| November 15, 2025 NEWSLETTER |
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A painting is never finished - it simply stops in interesting places. ~Paul Gardner |
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A Touch of Magic, from my jewel series |
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Hello Subscriber!
I'm pretty sure we all have piles of things that we set aside until we are ready to deal with them: receipts, snail mail (which is mostly junk mail these days), Amazon deliveries (mine often end up on the dining room table). Even the multitude of photos on our cell phones — that might be a topic for another day!
But today, as promised, I'm addressing creators: specifically, watercolor artists. You have stacks of finished watercolor paintings just waiting for a new home — now what? Here's what works for me... |
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How to Care for Original Watercolors: Creators |
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Categorize and Protect.
An artist paints for a variety of reasons. Maybe you enjoy watercolor as a hobby, for mental or emotional well-being, just for fun — or maybe you hope to sell your work. First, let's decide the value of each painting: -
Practically a masterpiece: These paintings are stored unframed, with an acid-free foam core backing board in a clear protective sleeve, either on a display shelf, in a bin, or in a flat file drawer until ready to frame, sell or gift.
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Pretty good, but not award-winning: By cropping to preserve the best parts, these paintings might be made into original watercolor cards or artist trading cards (also kept in protective sleeves) until sold, sent, or traded.
- Failed paintings: Whether overworked, or just plain bad, these paintings might be set aside for experimenting on later, or shredded to never be seen again!
Every so often I reassess paintings that haven't sold. Maybe what I thought was a wonderful painting last year isn't that great after all. Originals in sleeves might become original notecards or trading cards. The Exceptions. I know several artists who keep watercolor sketchbooks which are in themselves works of art. These might be created for any of the reasons above, but also as a record of their travels, special occasions, or painting progress. A scrapbook or diary in paint, if you will. |
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Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. ~Pablo Picasso |
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Storage.
Remember that watercolors are delicate, so be sure to store them away from sunlight, temperature swings and humidity, and always use acid-free packaging materials to ensure your artwork's longevity.
A flat file is ideal for storing unused watercolor paper (I buy full sheets in bulk to save money) as well as for keeping finished paintings, as shown below. I also rotate unframed originals on display shelves in my studio, or in easy-to-reach bins. |
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Inventory your art.
Yes, it really is a good idea to keep track of your paintings. I've written about the organization methods I use in an article entitled Inventory Your Art, which you may find helpful. An inventory system can not only reveal your progress over the years, but you'll have a record of where your paintings are today — whether they've been sold, won awards, gifted, or destroyed. |
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I hope you've found some of these tips to be helpful in preserving your lovely artwork for generations to come! Paint. Love. Repeat. |
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2026 Bird Lover's Calendars |
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My 2026 Bird Lover's Calendars are now available - supplies are limited. Each month highlighting a different bird, these small (11.5" x 8") top bound wall calendars are filled with reproductions of some of my most recent original watercolor paintings.
Perfect for that small wall space in your kitchen or office; they also make great gifts for the bird lovers in your life! Click the link below for more information. |
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For more information and to register for this rare, in-person watercolor portrait workshop, click the button below. I hope you'll join me! |
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Click the buttons below if you'd like information regarding my in-studio Next Level Watercolor classes, One-On-One Mentorship program, or to schedule a Studio Visit. |
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NEW! Pre-recorded online portrait workshops now available. |
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For budget-friendly gift giving ideas for yourself or someone you love, click the links below. |
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Thank you for reading my newsletter;
I'd love your feedback!
If you know of someone who might appreciate this content, please share!
Your friend in art and life,
Janine ©2025 Janine Helton - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
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