“A place is only as good as the people in it.”
― Pittacus Lore
In between the family get-togethers, late-night present-wrapping sessions, and endless Elf re-runs, one of my favorite funtivities from this past holiday season was working on a number of custom sketches of places that hold a certain meaning for someone.
I did a sketch for my sister Brooke of her and her husband on their wedding day, one for my parents of the church they were married in (thirty years ago this August!), and another for my cousin Josh and his wife, of a popular landmark from the University of North Carolina where they both attended college.
After a year of sketching across Europe and Asia, I loved the switch in subject – from places I’d never seen before to places that mean a great deal to people; in a way, places that play a key role in their story.
And so I got to thinking…I’ve got a few more weeks until my next adventure starts (but more on that next week – watch this space!), and with Valentine’s Day coming up next month, it seemed like the perfect time to put together a little sketching promotion.
Today I’m delighted to introduce, “Your Favorite Place”:
From today until January 31st, I’m offering a discount on commissioned sketches, and promise to have them to you by Valentine’s Day! Each painting will cost $125, which includes:
- One custom watercolor painting on acid-free, heavy-weight watercolor paper, measuring 9”x12”.
- Each sketch comes in a cream-colored, frame-ready 11”x14” matte (frame sadly not included).
- Free shipping (even internationally!) – each sketch will be shipped flat between cardboard in a sealed clear bag, to ensure it reaches you safely.
It would be an honor to create a custom sketch for you, which could make a perfect gift for your significant other or a close friend you’ve traveled with. Ideas of what to have sketched include:
- Your first home together (or perhaps a home you built)
- A landmark from the college you both attended
- The church you were married in (or other location, i.e. beach, vineyard, etc.)
- A favorite spot from your wedding day or honeymoon
- A memorable scene from a country where you’ve spent time together
All I need from you is a high-resolution photograph of what you’d like painted, and we’ll also chat about any special details you’d like included (or any pesky power lines you would *not* like in the sketch). The finished painting will be whimsical yet detailed, a unique rendering done in pen and watercolor.
You can order your sketch right through the promotion’s Etsy listing, and if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at [email protected].
I look forward to sketching your favorite places!
Please note this promotion only applies to commissions for individuals, not to custom sketch headers, book covers or illustrations, or other sketches that might be used in a commercial capacity. Thank you for understanding!
Candace….I love your new idea for sketches! It’s been so much fun to watch your creativity and talent unfold over the years. Your work is just beautiful…..and so are you!
So thankful that your life path crossed with Jennifer’s all those years ago. Much love to you in this new year!
Thanks so much, Mrs. Skalbeck! I am just as grateful as you that Jen and I were able to meet way back when and actually stay in touch…it’s quite amazing when you think about it 🙂 I’m wishing you and Jeff a wonderful 2014, and I hope to see you guys soon!
These are so beautiful! And, as a Tarheel and UNC alum, I got SO excited to scroll down and see the Old Well! It’s definitely going on my wish list 🙂
Thanks, Casey! It’s awesome to hear from a fellow Tarheel fan 🙂 Both my cousin and uncle went there, so we’ve loved UNC as a family for a while. Definitely let me know if you’d like me to sketch an image from the campus for you, I’d love to!
What a great idea, Candace! This is such a romantic gift to give to that special someone 🙂
Thank you, Katharina! I’m so glad you like the idea…I’m really looking forward to seeing what images people have me sketch 🙂 Hope you’re doing well!
Love this idea, Candace! Thank you for doing this 🙂
Thank so much, Susy! Can’t wait to work on a sketch for you 🙂
Candace, I’m an “old” friend of your mom…I love this idea! I would love to give a watercolor to my son and daughter-in-law of his proposal to her in Germany…I’m trying to track down a high resolution print. I will be in touch…I’m excited!
Hello, Cathy! It’s always great to hear from a friend of my mom’s, thanks very much for stopping by 🙂 It would be an honor to do a sketch for your son and daughter-in-law, so please do get in touch if you’re interested! Also, the photograph doesn’t necessarily have to be high-resolution, just clear enough for me to be able to use it as a model. Thanks again for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Candace! I placed an order tonight for a sketch…let me know how I need to get the photo to you and any additional information (their names, etc.)…looking forward to seeing the finished masterpiece! 🙂
That’s great news, Cathy! Thank you so much for ordering a sketch, I’m really looking forward to working on it for you 🙂 I’ll be in touch soon about more details!
Such a wonderful way to make use of your sketching skills! I’ve enjoyed following your recent trips throughout Asia and Eastern Europe, and I’m sure it will be equally awe-inspiring to read about your next adventures. I love how your stories are filled with meaning and makes you think.
Thank you, Erica! What you said about my stories here having meaning especially meant a lot – although it’s not always easy, I really do enjoy the process of digging a little deeper into each story and seeking out that extra layer of meaning. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed following along these last few sketching trips, and I definitely hope you’ll come along on my next journey – I’ll be posting more details about it very soon! Have a great weekend 🙂
These are fabulous sketches Candace. I only wish I had found you a few months ago….!
Still, I’ll be reading your blog instead.
Thank you, Victoria! I’m so glad you enjoy the sketches, and I look forward to hearing from you here again 🙂
Congratulations, Candace, you are doing a wonderful job! Please keep on sketching 🙂 Have you ever thought of sketching a Caribbean landscape?
Oh, that is such a cute idea!