Custom Watercolor Name Painting - Step into my world!

So I've been wanting to share a step by step of a custom watercolor name painting that I so love to do! I've done many different designs for different people and every single one is unique and fun. I always end up loving the result so much, and all of my clients do, too! Sometimes it's hard to part with a painting, but knowing that it's going to a child that will love it more than I do makes it a little easier!

So first things first is I set up my work station. (Yes! I do paint on the floor!) I've got watercolors, a jar of water, paper towel, paint brushes, a plate (my palette) an actual palette, watercolor paper and watercolor pencils. I also usually have some inspiration to draw from, like a book or picture printed off the internet. This mom requested an "Eric Carle-ish" theme, featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

I have actually done two paintings similarly inspired in the recent past, so I just used those as my inspiration. And it goes like this...

My work area:

And then step by step I add one thing and then the next to the blank canvas before me. I started with the caterpillar as a "C" and then added an orange and a plum for "O"s. Then a couple of standard letters in a kid-esque font and went crazy with the colorful dots! I went back to add in some depth and detail at the end with my colored pencils.

What do you think?

The little dots were the funnest part to make :)

I always recommend matting everything! All of my paintings go matted to clients, but my photos don't. There's nothing that draws attention to a piece of art quite like adding a beautiful, complimentary mat to it!

And of course, an artistic shot:

So if you want to make a painting like this for YOUR child, roll up your sleeves and get going! Or if you want me to make one for you, contact me! This isn't just a hobby for me, it's my passion :)

Until next time, friends!