Meet the Artist
Hi, I’m Allison Owen. I’m a watercolor artist based in Lexington, South Carolina, and I’m proud to be a South Carolina girl through and through — I grew up between Florence and Georgetown, and those roots will always be part of who I am.
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. I was the kid with a drawing book and a graphite pencil in hand, practicing the same images over and over until they finally felt right. That love of detail followed me through acrylic painting in high school and college, until I picked up watercolor on a whim… and fell completely in love with it.
Watercolor quickly became my favorite medium because it feels like the best of both worlds: the structure of sketching and the softness of paint. My style is detailed and realistic, with a strong emphasis on clean linework, thoughtful shadows, and texture that brings a place to life — especially brick and stone, which happen to be some of my favorite details to paint.
What I love most is capturing the spaces that hold meaning for people — a first home, a wedding venue, a family storefront, or the spot where a story began. My goal is always the same: to create a piece that feels timeless, personal, and worth framing. If someone opens one of my paintings and immediately says “wow” (or sheds a happy tear), I consider that the highest compliment.
While I’m best known for watercolor portraits of homes and meaningful places, I also offer custom pet and automotive portraits in a limited capacity.
I work from reference photos, and because I care deeply about quality, I personally review every photo before accepting an order. I want each piece I create to be something I’d proudly display myself — if I wouldn’t buy it, I won’t sell it.
When I’m not painting, you’ll usually find me with a coffee in hand, listening to the Jonas Brothers, and spending time with my family and friends. I’m a wife, a boy mom, a follower of Christ, a lifelong Van Gogh admirer — and I’ve always had a soft spot for giraffes.
If you’re ready to begin, send me your reference photos — I’d love to create something meaningful for you.
My Process
Send me your photos
Before ordering, you’ll reach out and send 1–3 reference photos. I’ll review them to make sure they’re clear, well-lit, and something I can paint accurately — and I’ll help you choose the best option.
Confirm details + Reserve your spot + Sketch
Once your photos are approved, we’ll confirm your size and detail level (Classic vs Detailed). Then I’ll send your custom ordering link so you can officially reserve your spot in my painting schedule. Sketching will begin shortly afterward.
Painting + Delivery
I’ll hand-paint your watercolor portrait, photograph the final piece, and package it carefully to ship to your door (or drop-off if you are local) — ready to gift, frame, and keep forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! While I’m best known for watercolor home portraits, I also paint meaningful places such as wedding venues, childhood homes, family homes, vacation houses, churches, business fronts, historical location, first date locations, cars, pets and other meaningful subjects. Many clients commission these paintings to preserve something that holds special memories.
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I begin with a pencil sketch of your building, referencing your photos. I then use micron pens with varying line weights for details, followed by watercolor to bring the piece to life, layering shadows and textures for depth. Here’s a link to my Amazon Storefront if you are interested in the exact materials I use.
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You can go to the commissions page and submit a request by filling out the form thats linked or by contacting me directly via e-mail (artbyallisonowen@gmail.com). I’ll guide you through size, pricing, and timeline.
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Turnaround times may vary throughout the year, but are generally 4–6 weeks. If you’re working with a specific deadline, feel free to include that in your message — I’ll always do my best to accommodate when possible, though it isn’t guaranteed.
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Yes. Finished artwork can be safely shipped anywhere in the United States for a flat fee of $10. International shipping will be an up-charge that is dependent on location.
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Please upload a clear photo of your subject in the form. Homes are painted from a front-facing angle, and pet portraits are completed from the bust up.
You’re welcome to send additional images for details. After submitting the contact form, any extra photos can be emailed to artbyallisonowen@gmail.com.
A clear, high-quality reference photo is key — the final painting will only be as detailed and accurate as the image provided.
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I can absolutely make small, meaningful tweaks — like adding leaves to a tree, removing a car, or including an address or date with your painting.
I don’t offer major changes to the overall image or structure, as I like to stay true to the original photo and the style of my work.
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My paintings are often commissioned as meaningful gifts. Common occasions include housewarming gifts for new homeowners, wedding gifts featuring a couple’s venue, anniversary gifts, memorial keepsakes, and closing gifts from realtors. Many people also commission paintings of childhood homes or places that hold sentimental memories.
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My paintings focus on architectural detail and realism while still keeping the softness and character that watercolor is known for. I carefully capture textures like brick, stone, and landscaping so the place feels recognizable and personal. Each piece is hand-painted from your photo and designed to highlight the character of the location.
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Working together is meant to feel simple and collaborative. Most clients start by sending a photo of the place or subject they’d like painted, and from there I guide them through size options, timing, and any details that will help the piece come to life.
I keep the process personal and thoughtful because many of the paintings I create are tied to meaningful memories — homes, wedding venues, beloved pets, or places that hold sentimental value. My goal is always to capture the character of the subject while creating a piece that feels timeless and special to you.
Throughout the process I’m happy to answer questions and make sure everything feels clear and comfortable. By the time the painting arrives, the hope is that it feels like more than just artwork — it feels like a keepsake.