On this page, in addition to contact details, are the following sections:
About the Artist  |  Meet the Artist - See His Work  |  Pictures & Framing
Commissions  |  Pricing  |  Delivery  |  Greetings Cards

Contact Details

About the Artist

Born and brought up in Basildon, Essex, John Harrison now enjoys living and working in the rural surroundings of Birch, a small village about six miles south west of Colchester.

His medium is watercolour and his style is fine detail. His main subjects are land and seascapes together with a variety of seasonal and vocational themes.

John first started sketching in his early school days. For several years he was a carpet fitter by trade but has now managed to achieve a lifetime ambition to become a professional artist. John is self-taught with no formal art training. Over time he has developed his distinctive style of finely detailed watercolours and has recently started working in other styles as well.

John aims to provide a highly professional, friendly, and reliable service. This is provided personally by John himself and his wife Sue, who thank you for taking time to view his work.

Meet the Artist - See His Work

This website can only serve as a brief introduction to John's work. It cannot give you a proper appreciation of the true quality of his originals and prints which can only be gained by seeing the actual works themselves.

John's new purpose-built art gallery, adjoining his home in Birch, is now open on Wednesdays to Sundays inclusive, normally between 9-30am to 4-30pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). In addition to a permanent display of John's work, the gallery has a small tea and coffee shop, so that visitors can enjoy light refreshments if they wish while viewing John's pictures. Naturally John's pictures, prints and greetings cards are available for sale in the gallery but, of course, there is no obligation to buy. You are warmly invited to come and have a look.

Alternatively, if you live in mid or North Essex, John is willing to arrange a viewing in your own home. To make an appointment please telephone or email with some possible dates and times.

John attends various Art & Craft Shows, predominately in the Essex and Suffolk area, throughout the year. At these you can meet him, view a selection of his work, and make purchases. Details of some of the events at which John will be exhibiting in 2007 can be found on our Events Calendar page. If you would like more information please e-mail or telephone. Details of galleries currently displaying his paintings are also available upon request.

Originals, Prints, Mounting and Framing

A full selection of original watercolours and Giclée limited edition prints of land and seascapes, and a montage of other subject matter, is available for sale.

A Giclée is a high resolution digital print. Giclée is considered the world's best technique for reproducing original works of art and is now a recognised fine art category. The prints are created using the highest quality materials - genuine acid-free mould-made art papers and full pigment archivel inks which show colours to their best effect. Image permanence is important to artists and collectors. Giclées have greater fade resistance than other types of print and under museum quality lighting are expected to retain their high quality appearance for up to 200 years. Prints of John's paintings are available either framed or unframed and each one is personally checked by the artist before delivery to ensure it is of the finest quality.

In addition to originals and prints, John offers a full framing service. To be displayed at its best every picture needs to be professionally mounted and framed. Apart from enhancing its visual attractiveness, good framing protects the picture from dust, dirt and moisture, so preserving the vibrancy of the colours and ensuring a long life.

Commissions

All types of private or corporate commissions are welcomed. Subjects might include:

      - a favourite location or scene, flowers, a house, boat or vehicle;

      - a wedding location, birthday or any specific anniversary or memory link etc.

A specially commissioned fine detail watercolour makes an excellent individual and truly unique gift. John is happy to discuss possible commissions, without obligation. A full estimate will be provided prior to acceptance of a commission.

Prices and Payment

John's pictures are available in a range of prices. Naturally originals are more expensive than prints. Other factors affecting price are a picture's size and whether it is framed or unframed.The following information is given solely as a guide and is not binding.

Typical prices for currently available Giclee limited edition prints are from £38 to £80 unframed, and £60 to £140 framed. As an illustration, prints of St Peter's Church, Birch are £38 unframed and £60 framed.

Small original paintings start at £90 and extend to £600 for large framed paintings.
Commissions range from £350 to £600 depending on size and amount of detail involved.


Payment can be made by VISA, Mastercard, Delta, Switch, Solo and Visa Electron,
or in cash, or by cheque supported by a relevant bankers card.
For security reasons please do not email credit card details. It is much safer to telephone them.

Payment is required prior to despatch for posted items, or at the time of delivery where personal delivery has been agreed.

Delivery, Post and Packaging

Free personal delivery is available to addresses in Mid and North Essex and South Suffolk.

Delivery by Post:   Postage and packing are charged to the client at cost. The cost of packaging varies from £2 for a rolled print in a tube to an approximate estimate of £20 for a framed picture. Post and packing charges are agreed with the client, and are payable, prior to despatch.

Courier:   If desired we can arrange delivery by courier. This may be quicker and safer, especially for large valuable framed items. The courier's charges and our packaging are charged at cost and are payable prior to despatch.

Greetings Cards

John now offers a range of beautifully produced greetings cards with glossy finish on high quality card. Featuring pictures by the artist, the insides of the cards are blank so that you can write your own greeting - suitable for birthdays, Christmas, congratulations, etc.

For full details, including prices and ordering, see our page about Greetings Cards.

Trade Association Memberships

John is a member of the following trade associations: Fine Art Trade Guild An international trade association established in 1910 with objectives to inform, promote and develop the art and framing industry. Membership No. 5536.
S.A.A  The Society for All Artists. This society exists to inform, encourage and inspire all who want to paint. Membership No. 043280.
The Guild Of Essex Craftsmen. This County based Guild was established in 1984 to promote quality and original craftsmanship in Essex. Membership No. 229.