I had the BEST time creating this bespoke wedding guestbook canvas for a lovely couple. The bride was even so kind as to let me post about it before their wedding day next month. The theme of this one was different places in Newcastle. I love when there’s a mixture of old and new architecture, some water, and some variation in the horizon, so this set of locations for me was just perfect.

I’m going to take you through the step by steps because (as I’m sure you know by now) that’s my favourite part about online artists sharing their work.

As always, we start with a sketch! I’ll always send across a quick sketch to the client before starting work on the big canvas. Before this, I had already prepped the canvas.

Next up, adding the pen. This is the bit that takes a surprisingly long time.

Then there are many, many layers of watercolour. The ground base gives is a particular watercolour effect. I don’t always use it, depends on the design (e.g. if there’s water).

Then we have the pen details and we try to ramp up the colour as much as possible.

Finally, the finished piece is packaged up and sent to its new home! This was an A2 canvas, which I think is my favourite size. A1 is nice (ours was A1) but I prefer a cramped canvas full of signatures.

I’m still taking orders for custom wedding canvases before a short break on annual leave, so if you’ve been thinking about what to do for your wedding get your order in quick!