What is this listing all about?
I have a lot of faith in the old and glorious custom of transmitting individual, thoughtful, and original handmade creations through the post. When I was a child, my own artistic endeavors were encouraged immeasurably by hobby artists who came through our home and made sketches there and gifted them to me. As I grew older, I became fascinated by watercolor artists, naturalists, and storytellers like Beatrix Potter, Edith Holden, and Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who created casual illustrations celebrating the world around them and the stories in their heads. To this day, I remain intrigued by the unique artistic intimacy of receiving and owning original, one-of-a-kind sketches and studies.

This listing is for a small watercolor and/or gouache sketch created sometime within the past several months. The number of sketches available each month varies depending on my schedule, so if the listing is sold out, check back soon to claim a spot when next month's sketches become available. Please note that all the sketches in the listing photos have already been sold. Your sketch will be a new piece, and will be a surprise until you receive it! Your sketch will be packaged in a cellophane bag and shipped in a stayflat rigid mailer. More details about the sketches are below.

What kind of sketch will I get?
In the spring of 2019, I began creating watercolor and gouache impression sketches as a way to capture the experiences and places around me. The listing photos showcase a few of these paintings. I typically do my sketches on professional-grade Arches watercolor paper or thick khadi/shizen paper with deckled edges, and each piece usually measures between 4x6 and 5x7 inches, although sizes certainly can vary.

When you purchase this listing, you will be receiving a small watercolor original painting similar to the pieces depicted in the listing photos. Most of these paintings will be completed on the go and may feature architecture, figures, cityscapes, seascapes, landscapes, or natural life. (Lately most of my sketches have been ocean-themed.) Each one will be signed and accompanied by a handwritten date, location, or artist's note of some sort. My hope is that each piece will be a cherished personal gift.

International Shipping Notice
Free international shipping is now available for these original sketches, but please note that your sketch will be shipped as a letter. It will be mailed in a Kraft paper envelope with a protective cellophane sleeve but without cardboard backing or tracking. This is because international USPS rates for rigid packages are prohibitive for items of this size. (However, if you'd like to have your print shipped with tracking and cardboard backing, feel free to select the "USPS First Class International" option during checkout.)

Custom Listing for Martha C. F.