The Offer
I produce Fine Art in Watercolour. Milton Glaser tells us the term “fine” comes from Metallurgy. Metals are refined to improve their quality (refining is usually done by fire – a solemn thought). In watercolour this means developing skill to observe, design and apply line and colour. It means sitting down to paint when it feels easy and when it feels like a slog. It means submitting work for unrestrained criticism. It means working for the highest possible quality of each surface.
As I work I hold two concepts in tension. With each work I set out to “create the very best watercolour in the history of the world” (Warren Louw) – at the same time I lean on: “A thing worth doing is worth doing badly” (Stuart Briscoe).” This means walking the narrow path between loose watercolours and an awkward mess, between tight, well placed detail and stiff, over-controlled, rigid work.

The Materials
I use the best available materials. You can still see the watercolours of JMW Turner which he created 200 years ago. And the materials available for watercolour today are far, far superior to those he used.
I use Arches® Aquarelle paper predominantly. The Arches mill, established in 1492 created the paper for the Nuremberg Chronicle illustrated by Albrecht Dürer in 1493. The “Description de l’Egypte”commissioned by Napoleon in 1807 was documented on Arches. The firm also created paper specifically for the painter Ingres in 1869. Most painters in the modern era favoured this brand. ARCHES® obtained Living Heritage Company Approval in 2017. The paper is 100% cotton and gelatine-sized to the core using a unique cylinder mould process. The result is an acid-free paper with natural permanent whiteness, meeting an archival standard in accordance with ISO 9706:1994
I use Winsor&Newton Professional Watercolour. Winsor&Newton, was established in 1832 to offer a regular source of reliable colours. They offer the widest and most balanced choice of pigments with the greatest possible permanence. Winsor&Newton, were granted Royal Warrant in 1841 and remain by Appointment to HRH the Prince of Wales today.

The Result
Art communicates with us at a level beyond thought. When you buy an SJQ Watercolour Original you purchase a recollection of what moved in you when you were first arrested by the painting. You also buy an heirloom. With appropriate care this watercolour may communicate with generations.
High Resolution, Limited Edition, Inkjet Prints
In order to make images more accessible I offer limited edition, high resolution, inkjet prints of selected watercolours. These prints are done on 200 gm 100% cotton Hahnemuhle watercolour paper, which is archival. Digital (Tiff) images are professionally captured to prepare the High Resolution prints.
These High Resolution prints are created through the most advanced ink jet technology. The micro-precision print head achieves unprecedented resolution. The latest generation ink technology, using between 9 and 11 pigments (rather than dyes) achieves the widest ever colour spectrum. Crisp details, brighter, long-lasting colour and archival paper provides an enduring reproduction of my work.
The overall result is Crisp details, brighter, long-lasting colour and archival paper provides you with an archival print of exceptional quality. An enduring reproduction of my work.
Each copy is signed, numbered and stamped with the SJQ Watercolour stamps and embossing seal.
