Frequently Asked Questions
The Artistic Process
Karmel's work is extremely labor intesive, it is not an exaggeration to say that she might put a hundred hours or more into a particular piece. Below is a series of photos taken during the process of transformation from rough sketch to finished artwork.
Artistic Definitions
Giclée (zhee-CLAY) refers to a new method of creating limited edition prints. The Giclee process begins after a transparency is produced from the original painting. The approved image is then output to a sophisticated device called an Iris printer. Giclées are superior to traditional lithography in several ways. The colors are richer, last longer, and are so high-resolution that they are virtually continous tone rather than tiny dots. The "gamut" of color is far beyond that of lithography.
For Karmel's work we produce Piezograph Giclees. Piezography is a specific process to reproduce black and white work where the printer is loaded with black and grey carbon based inks only to produce the best possible tonal range. All printing is done on high quality acid free art papers.
Art Related Question/Answers
What type of pencils do you use?
I use Nero by Cretacolor. They come in 5 hardnesses and I use all 5.
What kind of paper?
Bristol board plate surface by Canson
How do you keep from smudging?
I use a piece of tissue or tracing paper under my arm and hand while I draw, but it doesn’t completely keep the pencil from smudging, so the last step in completing the drawing is to go over the whole thing one more time, then erase any smudges on the white part of the paper.
How long have you been drawing?
I have been a full time artist since 2001, but knew I could draw since I was a kid. I just never took it seriously until around 1999 when I bought my first horse and it finally dawned what I wanted to draw.
How long do your originals take to complete?
A large drawing can take upwards of 200 hours. I work just about every day and all day.
What art school did you attend?
I took a few classes at Utah State University, but they were summer programs while I was still in high school. I never attended college outside of that. I quickly figured out that the college experience wasn’t for me.
Do you have horses?
I used to have 4 and that’s why I started drawing them, but once I started to focus on art, they were sold to wonderful people who had more time for them than we did.
Do you do commissions?
I never say never, but it would have to be a really special thing for me to want to do one. It takes about twice as long to draw a piece for somebody else than it does if it’s just something I decide to draw. So much more is involved in getting the right reference photos and setting up approvals and all of that, so it just makes life easier to draw what I want and if someone likes it they just buy it then and there.
How much do your originals cost?
A small drawing is around $1,500 and a large one can be up to $15,000+ and every price in between.
Do you work from reference photos?
Of course. Because of the detail required to make a great drawing, I use reference photos. Photos tend to flatten images, and the fun part of being an artist is to take that image and add light, enhance contrast, fix whatever needs fixing and basically take that flat image and through the magic of art, and make it more dimensional and “real”. Also, horses don’t stand still at all, so drawing from life really isn’t practical.
Who are your artistic influences?
I never had any one artist that I looked up to that helped me to do what I am doing now, but rather I have a respect for many artists whose work I love looking at. George Stubbs (1724-1806) is the best known equine artist of all time and his painting, Whistlejacket, is one of the greatest equine paintings of all time and a thrill to get to see in person. Maynard Dixon (1875-1946) is also someone who’s work is magical to me. You can’t drive through the Southwestern part of the United States after seeing his work and not see it differently. As far as living artists go, there are just too many to mention, but some stand outs are Mian Situ, Ed Mell, and Gordon Brown.
Where can we see the artwork in person?
We try to regularly update our schedule on the website, so check to see if we are going to be in your area.
What galleries are you in?
I am exclusively represented by Altermann Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They get about 4 or 5 originals a year.
Web Related Question/Answers
Can I just call my order in rather than place it on the website?
Yes, Someone is usually home, but I don’t always answer the phone if I am drawing. In that case, just leave a message and we’ll call you back.
Will you personalize my piece?
Certainly. If you would like me to sign it a certain way, just call and I can easily do that.
How long will it take to receive my order?
That depends on variables like if I am home or at a show or if the print is in stock or we have to pick some up from the printer. If you need it by a certain date, call and let us know and we can do our best to accommodate you. Generally though, they go out within a week of the order.
Do you ship flat or in a tube?
We always ship prints flat and sandwiched between layers of foam board and then wrapped in cardboard. The print is floated on foamboard with acid free corners then bagged to protect it.
What if my print arrives damaged?
Just call as soon as you can and we will make the arrangements to get you a replacement. Thankfully it rarely happens as they are boxed really well.