FAQ
HOW IS IT MADE?
WHAT MAKES YOUR ART DIFFERENT FROM OTHER WILDLIFE ART?
Two things. First, hidden elements - every painting holds something waiting for you to discover, just like nature rewards those who slow down.
Second, the science. I spent my career in ecology and conservation, so these pieces come from real places and real ecosystems I've studied, not just from imagination. They're painted with intention to make you feel what I felt in those wild moments and are created and shipped with ecofriendly materials that meet my conservation standards.
IS THIS TRULY ECOFRIENDLY?
Yes. Every piece is created with FSC-certified, sustainably sourced materials, printed on archival eco-friendly paper, and shipped plastic-free. Because the planet we paint deserves the same care. We also donate 10% to conservation non-profits. See the full story of how we do it here.
WHERE DOES THE 10% DONATION GO?
To organizations actively protecting the wild places and creatures in my art, including the National Parks Conservation Association and grassroots habitat protection projects. We've donated over $27,000 to date, and we share exactly where your contribution goes. See our current conservation partners here.
ARE THERE HIDDEN ELEMENTS IN EVERY PIECE?
Most of them. Some paintings have hidden wildlife or symbols tucked into the landscape; others have hidden stories woven throughout. A few pieces are about grand moments without hidden elements, but look closely anyway. There's always something waiting for a patient observer.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT TO PAINT?
Every painting begins with a nature moment that took my breath away. A hike in the Tetons. A dive in Indonesia. Learning about wolves return to Yellowstone. Field moments from my ecology work. I paint what moves me, knowing it will move collectors who feel the same way about wild places.
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU USE?
Watercolor on 100% cotton, cold-pressed watercolor paper (archival quality). Ecofriendly pigments. Prints are on FSC-certified, sustainably sourced fine art paper using archival inks. Everything is designed to last decades without fading.
WHAT'S RIGHT FOR ME?
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PIECE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Think about how you want to feel in that space. Are you drawn to joyful, energetic moments (like the otter, the wolf)? Or do you need something that brings you calm and stillness (like the bear, the mountain landscape)? Start there. Then look for hidden elements; notice what draws your eye. The piece that stops you mid-scroll is usually the one. If you're still unsure, email me at hello@thesageleafstudio.com with a photo of your space and what mood you're looking for. I love helping collectors find their piece.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRINT AND AN ORIGINAL?
An original is the hand-painted watercolor I created. It's a one-of-a-kind piece that will never exist again. A print is a gallery-quality reproduction of that original, printed on archival ecofriendly materials, making the art more accessible and affordable. Both carry the same story and care; one is unique, one is infinite. Choose what fits your home and heart.
SHOULD I CHOOSE A PAPER OR CANVAS PRINT?
Paper has that gallery-quality, fine-art feel. Canvas is warmer and works beautifully as a statement piece. See our detailed comparison here to decide what's right for your space.
WHAT SIZE SHOULD I GET FOR MY SPACE?
Small prints (8x10" to 11x14") are perfect for bedrooms, offices, and reading nooks. Medium prints (12x16" to 18x24") work beautifully in living rooms and dining spaces as statement pieces. Large formats (20x30"+) command a wall and work best in great rooms or hallways. If you send a photo of your space, I can recommend sizing. Also check out my size guide here.
CAN I COMMISSION A CUSTOM PIECE?
I take on a limited number of commissions each year. Custom pieces are priced based on size and complexity. Learn more about custom paintings here.
DO YOU OFFER FRAMING?
For originals, yes. We offer professional framing with locally sourced frame options. Pre-framed prints are also available for select pieces, so you can hang them straight out of the box. Limited edition prints ship unframed; we recommend finding a framer in your area, or for framing ideas and recommendations, learn more here.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY PIECE ONCE IT ARRIVES?
Keep it out of direct sunlight (fades over time) and away from humidity. Frame it under UV-protective glass if possible (archival quality). A simple frame or the art alone, displayed where it brings you joy. These pieces are meant to be lived with, so find the spot that feels right.
DO YOU SELL WHOLESALE OR THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS?
Yes to both. Wholesale inquiries: check us out on FAIRE or email hello@thesageleafstudio.com. Gift partnerships and collaborations: email to discuss.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
HOW LONG UNTIL MY ORDER ARRIVES?
Prints are often made-to-order and ship within 5-7 business days. Originals may take longer depending on your framing preferences. You'll receive tracking information when your piece ships. Most U.S. orders arrive within 1-2 weeks; international orders typically take 2-4 weeks.
National Park Pass stickers ship standard USPS and take 2-3 weeks. To maximize your donation to National Parks, we do not include tracking.
DO YOU OFFER RUSH PRODUCTION?
All orders will be processed in our standard 3-10 business days. If you need an order sooner, please send us an email at hello@thesageleafstudio.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
WHAT IF MY PACKAGE IS DELAYED, LOST, OR STOLEN IN TRANSIT?
The Sage Leaf Studio is not liable for packages that are delayed in transit, lost by the shipping carrier, or stolen - all circumstances which are beyond our control. Once we hand your order over to the shipping carrier, it is their responsibility to deliver the item. However, we do have good relationships with our shipping partners. If your item does not arrive on time, please reach out to us and we will do whatever we can to help get you your item.
WHAT'S YOUR RETURN POLICY?
30-day satisfaction guarantee on all artwork. If it doesn't meet your expectations, we'll refund you. We want you to feel confident bringing Sage Leaf art home.
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