Materials
Here's a brief look at how some of my art is made. This page will give you an intimate look at the various methods and materials I employ so my paintings can have the specific character I'm after. If you are a collector of my paintings this page will also provide you a sense of the art object's history and physical properties.
​
The majority of my substrates (surfaces - canvases, wood panels, paper panels, aluminum composite material panels) are made from raw materials and constructed by hand. This affords me with multiple opportunities to ensure the look and feel of the object I paint on fits my aesthetic and process-oriented preferences. I size and prime my oil painting surfaces using archival materials like Golden's GAC100 medium, Utrecht's Artist Acrylic Gesso, and Williamsburg's Titanium White Oil Ground. For mounted paper or canvas panels I use a reversible archival/acid free Lineco glue. On handmade panels for egg tempera I paint on a hand primed traditional chalk and rabbit skin glue Gesso from Rublev. Each carefully tested and chosen material allows me to ensure I'm working with professional grade ingredients with longevity of the art in mind.
​
Like my substrates, I try to work with professional grade paint with high quality pigments. The cost of these paints is more than worth the investment because I believe the integrity of the paintings' visual properties is important to protect against UV exposure over time. The artist oil, gouache, and casein paints I choose to work with are made by Gamblin, Winsor Newton, M. Graham, Rembrandt, Williamsburg, Utrecht, Michael Harding, Dana, Richeson, and Old Holland. My egg tempera paintings are made with dry pigments from Gamblin that are hand mixed with a traditional egg yolk emulsion.
​
I build the majority of my frames by hand in my wood shop. I began making custom frames in college and have slowly developed a process over the years that fits the space, time, and budget I have access to. After investing in the required wood working tools I have just about everything I need to make original handmade frames. I source most of my frame building materials from big box stores like Home Depot, but many natural-finished hardwood frames begin as rough cut boards from a central WI lumber mill. Each Frame I make is carefully constructed, sometimes with small impurities/characteristics, and finished with an oil/wax or a milk paint/hand buffed finish. Frame making is a fulfilling break from painting and adds another unique layer to the personality of my paintings. When a collector buys my paintings they're bringing into their home an object that was constructed at every stage by my own hands. As a result, I feel there is a sense of warmth to the physical nature of my paintings that is only achieved by making them from scratch with raw materials.
​
Shop FAQ's
​
Are Hector's paintings sealed or varnished?
Most of Hector's oil paintings are not sealed with a varnish at the time of purchasing them. Oil paint takes at least 6 months to oxidize (cure) properly so varnishing them too early could affect the surface of the painting and lead to cracking or warping of the paint's surface. Hector's gouache and casein paintings are usually sealed with a UV Matte Archival Spray Varnish and finished with a thin layer of hand buffed Dorland's Wax Medium. Together those materials better protect the surface of the painting against moisture and UV exposure.
​
Where/how are Hector's frames made?
Hector chooses to build his own handmade frames from raw materials which is both an aesthetic and economical choice. Hector makes his own frames using materials he sources either at Home Depot, Lowe's, a local lumberyard, or from a central Wisconsin mill that sells rough cut boards (floater frames with Walnut, Oak, Elm, and Cherry were likely sourced here). Hector builds his frames entirely by himself using tools and saws that he has invested in over the last eight years. Each year Hector's frame building methods improve and are better informed through research and development.
​
How are Hector's artworks shipped?
Hector usually packages all of his orders himself and uses materials like plastic wrap, bubble wrap, parchment paper, and cardboard to package the artwork for shipping. Hector typically uses USPS, UPS, FedEx , or Post Net to ship his domestic orders.
​
Can I purchase Hector's art if I live outside of the US?
Hector's artwork is available to purchase for most people living in and outside of the US. Shipping costs will vary depending on the address. If you're interested in purchasing Hector's art but the shipping cost seems abnormal please contact Hector directly for more information or to resolve possible issues of generated pricing on his website.
​
Are Hector's painting and framing methods environmentally safe and conscious?
The majority of Hector's practices and materials are used with environmental impacts in mind. Each year Hector looks to improve how his work impacts the environment. Hector tries to be aware of where/how his raw materials are produced and manufactured. Hector has made an effort to start cutting back on the use of solvents and alkyds in his painting practice, especially when working indoors. Moving forward Hector plans to dispose of any toxic materials at his local waste facilities.
​
How is Sales Tax handled through Hector's online shop at acunaarts.com?
Hector collects sales tax for purchases based in Wisconsin. If a buyer living outside of Wisconsin makes a purchase from his shop, then the buyer is responsible for paying the sales tax.
​
Can I purchase Hector's art with payment plans?
Hector's artwork is available for purchase as one-time payments or as monthly payment plans. Some of his art is listed with both options. If you're interested in purchasing something from his shop with a monthly payment plan please contact Hector for more information.
​
Does Hector take commissions?
Hector does accept commission inquiries via email through the contact page of his website. If you're interested in learning more about commission options, availability, pricing, etc. please contact Hector for more information.
​
Here is a video showing how I packed a sold painting for a collector in Wisconsin.