How Much Should You Spend on a House Portrait? A Guide for NZ Buyers
If you’ve been thinking about commissioning a house portrait, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is:
How much does a house portrait actually cost?
The short answer is: it depends on the artist, the size, the level of detail and the type of artwork you’re commissioning.
You can find personalised house illustrations online for under $100, while a hand-painted original artwork from an established artist can cost several hundred or even several thousand dollars.
So what’s the difference?
And what should you realistically budget for one of my bespoke house portraits?
What is the average cost of a house portrait in NZ?
I’ve been doing custom house portraits in New Zealand for over 6 years now, and I’ve found that there isn't one standard price for a house portrait because "house portrait" can mean quite different things.
A simple digital illustration might cost $50–$100. A small, hand-painted watercolour could be a few hundred dollars, while a highly detailed original artwork can cost significantly more.
The important thing isn't simply finding the cheapest house portrait. It's understanding what you're actually commissioning.
A downloadable digital illustration and a completely hand-drawn, hand-painted original artwork are two very different products.
What affects the price of a house portrait?
There are several things that influence the cost of a bespoke house portrait.
1. The size of the artwork
Generally, the larger the artwork, the more time, materials and detail are involved. For example, an A4 artwork will require considerably less paper, paint and working time than a large A3 piece.
If you're planning to hang your portrait somewhere prominent in your home, it's worth thinking about the space before choosing your size.
2. The level of architectural detail
This is a big one. Some houses are relatively simple to draw. Others have intricate weatherboards, decorative windows, brickwork, verandas, gardens, fences, balconies, chimneys and all sorts of little architectural details.
And those details are often exactly what make the finished artwork feel like your house.
A good house portrait isn't simply a generic illustration with your roof shape copied onto it. The character of the building is part of what you're paying an artist to capture.
3. The medium
The materials and process used by the artist will also affect the price.
A digital illustration can be created and reproduced relatively easily. A hand-drawn ink and watercolour original is different. The artist is creating a one-off physical artwork, using archival-quality materials and spending hours drawing, painting and refining the piece.
There is no "undo" button when you're working directly onto the final piece of paper!
4. What's included in the artwork
Your house doesn't necessarily have to be the only thing in the picture.
Many of my commissions include details that make the artwork much more personal, a beloved dog sitting outside, a particular tree, flowers in the garden, a vintage car, a child's bike or another feature that makes the house recognisably yours.
These details can add to the time involved, but they're often what transform a nice picture of a building into a meaningful piece of artwork.
5. Framing
Framing is another consideration.
Some artists provide artwork unframed, allowing you to choose your own frame. I love offering framing as part of the commission, because there is nothing worse than having a painting made and then having it sit at home for weeks before you get the time to take it to a framers…. and even then, the framers can sometimes take up to a month!
If you're commissioning a portrait as a gift, it's worth deciding whether you'd like to arrange the framing yourself or have the artwork ready to hang. It’s often well worth it and takes out a lot of hassle.
How much does a Brick & Water house portrait cost?
My pricing fluctuates from year to year, but for my own hand-drawn house portraits, my current pricing starts at:
A4 — $574 unframed
A3 — $789 unframed
These are original ink and watercolour artworks, individually drawn and painted from your photographs. That price covers far more than simply producing an image of a house.
It covers the time spent reviewing your reference photographs, planning the composition, carefully drawing the architecture, adding the watercolour, refining the details and creating a finished original artwork that exists only once.
You can see examples of previous commissions on my house portrait commissions page.
What can you use a house portrait for?
A house portrait makes a particularly lovely gift because it can mark a specific moment in someone's life.
Some of the most meaningful reasons to commission one include:
A wedding or anniversary gift
A first-home gift
Moving into a new house
Selling a much-loved family home
Remembering a childhood home
A milestone birthday
A retirement gift
A gift for parents or grandparents
A housewarming present
Remembering a home that is no longer in the family
I've also created commissions for businesses, including buildings that have played an important part in the story of an organisation.
Because the artwork is based on a particular building, it can hold a surprisingly large amount of personal history.
Ready to commission your house portrait?
If you've been thinking about commissioning a portrait of your home, I'd love to hear about it.
I create bespoke ink and watercolour house portraits from anywhere in New Zealand and internationally, with each artwork designed specifically around the building and the story behind it.
View house portrait commissions
Commission spaces are released a few times a year, so if you'd like to be first to know when bookings open, you can also join the Brick & Water Housemates List.
Your home deserves more than a photograph.
Let's immortalise it.
Should You Use AI or Commission a House Portrait? A New Zealand Artist's Perspective
There’s no denying it, AI has changed the creative world.
In just a few minutes, you can upload a photo of your house, type a few prompts, and receive something that looks remarkably like a watercolour painting.
For some people, that's enough.
But if you're looking for a piece of art that will hang in your home for decades, I think there's something worth considering. When someone walks into your home and notices a beautiful house portrait, the conversation almost always begins the same way.
"Wow… that's gorgeous. Who painted it?"
Imagine your answer.
"Oh... AI made it."
Conversation over.
It's a little anticlimactic, isn't it? Now imagine a different answer.
"A local Wellington artist painted it. She specialises in architectural watercolours. We worked together to include our old pōhutukawa tree that was removed years ago, and she left out the neighbour's caravan. I've followed her work for years and finally commissioned one of my own."
Suddenly, the artwork isn't just something on the wall, It's a story and people remember stories.
The artwork is only half of what you're buying
When you commission an artist, you're not simply purchasing the finished piece, you're investing in the person behind it. The conversations, the sketches, the experience of watching your home become artwork, the excitement of opening the package.
Knowing another human being spent hours carefully drawing every window, every roofline and every little detail that makes your home yours.That journey becomes part of the artwork itself.
AI simply can't give you that.
The best gifts aren't the easiest ones
Think about giving someone a portrait of their home. They unwrap it.
"Oh my goodness... I absolutely love it!"
Then they ask, "Who made it?"
Now imagine replying, "I used AI."
There's an awkward pause, not because the picture isn't nice, but because you've unintentionally revealed that the gift required very little thought, collaboration or craftsmanship.
Now imagine saying,
"I commissioned a local artist. I worked with them to include the old blossom tree because I knew Mum loved it. They even removed the car from the driveway and added the garden just as it looked when we were kids."
The artwork instantly carries more meaning, not because it looks better, but because it means more.
AI is surprisingly hard to get right
Ironically, people often think AI is the quicker option and sometimes it is, but often, it isn't.
You upload photo after photo, rewrite prompts and…
The roof isn't quite right.
The windows are wrong.
The proportions feel off.
The front fence disappears.
The house suddenly has three chimneys instead of one.
You generate version after version, hoping the next one will finally be "the one”, but somehow it never quite captures the character of the place. That's because AI isn't drawing your home. It's predicting what houses generally look like.
An artist notices the things AI overlooks…
The way afternoon light hits the veranda.
The slightly crooked gate you've never quite fixed.
The climbing roses your grandparents planted.
The details that matter because they're part of your story.
The bottom line
Art is about connection…
As artists, we spend years learning our craft, thousands of hours studying perspective, colour, composition, architecture and storytelling.
Not because a computer couldn't eventually imitate the result, but because creating something meaningful takes observation, empathy and intention.
AI learns from billions of existing images, and artists learn from life.
So... which would you rather own?
An image that was generated in seconds or an artwork that someone carefully created for you.
Years from now, I don't think people will remember the prompt that generated an image, but they'll remember the artist they met at an art show, the commission they saved up for, the excitement of seeing their family home transformed into something completely unique.
Technology will keep changing,but the value of human stories never will.
If you're choosing artwork that's going to become part of your family's history, perhaps the better question isn't,
"Could AI make something similar?"
It's,
"What story do I want this artwork to tell?"
How to Commission a House Portrait in New Zealand
Watercolour Christchurch Villa
Whether it's the first home you bought together, the villa where your children grew up, or a beloved family bach that's been passed down through generations, our homes hold stories that deserve to be remembered.
A custom house portrait transforms those memories into artwork that can be enjoyed for decades. Unlike a photograph tucked away on your phone, a hand-drawn house portrait becomes part of your home and your family's story.
If you're considering commissioning a house portrait in New Zealand, here's everything you need to know.
Why commission a house portrait?
A house portrait is far more than an illustration of a building.
It's a way of capturing memories, milestones and the emotional connection we have to a place.
People commission house portraits for all sorts of reasons:
Celebrating a first home
Family homes before they're sold
Wedding or anniversary gifts
Housewarming presents
Memorial pieces for loved ones
Holiday homes and baches
Heritage buildings with sentimental value
Every commission tells a different story, and that's what makes each artwork unique.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
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Every artist interprets architecture differently.
Some focus on realism, where as I try and capture the feel of a home and create loose sketches and highly detailed illustrations.
My own style combines detailed ink linework with vibrant watercolour, celebrating the character and personality of New Zealand buildings. Rather than simply recreating a photograph, I aim to capture the feeling of a place, the little details that make it meaningful to the people who know it best.
When choosing a house portrait artist, ask yourself:
Does their style feel timeless?
Can you imagine the artwork hanging in your home?
Do they specialise in architecture?
Have they completed similar commissions before?
Remember, you're investing in an original artwork you'll hopefully enjoy for many years.
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Great reference photos make for great artwork.
If possible, provide:
A clear front-on photo of the home
Close-ups of interesting architectural details
Garden or landscaping photos (if you'd like them included)
Older photographs if the property has changed
Multiple angles if certain areas are obscured
Don't worry if you don't have the perfect photo.
Many artists, including myself, can work from several images to create one cohesive composition.
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One of the biggest advantages of commissioning artwork instead of ordering a print from a photograph is the flexibility.
You can include or remove elements such as:
Cars
Wheelie bins
Utility poles
Temporary renovations
Seasonal gardens
Family pets
Favourite trees
Special signage
Some clients even ask for memories from different points in time to be combined into a single illustration.
The final artwork becomes a celebration of the home, not necessarily an exact snapshot of one particular day.
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Think about where the artwork will live.
A smaller piece might be perfect for a hallway or office, while a larger artwork can become the centrepiece of a living room.
If the artwork is intended as a gift, it's also worth considering whether the recipient already has wall space available.
Many artists also offer professional framing, making the commission ready to hang from the moment it's received.
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Hand-drawn artwork can't be rushed.
Depending on the artist and time of year, commissions may book out weeks or even months in advance.
If you're ordering a portrait for Christmas, a wedding or a special birthday, it's always best to enquire early.
Many artists, including myself, open commission bookings only a few times each year to ensure every piece receives the attention it deserves.
Most house portrait commissions begin with:
Photos of the property
The property's address (optional but helpful)
Any personal stories you'd like reflected
Preferred artwork size
Whether you'd like framing
Your preferred completion date
The more context you can provide, the more personal the finished artwork becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ofcourse!
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No problem.
Artwork can often combine older and newer reference photos to recreate the home as you remember it.
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Absolutely.
Many clients like to include beloved pets or subtle personal touches that help tell the story of the home.
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Every artist is different, but it's worth allowing several weeks, particularly during busy periods such as Christmas.
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In a world where thousands of photos live on our phones, original artwork stands apart.
A hand-drawn house portrait isn't just about preserving bricks and timber.
It's about preserving birthdays celebrated in the kitchen, children playing in the garden, neighbours dropping in for coffee, and the everyday moments that quietly become our most treasured memories.
Long after we've moved away, those places continue to shape who we are.
That's what makes a house portrait such a meaningful investment.
Commission your own house portrait
If you're looking for a house portrait artist in New Zealand, I'd love to help tell the story of a place that's special to you.
Every commission is individually hand-drawn using archival ink and professional watercolours before being professionally scanned and prepared for framing.
Whether it's your family home, a favourite bach, or a meaningful gift for someone you love, together we can create an artwork that will be treasured for generations.
Ready to get started? Get in touch to enquire about current commission availability or join my mailing list to be the first to hear when new commission rounds open.
What Makes a Great Mural for Your Business
A mural is more than decoration on a wall. It’s often the first impression your business makes, the visual handshake before a client even speaks to your team. When done well, a mural can completely shift how people experience your space.
But what actually makes a great mural for a business? It’s not just about colour or scale. It’s about intention, storytelling, and how the artwork works within your environment.
Here are the key elements that separate a good mural from a truly impactful one.
It reflects your brand story (not just your logo)
The strongest murals don’t simply repeat branding, they translate it.
A great mural captures the feeling of your business. That might be your values, your history, your energy, or the experience you want people to have when they walk through the door.
When a mural tells a story rather than just displaying a logo, it becomes timeless rather than promotional.
It considers the architecture of the space
A mural should never feel “placed” onto a wall, it should feel like it belongs there.
Great mural design responds to:
Wall shape and scale
Natural light and shadows
Furniture placement and sightlines
How people move through the space
Instead of treating the wall as a blank canvas, think of it as part of the environment. The best murals enhance architecture rather than compete with it.
It creates an emotional response
People remember how a space made them feel far more than what they saw.
A strong mural can:
Energise a reception area
Calm a busy workspace
Spark curiosity and conversation
Create pride for staff and clients
Emotion is what turns a mural into an experience. If people stop, take photos, or talk about it afterwards, it’s doing its job.
It invites engagement (not just admiration)
The most effective business murals often go one step further — they encourage interaction.
This might be:
A subtle storytelling element clients discover over time
An immersive installation that draws people into the space and encourages them to spot familiar places they know
When people engage with your mural, they also engage with your brand more deeply.
It’s built to last (visually and practically)
Business murals need to do more than look good on day one.
A strong mural considers:
Durability of materials
Ease of maintenance
How the design will age over time
Whether it still works if the space changes slightly
Timeless design always wins over trend-driven visuals in commercial spaces.
Final thoughts
A great business mural is not just art on a wall — it’s a strategic piece of your environment. It shapes how people feel, how they remember you, and how they talk about your space long after they’ve left.
When it’s done well, it stops being “decoration” and becomes part of your brand identity.
If you’re thinking about transforming your space, start with the story you want people to feel — not just the image you want them to see.
Stacey
Taking Care of Acrylic Sculptures
Buying a piece of delicate artwork can seem daunting - here are some tips and tricks on how to easily take your artwork home, hang it, and clean it.
Hanging and positioning
Avoid placing the sculpture in strong, prolonged, direct sunlight as this may fade the colours over time.
Hanging on wall
If you purchased a acrylic sculpture at an art show - it may have been sold with a white backing disc for display purposes. Here show to hang both with and thout the disc:
Hanging the sculpture with the white disc mount:
The disc mount has a keyhole hanger on the back. Use a flathead screw or nail that is around 35mm. The sculptures are light, so there is no need to use a drywall hanger. It should protrude 6 or 7mm away from the wall so it sits comfortably in the keyhole hanger. When lifting the mount onto the wall, keep it level and avoid tipping the sculpture forward. It's best to do this with two people if possible.
If you wish to place the sculpture directly onto a wall:
Try using white gloves when handling the sculpture to avoid leaving fingerprints and marks on the perspex.
Always handle the sculpture where there are multiple layers of acrylic, as these are the sturdiest parts.
Avoid handling delicate parts of the sculpture.
Each sculpture has one or two keyhole hangers on the back. Hold the sculpture up and mark where the screws should be placed onto your chosen wall.
I recommend using 30mm or longer screws with a flat head. Drill the screw into the wall leaving a 20mm standoff so the sculpture lies flush to the wall.
Cleaning and Care
The best way to remove dust from the sculptures is to use a can of compressed air dust remover which can be purchased at Bunnings.
Always use a microfibre cloth when wiping down the acrylic surface to avoid scratching the material.
All other marks can be removed by gently using water and a microfibre cloth.
As always, I’m here to help so if you have any questions, reach out. I can also install the artworks for you for an additional fee.
Stacey
3D Sculpture or Ink & Watercolour — How to Choose the Right Artwork for You
When you decide to commission a piece of art, it’s not just about what it looks like — it’s about how you want it to feel.
Both my Ink & Watercolour works and 3D Sculptures capture the spirit of place — but they tell that story in completely different ways. Here’s how to choose which one might be right for you.
Ink & Watercolour — for the detail lovers
If you’re drawn to delicate linework and including all the small details an Ink & Watercolour piece might be your perfect match.
These works are personal and timeless with every little details captured. They’re ideal if you:
Want a detailed, elegant artwork to treasure or gift
Have a special building or home that holds deep sentimental value
Want to include details like pets
Need a piece that fits a smaller budget
Prefer a traditional framed artwork
Each piece begins with fine ink work — drawn by hand — and layered with soft watercolours that bring it all to life.
🎨 3D Sculpture — for the bold and the curious
If you want to make a statement, my 3D Sculptures offer something truly unique.
They’re vibrant, layered, and tangible — artworks you can almost step into. These pieces are perfect if you:
Want something completely bespoke and full of personality
Have a bigger budget and want a centrepiece artwork
Love colour, dimension, and texture
Want a conversation starter for your home or business
Each sculpture is hand-drawn in the same style as my ink and watercolours then recreated in layers of acrylic perspex to create depth and vibrancy that dances with light.
💭 How to Decide
It really comes down to what you want your artwork to say.
If you want something nostalgic and detailed — go Ink & Watercolour.
If you want something bold, tactile, and full of energy — choose 3D Sculpture.
And if you’re still not sure, that’s completely fine — I’m happy to chat and help you find the right fit for your space and story.
Korero with Stacey Fraser-Allen by Rita Edited.
What do you create and tell me a little bit about your creative process…
I create detailed ink and watercolour illustrations of architectural buildings—each piece is a celebration of memories, people, and place. My work is all about capturing that feeling of home—that warm, nostalgic pull we all feel for certain buildings or streets. I start each piece by diving into the story behind the space, often drawing inspiration from old family homes, local gems, or iconic New Zealand architecture. I sketch in fine liner to get the detail just right, and then bring everything to life with watercolour—layering colour to create mood, emotion, and a real sense of belonging.
What inspires/influences you?
Home is everything to me. It’s where I live, work, and raise my family. Both my husband and I run creative businesses from our space, so it’s truly a hub of ideas and inspiration. My art is rooted in that—capturing what place means to people, whether it’s their first flat, their nana’s villa, or the street they grew up on. My love of New Zealand, its architecture, and the nostalgia it stirs all play a huge role.
And I’ve got to mention Quentin Blake—his expressive, energetic line work has stuck with me since I was a kid. There’s a looseness and personality in his illustrations that I really admire.
When you're not working on your business, what do you love?
I try to get outdoors as much as I can—Wellington’s landscape is too good not to! I love rock climbing, mountain biking, and getting outside with friends and family. It helps me reset and keeps that creative energy flowing.
Any words of inspiration for someone thinking of giving something a go (in the business sense)?
Just start. Honestly, you’ll never feel completely ready. You’ll never have all the gear, the time, or the perfect plan. But if you’ve got a spark of an idea, follow it. Build slowly, learn constantly, and invest in yourself as you grow. Confidence comes from doing—it doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful.
Why Nostalgia Matters: Bringing Warm Memories into Modern Spaces
In our fast-paced, ever-evolving world, where technology and trends shape our lives daily, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the past. Yet, a gentle pull toward nostalgia—those moments of longing for places and times that hold cherished memories—remains universal.
Nostalgia brings warmth and familiarity into our lives, it’s that ‘smushy’ feeling you get and when woven into our lives through art, it offers a grounding sense of belonging, love, and connection. For many of my clients, art becomes more than just decoration; it becomes a bridge to cherished moments, a reminder of loved ones, and a piece of the past they can hold onto. I originally got into drawing architecture because I felt such a connection to these physical places.
I have lived in 5 countries and visited about 25 countries over the last 16 years. Through my art, I’ve been able to draw many buildings from my past in an effort to capture my ‘fading’ memories - I’m only 34! but I feel like I loose more every day!
The Psychology of Nostalgia: Why It Matters
Nostalgia is a fascinating and powerful emotional experience. Psychologists describe it as a bittersweet, often sentimental feeling triggered by memories of people, places, or past experiences. These feelings of nostalgia aren’t just pleasant—they’re beneficial to our mental well-being. Studies have shown that nostalgia can increase feelings of social connectedness, lift moods, and even boost resilience. In short, reflecting on the past can help us navigate the present with a deeper sense of purpose and emotional grounding.
When we bring these elements of nostalgia into our spaces, we create little havens that tell our personal stories. A painting of the house you grew up in, a familiar coastal view, or even the little quirks of your hometown skyline can bring back memories of formative years and precious moments.
Art with nostalgic value serves as more than just a conversation starter—it acts as an emotional touchstone. Each glance brings a rush of comfort, sparking memories of people, places, or milestones that are deeply meaningful.
Art as a Lasting Legacy
For some, nostalgic art is a legacy piece, something they plan to pass down to children and grandchildren, ensuring that memories of beloved places, family homes, or meaningful landscapes live on for generations. By preserving these connections, families create a shared story that will continue to resonate, reminding future generations of their roots and the legacy that has been built.
Wrapping Up: Making Nostalgia a Part of Your World
Nostalgia in art has a unique ability to make our spaces feel complete.
It’s a powerful reminder that no matter where life takes us, we are always connected to the moments and people who shaped us. Art has the power to bring these connections into our daily lives, celebrating the joy of nostalgia in every glance, conversation, and memory.
5 Things to Consider When Commissioning a Brick and Water Painting
Say you have a special anniversary coming up and want the perfect bespoke gift!
Commissioning a piece of art is an exciting process that allows you to create something truly unique and meaningful—but I know that it can feel a bit intimidating, especially if it’s your first time.
To help you get started, here are five things to consider when commissioning one of my paintings to fill your space:
1. Think About How the Building Makes You Feel
If there’s a building you adore—whether it’s your home, a local café, or a favourite pub—take a moment to reflect on the memories tied to that place. How does it make you feel? What’s the first image that comes to mind? Is there a particular feature of the building that stands out, like its color or architecture? Think about the angle you often view it from. Are there any specific sounds, smells, or personal stories connected to it?
The more personal details you share, the better I can capture the essence of what that building means to you (or the person you’re gifting it to). Including even the smallest elements, like an inside joke or a meaningful detail, can make the painting uniquely yours.
2. Clarify Size
Clear communication is key when commissioning a painting. Consider the size and specific features you want included. For instance, is there a particular angle of the building you prefer, or certain surrounding elements that evoke the right mood? Be sure to share what absolutely must be included and what you might be flexible about.
Visual references are incredibly helpful here. If you have photos of the building, especially from your favorite perspective, please share them. If you’re unsure about the size, send me the reference images and I can recommend a size that will work best for the piece. After our discussion, I’ll provide a quote and estimated timeline, typically around 2-3 weeks for completion.
3. Consider Your Budget
If you’re unsure where to start with sizing or cost, don’t worry—I can work within a range of budgets. Commission slots are limited and often booked 3-6 months in advance, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Once your slot is secured, I’ll set up a consultation via Zoom or email to discuss your vision in detail. This is a key moment to make sure we’re aligned on what you want from the piece.
4. Ask Questions Before You Begin
Before we start, it’s important to clarify any questions you might have. Will the artwork be delivered or picked up? Would you like it custom framed? What will our communication look like throughout the process?
Getting these details sorted early on ensures everything runs smoothly and there are no surprises later.
5. Understand Your Level of Involvement
As the painting progresses, I’ll share photos so you can see how it’s taking shape. You’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback, especially as the piece nears completion. If any adjustments are needed—like tweaking colors or fine-tuning specific details—I’m happy to accommodate if possible.
Once you give the green light to proceed, a 50% deposit is required to cover materials. High-quality paints and archival paper can be costly, but they ensure your piece lasts for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Commissioning a painting is a rewarding and collaborative process. It’s all about creating something one-of-a-kind, a deeply personal piece that reflects your story and memories.
By communicating openly and trusting the process, we can create a piece that immortalizes your memories and brings them to life in a way that’s uniquely yours.
Ready to commission your own special piece? Keep an eye on your emails when commission slots open up, or visit my Services Page to see examples of past works.
Mount Cook Villa - Commission from 2022
2024 Bayleys Emerging artist award
I am beyond thrilled to receive the 2024 Emerging Artist Award courtesy of Bayleys New Zealand.
Huge congratulations to all the artist and awards winners at this year’s Art in the Park.
How to care for your giclee print
General tips for handling your brick and water giclée print
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learnt (sometimes through disasters!) to care for giclee prints so that they can last for years to come:
Always care for giclée prints as you would an original piece of art. This means that dirt, dust, moisture, oils, adhesives, solvents, heat, and anything that could scratch, dent or crease the paper should all be avoided when you are handling your print
Try to only handle the print with clean, dry hands or get a pair of white cotton gloves (these can be found at your local art store)
The last thing you want is smudges on your print, so always use two hands to support your print at the edges; that way, you will avoid any bends, dents or creases
Keep your giclée print covered with the acid-free tissue paper until it is framed or let me handle framing for you to avoid damage
Brick and Water giclée prints are printed on German Etching 310GSM paper which is very textured - Don’t use your hands to wipe off any dust as this can also damage the surface. Instead, use a dry, clean, white lint-free cloth or a photographer’s lens-brush
Flattening your rolled-up giclée print
If you have bought a streetscape or a larger print (A2 or A1) this may come rolled in a tube and will need to be flattened to ensure successful framing:
Find a surface that is flat, smooth and hard. Clean it of any dirt and particles that might damage your print
Unpack the kraft paper tube - your print will be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper
Carefully remove the print from the postal tube by grabbing the protective acid-free tissue paper
Lay the printout, image side up, on a flat surface
With the tissue paper still covering the print’s image, on the ends and around the middle of the print, place a few clean and dry objects that are smooth, flat and heavy...books work well!
Let your giclée print relax overnight - if it still isn’t flat when you remove the books, replace them for a few more hours
Never be tempted to use an iron, or steam to flatten it - as this will damage it!
Alternatively, let me take the hassle out and frame it for you!
Cleaning your print
Never try to clean a giclée print with a damp cloth, water or solvents. Just use a clean, dry, soft, lint-free cloth or a photographer’s lens brush to gently wipe off dust
Use a white non-coloured cloth will allow you to see when the dust has been collected
To avoid staining the giclée, do not clean it with a dirty or dark-coloured cloth