incredible creation! I approach my pieces with an unorthodox use of the tricky medium of watercolor. Every painting is a cerebral adventure for me, employing strategy with each step to achieve the image I’m after. I want to capture the light, depth, color, and sensation in each piece. It’s a rather unforgiving opponent, so a war of strategy begins and ends in every piece I do. I find we actually work rather well together once the battle is done.”
Chris Dillon
Painting with watercolors on traditional paper vs. canvas
My Gallery is composed of two sections: the first is of paintings on traditional watercolor paper. The second is watercolor paintings on canvas.
Watercolor paper is the traditional format for watercolors, and there’s a reason for that: due to its absorbency, it is unsurpassed for detail work. The artist is in complete control. In comparison, canvas absorbs very little pigment; colors are more likely to run, and there is much less control over the pigment. So why paint on canvas?
Because it is less absorbent, there are different techniques one can use to achieve effects that aren’t possible in paper. It might not allow for as much detail, but it can be a source of creativity and freedom of expression. Canvas also creates a sturdier end result. Paper is fragile; even an archival, 100% cotton paper tears or warps, and it requires a rigid backing for support and glass to protect it from dust and UV light (in other words, it needs to be framed under glass). Canvas is stretched over a wooden frame for built-in support, and with hanging hardware attached to the back, it can be displayed immediately, framed or unframed. Watercolor on canvas is sprayed with a fixative to protect it from sunlight, so glass is not necessary.
Reproductions of my watercolor originals
When reproducing art, it doesn’t matter if the original medium was paper or canvas; it can be reproduced on both surfaces equally well. The two reproduction formats I offer are giclée prints and prints on canvas.
About Giclée Prints
Giclée printing (pronounced zhee-clay) is a method used to create high quality prints with high resolution on acid-free paper using archival inks. These will not yellow and are expected to last over 100 years.
Epson Somerset Velvet is used for all my paper prints. It is a high-performance fine art paper for professional use, 100% cotton rag that is acid-free and lignin-free. “Simply THE BEST for the reproduction of watercolor originals as it is, after all, watercolor paper.”
About Prints on Canvas
I found these to be beautiful representations of my watercolor originals. Canvas prints arrive ready to hang, not requiring the expense of matting, framing, and glass. The image wraps continuously over the edges.
We use LexJet Sunset Select Matte Canvas.
Once the image is printed, the canvas is stretched across a robust wooden frame and then spray lacquered with multiple coats to ensure longevity and resist UV light.
What does the NWS beside Chris’s signature mean?
NWS is the acronym for the National Watercolor Society, which is one of the oldest non-profit artist-led societies in the United States. Their annual NWS International Open Exhibition stands as the premier global event celebrating the latest innovations in watermedia art. This prestigious event invites both emerging and established artists from around the world to present their most inventive and original work.
Signature Members are entitled to to use the NWS initials after their name.
In the art world, this is similar to an MBA, PhD, etc.
Artists qualifying for Signature membership in the NWS are selected from entries in the Annual International Open Exhibition. Artists whose work meets the qualifications of this Jury will be invited to become Signature Members of the Society.