Where are you from?

I’m from Burnett Heads, Bundaberg! But for the last couple of years I’ve been a Brisbane based artist, and by early 2024, I’ll be living in Cairns.

How long does a painting take?

The majority of my works take between 10 and 30 hours of work, except for the particularly large or complex ones. So sometimes I can start and finish a piece over a weekend- but more often each piece will take a few weeks or longer, due to my job, other time commitments, and attempts to squeeze in a social life. This is why my pricing is size-based, as time consumption is difficult to track.

What mediums do you use?

I specialise in watercolours and gouache, which I have been using since about 2011. I also regularly use oil paints, acrylic paints, and more rarely charcoal.

Where did you learn to paint?

I am proud to be self-taught, and since 2022 have been the lucky mentee of Master watercolourist, Lawrie Walton. He gives me invaluable feedback and advice.

What is your process like?

My process is a bit unorthodox. Often I will get ideas for a piece while my mind wanders. An image, or components (for example, embers and a figure standing in the shallows at a stormy beach) will come to mind, and I’ll then sketch out a few renditions to get a clearer idea of the composition. From that point, I will most often use several reference shots to influence the one painting. I take the photos myself, or occasionally I work with a photographer like Tracy Olive (who does phenomenal underwater photography). Then there’s a process of deciding on medium, surface and size, and sourcing materials (I’m a huge fan of Khadi paper, which is this lovely handmade paper with deckled edges and beautiful texture). Then, finally! It’s time to get cracking. I think I differ from a lot of artists because after I use my references to create a detailed sketch, I rarely look at it again while painting. This is where I find a lot of the joy and challenge in my work- by relying on intuition and experience. The painting process is often broken up into 2-6 hour sessions, over several days, weeks or months. I do work full time at my day job, and I am also the Secretary for the Australian Society of Marine Artists, so it’s often a matter of snatching odd hours in the evening and spending weekends in the studio. No matter how pressed for time I might be though, I will always come back to the studio, where I can work with passion and hopefully one day support myself with my work.

Why are ony some pieces sold with the option of a frame?

Great question! There’s a few reasons I don’t frame everything:

1) framed works are much more expensive to ship, and more likely to be damaged in transit.

2) often buyers prefer to pick a frame to suit the space the artwork will be hung in.

3) framed works incur higher up-front costs for me, and are bulkier to store.

For these reasons, the only works that are available with the option of a frame are pieces I’ve had to frame for exhibitions.

I love this painting, but I don’t want to have to worry about framing it. It doesn’t have the option to buy with a frame. Can you do it for me?

Yes, of course. If you would like to arrange a work to be framed for you before I ship it, I’m happy to do so. Just reach out, we’ll chat about options and prices, and once you’ve picked a frame I’ll invoice you for the package- artwork, frame, and shipping. Please note though, that framing can take 1-2 weeks.

First time commissioning an artwork? Don’t worry! You don’t need to have it all worked out.

Here’s some general good-to-know information, and if in doubt, you can always get in touch.

How big should it be?

As a general rule of thumb, an artwork should take up minimum 1/3 to maximum 3/4 of the walls width. Or if you’re developing a gallery wall, the group of artworks should take up this space collectively.

If it’s a gift for someone else, smaller can be sweeter (and easier for them to find a home for), so under 40cm might be ideal.

Feel free to send me a photo of the space it will hang in, for a personalised recommendation.

What is the difference between mediums?

Some great things to keep in mind:

Watercolour paint is great for delicate, detailed pieces, and dries quickly- a great choice for short deadlines. If it’s painted on paper (standard), it will need framing.

This medium is my specialty as well, so it’s usually my top recommendation.

Oil paint can have a unique luster, a richness that makes it great for statement pieces. However it can take a long time to dry- depending on the technique, drying alone can take weeks. If it’s painted on canvas (standard), it will not need framing.

Acrylic paint is great for bolder works, and is fast drying- also a good choice for short deadlines. If it’s painted on canvas (standard), it will not need framing.

What if I’m not sure what I want?

We can chat about different aesthetics, colour palettes and subjects until we define the perfect piece for your home. Then I can create a small scale mockup, to make sure you’re happy with the design before commencing the piece itself.

How much will it cost?

My base pricing is calculated by size, so you can look at the prices of existing works of a similar size to what you want, to get an idea of the cost. Please note though, that the price is also influenced by medium (oils being the most costly medium) and complexity (a simple A4 seascape will cost less than an A4 portrait of multiple people). Click here to get a free quote.

How long does it take to ship my order?

Typically orders are posted within 1-3 business days. If there is an expected delay or I am on haitus, a banner will be visible at the top of the Shop page.

How much will shipping cost?

Shipping is free for all Australian orders. Commissions are quoted with shipping costs included. International orders are flat rated by size, and paintings which are $200 or more receive free shipping.

Do you offer express shipping?

Express shipping can be arranged, but must be individually quoted, as the cost can vary greatly depending on destination and the service required (e.g. overnight vs normal express). Reach out here for a free quote.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes I do! The flat rate is calculated at checkout. Paintings $200 or more qualify for free international shipping.

When a package is shipped internationally, it may be subject to import taxes, customs duties, and/or fees imposed by the destination country. Such charges are not included in the product price or shipping and handling cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.

I love this painting but it’s out of my budget! Can we make it work?

I’m so glad you enjoy my work! The prices for existing works are not negotiable, but there are other options: you could ask for an extended payment plan; you could commission a similar work in a smaller size; or it might be possible to purchase a print of the work. At the end of the day, you’re my favourite kind of customer- one who’s in love with a painting! And I’ll do what I can to help. Reach out here.

The painting I want has sold! What alternatives are there?

I don’t create duplicates of my work, but it may be possible to purchase a print. Otherwise, you could commission a similar piece. Please reach out here.

Can I visit the studio and see your work in person?

Usually yes, but unfortunately not just now as my husband and I are in the lead up to moving to Cairns from Brisbane. Contact me here to organise a visit in Cairns once we are guest ready! (Estimate Studio opening date: May 2024)

All claims must be submitted to studiophilipsartworks@gmail.com.

Please include your invoice/order number, a description of the issue, and any relevant photos/videos.

All claims will be assessed and responded to within 48 hrs.

If your claim is approved, you will be refunded the full paid value for the refundable item(s) within 5 business days.

Cancellations

Please call 0481277119 to cancel a pending order. If you cancel your order before it has been shipped, you will be refunded the full value of your order, including shipping fees.

Refunds

Commissions are not refundable. Items damaged by the customer after arrival are not refundable. Studio Philips does not offer refunds for change-of-mind. To refund an order, you must submit a claim within 72 hours of it arriving. Please include photographs of the item(s), clearly showing the reason for refunding (e.g. damage by courier).

Product not as ordered

All individual orders are inspected, packed, and posted by myself (Sarah Philips). In the event of an incorrect product or product with manufacturer faults arriving in your order, you are entitled to a full refund of the paid value of the item(s). Please note you will need to submit your claim within 72 hours, and provide sufficient evidence of the issue.

All refunds will be issued in the same form as the original payment. ✦ Processing fees (e.g. PayPal) are non-refundable. ✦ Payment methods for online orders are limited to: Afterpay; Paypal; and credit/debit card. No exceptions will be made.

Do you sell artworks/prints wholesale?

I’d like to! At the moment I only sell here on my site and via exhibitions, but I would love to get works out further into the world. I have a wholesale pricing structure and info pack ready to go, featuring prints, postcards and bookmarks, so if you’re interested in doing business, let me know!