ElvenstarArt -- Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take commissions?
Yes, I do. Check the Commissions page to see if they are open at this time, because I will temporarily close them if I have too many projects going. I will, however, only accept a commission if I feel that the subject fits my style and that I can do it justice. Please take a look through my galleries and familiarize yourself with my style of art. Don’t be afraid to contact me and suggest something for a commission, but I maintain the right to refuse. See the Commissions page for more information and pricing.

Will you draw something for me for free?
No, sorry, I can not draw for free. My artwork takes up a lot of time and art supplies are expensive.

Are there prints available of your artwork?
Yes, 8.5 x 11" and 5 x 7" prints of my art can be purchased directly from me. Go HERE for more information, such as shipping, prices, etc... Prints of my art can also be purchased through my DeviantArt Store, and I also have some products available at Zazzle.

Do you have any originals for sale?
Some of my original artwork is available. Please check the Originals section for the ones that I am willing to part with at this time.

May I link to your site?
Yes, of course you can! There are banners that can be used HERE. Or you can use a simple text link. Thanks! :)

Where did you get the name Elvenstar?
Elvenstar is an alias that I’ve been using online for a few years. The elven star (also called the faerie star) is a Wiccan symbol (no, I’m not a Wiccan) of a seven-pointed star. It represents a belief in fairies and magic, and also represents a gateway to the Faerie realm.

How long have you been painting and have you had any formal training?
No, I am entirely self-taught, aside from the one basic art class I had in high school. I have always loved art and have drawn for as long as I can remember, but it was when I discovered fantasy/fairy art that I really developed a passion for it. This was shortly after I graduated high school in 2002. Since I’ve always loved fantasy, it just seemed to really spark my imagination, and I knew that I wanted to do something with that.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m inspired by just about anything… books, music, my own stories, looking at other art. You never know when the muse will strike.

Is there anywhere that I can read your stories?
No, sorry. At this time, writing is really just something that I do for myself. Often, my artwork is inspired by it, and then I try to explain it with a description or excerpt.

Who are some of your favorite artists?
Brian Froud was my first introduction to fairy art, so he will always remain a favorite. Others that I admire are Linda Bergkvist, Kinuko Craft, Amy Brown, Stephanie Law, Josephine Wall and Victoria Frances.

What media do you use for your art?
I mainly use watercolor with mixed media, but I often also use pencil and colored pencil. I’ve recently begun to paint with acrylics, and I plan to explore that medium much more.

What materials do you use?
I have a very mixed bunch of watercolors that I use ranging from Daniel Smith, which are my favorites, to the cheap set of Reeve’s that were my first watercolors. So I pretty much use whatever I can get my hands on. I use Prismacolor pencils and Derwent watercolor pencils. For acrylics, I use Grumbacher Academy and Liquitex Basics. Most of my paintings are done on Arches watercolor paper (both hot and cold press), but I also use Lanaquarelle on occasion.