Why I choose Digital Paintings

As both a traditional pastel artist and digital artist, I believe they both have their unique qualities, but digital art offers several advantages that make it a better choice for both artists and clients. One key benefit is its versatility—digital painting allows for easy revisions, unlimited layers and color palette, without the limitations of traditional mediums. More importantly, it allows me to charge only a commission fee, not a commission and materials fee, making it more cost-effective for the client.

Unlike pastel art, which can be vulnerable to smudging or fading over time, digital paintings will never fade and can be reproduced in various sizes or formats without loss of quality. If a digital art print is lost or damaged in transit to the client, I still have the file available, saving time and money, and avoiding client disappointment. And if some unexpected damage from a home fire or natural disaster should occur, you can always contact me for a replacement.

Digital Paintings are eco-friendly as they reduce the need for physical art materials like pastel paper and pastels, while still allowing for stunning, lifelike detail and vibrant color.

I partner with only one Missouri-based print company to ensure your artwork is printed in the U.S.A. using only the highest quality materials in the industry. Please visit the Products page for more information.

Another reason that I made the transition from pastel to digital was for the health of myself and my household. Inhaling pastel dust can be dangerous for humans and pets. The particles are very fine and are irritating to the small lungs and sinuses of your pets. Wearing a mask might protect me, but doesn’t keep the dust from taking over the house and potentially affecting others.

Pastel Dust

The process of creating traditional art requires long days and weeks of seclusion away from family and pets in order to keep the artwork protected and clean and to meet delivery commitments. A typical commission (digital or pastel) could take 20-60+ hours to complete. Transitioning to digital painting meant that I could sit comfortably in my living room (or on an airplane) and still create art, which is an important part of my daily life.

Art Seclusion

Here is a short time lapse portion of the Pacific Baza painting. Even though I am creating a digital painting, the process of traditional art remains the same. Every bit of fur or feathers is hand drawn from a blank canvas but with an unlimited color palette and no restriction on the number of layers! This painting took 19 hours and 46,356 brush strokes to complete.