I love the water, and the reflections in the puddle. You captured them. You even got my grandson’s little curls under his hat. She is going to love this for her birthday!

–Diane Dunn, New Hampshire

“The special moment caught in the photo, father and son “become real”. To see these two men so close and trusting brings me great joy.”

–K.P. mother and wife, commissioned this double portrait for her son

“Jonalyn Fincher’s commission piece for my wife and me was just AMAZING! I couldn’t be more excited about it. I really appreciated all Jonalyn’s input and ideas, and the final product is better than I could have hoped for. My wife was so surprised for our anniversary! 

– David Fritzler, Colorado

The particular style and beauty that Jonalyn brings to the table are truly one-of-a-kind. I’m a photographer. Watching Jonalyn paint a commission made me realize I could submit one of my photos for Jonalyn to paint!

The whole process was fun. The anticipation of seeing the finished work felt like waiting for Christmas! 

I feel so blessed to have stumbled upon her talent.

— Erica Cole, New Hampshire

An excellent question! The brightness comes from the white paper behind the washes. It’s easy to think watercolor are childish or easy, so many people mistakenly use watercolors like oil, acrylic, or gouache. This leads to a heavy, frozen or pasty final product. 

To capture that brightness, I let the paper shine through. I reserve or lightly glaze every white or light area with a transparent wash, light enough to see the white paper. I think watercolor really shines when capturing water-based elements like lakes, clouds, snow, rain and the ocean. 

Question from Justin Marbury, pastor, Wolfeboro, NH asked this question at my art show in February, 2026

This is Brady holding his painting of the day he met his Great Grandpa for the first time. The lockdown policies and regulations were lifted, so that Grady was allowed past security in the convalescent home. 

Notice the pale skin on Great Grandpa’s hand.  Two years doesn’t seem like much, until you see a child. When you miss ages one to three, a lifetime seems to have slipped beyond your grasp.

The pose was taken from a photograph of this first meeting, nothing was altered. Great Grandpa is bent low to hear Brady’s words. 

–“First Meeting” commissioned by Brandon Hoops (11 x 15″) of his grandpa and his son meeting for the first time after the COVID lockdown. Featured in Jonalyn’s show “Saving Lives” available for view online here.