The Work
Who makes everything at VARsee Art Studio? All the artwork is hand-painted or hand-drawn by me, Silvana Varriale. Self-taught, I've worked with watercolors and pencils since I was young - and never stopped. Through life's challenges and years of corporate stress, making art was always my way back to myself. That continuity lives in every piece I create.
What is made by hand and what isn't? Every original artwork is entirely hand-painted or hand-drawn by me. Fine art prints are reproduced by a professional print studio, chosen carefully to honor the quality of the original work.
What can I find at VARsee Art Studio? Custom pet portrait commissions and original watercolor art from the natureAWE collection, available as originals and giclée prints. For stationery and gifts printed from my original artwork, please visit my Etsy shop, where you'll find a whole different world of designs and paper gift options.
Can I request a custom order? I accept commissions for custom pet portraits only. Please visit the pet portrait page for details on pricing and process. At this time, I do not accept commissions for other subjects. Follow me on Instagram to stay updated.
Are your products signed? Originals are hand-signed on the artwork, integrated into the composition itself, almost hidden within the piece. Giclée prints are hand-signed and numbered in the white margin outside the printed image.
Do you sell wholesale? Not at the moment.
The Art
What materials do you use for your watercolors? I work on 100% cotton, mould made paper that is gelatin-sized to the core, using extra-fine paints made from natural minerals and earth pigments. These materials are chosen for their professional quality and the way they hold the depth and luminosity of watercolor.
Will the colors in prints look exactly like the original? Every file I send to print is carefully prepared and color-proofed to stay as true to the original artwork as possible. Professional fine art reproduction does the rest. That said, screen settings vary, and what you see on your device may differ slightly from the printed piece and from the original itself. That's the nature of real, tactile materials. Part of their charm.
What sizes are available for fine art prints? Fine art prints are currently available in two sizes: 9x12 and 11x14 inches.
What paper do you use for fine art prints? Fine art prints are reproduced on heavyweight, acid-free matte paper designed to resist fading over time.
Do you frame your artwork? Artwork ships matted on a sturdy backing board, ready for framing. Framing is not included.
Do you provide a Certificate of Authenticity? Yes. Every original artwork and fine art print is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity, confirming the work originates from my studio and detailing the materials used.
How do I care for and preserve my artwork? To preserve the vibrancy of the pigments and the integrity of the paper, display your piece away from direct sunlight and intense heat sources. UV rays and temperature shifts can cause pigments to fade or paper to age prematurely. For maximum protection, I recommend UV-protective glass when framing. This applies to fine art prints too.
Where do you find inspiration? My work comes from a lifelong fascination with nature, animals, and the quiet details most people walk past. I mostly create from my own photography - captured during everyday life and past travels - and from a childhood dream of shrinking small enough to truly belong to the natural world. Visit my About me page to know more.
Shipping & Orders
Do you ship free? Original art, giclée prints and commission pet portraits ship free with USPS standard tracked mail.
Do you offer express shipping? Yes. Express shipping is available through USPS and other carriers at checkout. Express shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Standard ground shipping is included in the price of all orders at no additional cost.
How long does processing take? Pet portrait commissions have their own dedicated timeline (please refer to the pet portrait page for details). Original artworks ship within 2-3 business days of your order. Fine art prints are reproduced by a professional print studio, then personally inspected, signed, and packaged by me before shipping - please allow up to 2 weeks before shipping, though most orders will ship sooner. You will receive tracking information as soon as your order ships.
Do you ship internationally? Not at the moment. I currently sell and ship within the U.S. only.
What if my order arrives damaged or is lost? Please refer to my Shipping & Refund policies for full details. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out directly.
Can I send a gift directly to someone? Absolutely. At checkout, enter your recipient's name and address under "Delivery," and untick "Use shipping address as billing address" under Payment to enter your own billing details.
Do you offer gift wrapping? Not traditional gift wrapping, but your order will arrive thoughtfully packaged, neat and simple, with a handmade touch.
Refunds & Account
What are the benefits of creating an account? With an account you can track orders, view past purchases, save payment details for faster checkout, and manage everything in one place. Sign-up is quick and easy.
Can I return my order? Please refer to my Returns & Refunds policy for full details. Original artworks and custom commissions are non-returnable by nature.
About VARsee
Where does the name "VARsee" come from? The first three letters of my surname, plus the phonetic spelling of the first syllable of my first name. "See" also reflects what drives my work: noticing the quiet, fine beauty of everyday life , the first step in creating every hand-painted piece.
Where is your Art Studio based? I live and work in Pennsylvania, U.S. All my orders ship from there.
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Have a question not covered here? I'm here to help. Feel free to send me a note and I'll get back to you.