FAQ
Available JK Dooley Art
Original watercolor paintings and reproductions.
Fabric collages and books
Pen and ink miniature illustrations of regional animals
Wearable bead art; some using local quartz, agates, etc.
Commissions
If you are local, I am currently accepting commissions for my fabric art, on a limited basis. If you have family photos or memorabilia you would like to see in a personalized fabric creation, contact us at the gallery.
Click on 'Watercolors' above to view a recently completed commissioned painting of my sweet Miss Ellie's best friend Shunka. :) I'm currently not accepting painting commissions.
Watercolor questions
What do you paint with?
All my original paintings are watercolors.
Do you paint from photographs? I have a picture of myself that I want you to paint.
I paint from photographs that I have taken; I typically do not paint from photographs taken by others. My attention to detail and obsession that every aspect of the piece is technically correct prohibits me from painting from memory or imagination. I won't work from someone else's photograph because I didn't have the chance to meet the subject or experience the weather and mood of the event.
Why don’t you paint faces? Aren’t you any good?
I can paint portraits, however, I choose not to, for a couple reasons. I focus on the relationship between the people and animals through the expressions and actions of the animals. I also find if you can see the expression on a person’s face, it affects the image in a definite way. Lots of people don’t want an image of a stranger hanging on their walls. You can imagine yourself or anyone else in these paintings.
Why don’t you paint action scenes or landscapes?
Because I prefer tight, closely cropped renditions of cowboy life.
Hey-how come no cowgirls? You know we are out there! (and we aren't just sitting around in bathtubs with pretty golden locks streaming down!)
This is a common question. I travel to rodeos to find most of my material. As I am not a professional photographer, I have no fancy zoom lenses, etc. to get pics of the rodeo cowgirls at their events, as they are usually out in the middle of the arena. I hang out by the chutes to get shots of the rodeo cowboys, and there are rarely cowgirls back there. Since I paint from my own photos, unless I happen to be fortunate enough to find a working ranch with working cowgirls, those paintings will be few and far between!
Why do you paint cowboy butts?
OK. Really, this is the reason…..I focus on the gear the rodeo cowboys wear. Typically, when I’m at a rodeo taking pictures I’m right behind the chutes, which means I’m behind the cowboys!!! Honest!!!!
Some of your images have messages printed on them. Are these for sale?
Currently these are occasionally found on my website. I’m gathering feedback for a possible greeting card line.
Why did you paint him with Levi’s on? Everyone knows ‘real’ cowboys only wear Wranglers!
Yes, I really do get this question. It amazes me how folks can say such silly things. The last time I heard this was from a snobby gal who most likely doesn't even own a pair of jeans...no matter who made 'em! I paint from candid photographs. They are taken in the moment. I don’t feel comfortable asking a stranger to remove his Levi’s in exchange for a pair of Wranglers. Yes, the commissioned pieces are posed, but, since it is a commission and I am being paid, I rarely make wardrobe suggestions….
Why aren’t your originals standard sized images?
I just cannot bring myself to create original paintings in certain exact sizes. It’s a personal thing.
Can I purchase originals from you?
My originals are available for purchase through the Jon Crane Gallery, Hill City, South Dakota. Please contact me first to see what originals are currently available.
Do you sell reproductions?
Yes, I do! Plain or framed and matted, canvas wrap, secure online payment, acid free archival ink, secure packaging and delivery within one week - Click here to order.
Do you sell anywhere else on the internet?
No. If you find my images for sale anywhere on the internet, please let me know. If they aren't authorized by me, they are being illegally reproduced.
Where to find my art
Online
Watercolor Reproductions
Local
Fabric/Mixed Media Collages
Pen and ink originals
Watercolor prints
Watercolor originals:
The Jon Crane Gallery 256 Main St., Hill City SD
605-574-4440
Jewelry & Pen and Ink Questions
My original pen & ink drawings measure approximately 5”x 7”. Tiny dots are placed one at a time on the paper, until the desired image appears. They’re black and white; reproductions are available. I’ve added a bit of color to a few of the reproductions or you may choose black and white.
My wearable bead art, like my fabric art, is free form and one of a kind. I incorporate one or all of the following into each piece - pounded copper or silver, local found rocks from the Black Hills, gemstones and glass beads.
Miscellaneous
Do you accept credit cards? Checks and money orders?
All sales are handled through The Jon Crane Gallery. Credit cards are accepted. Local checks accepted at the discretion of the gallery owner.