Question 1

How do I purchase a piece of art from Colleen Gray?

Accepted Answer

Please email me with the title of the work you are interested in purchasing and I will contact you. I have a small gallery located at 1127 Perth Road in Gillies Corners, Ontario. The gallery is open from Wednesday - Sunday, 10-5pm.
Displayed prices do not include shipping costs. I am available for commission work. 
colleengrayart@gmail.com

Question 2

Hanging the Artwork

Accepted Answer

If you encounter any issues with your artwork please contact Colleen.
All work has been varnished to seal the elements. Avoid hanging any artwork in direct sunlight.For rotating artwork please view the installation video if you have concerns. This is a very simple and efficient hanging system that anyone can use.  https://youtu.be/d3tHwCDPvxU

Question 3

How do I hire  Colleen  to do LIVE art painting at my event?

Accepted Answer

Are you hosting an AGM, or a Corporate Gathering?I live in Lanark County near Carleton Place, Perth and Smiths Falls and within an hour of Ottawa. I am available for hire to offer live painting events for large gatherings. Give your attendees/participants at your next event a unique live experience where they can watch a work of art being created from start to finish. These works are often auctioned to benefit the charity of your choice.At the event, I would do a live painting session in view of the public and welcome visitors to see the work develop. The live painting event is a wonderful way for an organization to raise funds or support a charitable cause.Fees are based on timeline ranging from 2 hours to 3 days. The finished artwork is signed, and is accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity. It is spray-sealed, framed and outfitted with hardware, and ready to hang, by the end of the painting session.
This painting titled, "Midnight Dancing in the Garden of Eden" was created at the Oct 2022 Gala for Société De Développement Communautaire De Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation.TO BOOK YOUR LIVE PAINTING EVENT CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS
THE DETAILS.EMAIL: COLLEENGRAYART@GMAIL.COMOther live painting events:

Rotary International Conference-OttawaCanadian Bar Association Conference-OttawaCooperation Canada Conference - Ottawa

Question 4

About the Paint and Paper - Art Lessons

Accepted Answer

1. About the Synthetic paper:  Let’s start with the paper—because this isn’t YUPO. While YUPO is the most widely known synthetic paper (much like Kleenex is to tissue), I use a Canadian made custom-cut, commercial-grade synthetic paper that’s far more durable. It’s thick and can stand up to years of repeated use and washing, which means, no disposal needed.Originally invented by the Japanese printing industry, synthetic paper was designed to be tough, bright white, and able to hold brilliant printed colour, even under environmental stress. Its non-porous surface means the water and pigment I use sits on top of the paper, creating stunning, interactions.
2. About the paint: Along with inks, I primarily use Daniel Smith Extra Fine and Primatek series watercolour paint. These paints are high-quality, richly pigmented, and many are made from finely ground minerals. The creative process becomes part science, part art.I always tell my students to keep their cell phones handy to magnify and capture the beautiful reactions happening just beneath the surface as the paint moves and dries.The complex blue image seen here a 1x2" section from a much larger piece of work!3. Where to Buy Paints and Paper?  Any watercolour paint will do the job and be fascinating to experiment with, but you’ll want archival quality paint if you plan on showcasing your work in a fine art gallery.As for the synthetic paper—I sell it right here on my website under the Art Supplies section. It’s high quality, affordably priced, and reusable for many years. I believe in making materials accessible for everyone who wants to learn. 4. What brushes Work Best?I own about 100 brushes (yes, really!)—but for this work, I mostly use liners (or riggers). These fine, flexible brushes help me guide the paint gently across the water’s surface while allowing the bristles to bend and give for a variation of work. I also use round brushes in various sizes, and when working on large pieces, a good mop brush comes in handy for big water loads on larger pieces.5. How to Stabilize the Finished Painting Once your piece is finished, it’s important to handle it with care. Because the paper is completely non-absorbent, the dried paint sits on the surface and has not been absorbed. This means it can be easily scratched or etched if it's not protected.I personally use a watercolour gouache varnish for my finished work. (2 coats and allow the coats to dry between spraying) Even though they're sprayed and farily well protected, it's still a good idea to frame them behind uv coated glass or uv coated acrylic to preserve the work.Lessons: Contact me for lessons or watch for upcoming public classes in and around Carleton Place, ON.

FAQs & Policies

Frequently asked questions

How do I purchase a piece of art from Colleen Gray?

Hanging the Artwork

How do I hire Colleen to do LIVE art painting at my event?

About the Paint and Paper - Art Lessons