Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music do you listen to while painting?
Quite a variety of music. My kids finally got me on to Spotify after years of listening to satellite radio and I really enjoy it. Have a playlist of classic rock, 80s, 90s music, etc. Spotify is great at mixing in some stuff I have not heard in ages. No affiliation, just like the service!
Do you use special or expensive brushes?
Absolutely not. I use all kinds of brushes, to be honest some of my favorites are well under $10, some only a couple bucks. And I keep really worn ones around as they are useful for various effects like dry brushing.
How long does it take for you to create a painting?
I get this question a lot. Sadly there is no good answer. I have completed some small paintings in a couple of short studio sessions. Others have been on and off my easel for years. It really varies. Like a lot of artists, I also struggle with knowing when a painting is "done".
What or who inspires your art?
Nature, wildlife, and the beauty of the world around me drive my work. Artists like Robert Bateman, Albert Bierstadt, Ivan Shiskin and Max Ernst, along with my experiences in the Canadian wilderness, spark my creativity.
Is your artwork available on things like shirts, hoodies, etc.? If so, where can it be purchased?
My shop will be opening soon, right here on my website. You will be able to purchase selected artworks on apparel and accessories directly in the shop.
What art supplies do you recommend?
I recommend any affordable supplies, for paint I find you do not have to spend a large amount of money, you can get quality paints from manufacturers such as Liquitex or Winsor & Newton at a reasonable cost. Also search out reasonably priced canvases and boards, synthetic brushes from local art stores or online. If you are in Canada like me, you may find online and in store selection to be quite limited. Artists in the U.S. have a much larger and more affordable selection of art supplies. Experiment to find what suits your style! And remember, you don't need expensive brushes to make quality art, many of my brushes were purchased for just $2-$3.
Can I come to your art studio?
Sorry no, at the moment my studio is not open for visits. Hoping that one day once I complete my separate studio space at the back of my property, I will be able to invite visitors.
What mediums do you use when you paint?
I primarily use acrylics for my paintings, and do most of my sketching digitally using Procreate on my iPad.
Do you do commissions?
Yes, I accept a limited number of commissions each year, for custom wildlife and surrealist artworks. Contact me through the Contact page to discuss your vision, pricing, and timeline.
How do I purchase original artwork?
Original artworks will soon be available directly on my Shop page. Until then please contact me directly via the Contact form and let me know which piece you are interested in or if you want to inquire about a commission. Each completed artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Have more questions? DM me on X at SteveMcAllisterArt!