About the Artist and the Art Form

Q: Who is Joseph Hess? 

A: Joseph Hess is a contemporary artist specializing in the unique and painstaking technique of pointillism. Joseph was drawn to pointillism for its ability to create depth, light, and texture through the meticulous placement of individual dots. His work often explores themes of military service, personal relationships, and Christian symbolism, inviting viewers to engage with the art up close and from a distance.

Q: What is pointillism? 

A: Pointillism is a fine art technique where an image is created using a myriad of small, distinct dots. Instead of traditional shading techniques, the artist relies on the viewer's eye and mind to optically blend the dots together from a distance. The result is a luminous and vibrant image that is much more than the sum of its parts. It's a method that requires immense patience, precision, and a deep understanding of form and shape.

Q: How are the pointillism drawings created? 

A: Each drawing is a labor of love, created exclusively with professional-grade, archival ink pens. Joseph begins with a faint pencil sketch to establish the composition. Then, he starts the painstaking process of applying millions of tiny dots, one by one. The density and size of the dots are carefully controlled to build up form, shadow, and light. There is no shading or blending; every single mark is an individual dot, making the final work a testament to dedication and detail.

Q: How long does it take to create a drawing? 

A: The time it takes to complete a drawing varies greatly depending on its size and complexity. For a small piece, it might take tens of hours, while larger, more detailed works can require hundreds or even thousands of hours over several months. This extensive time commitment is a significant part of the value of each original drawing.

About Originals vs. Prints

Q: What is the difference between an original drawing and a print? 

A: An original drawing is the unique, one-of-a-kind piece created by Joseph Hess's hand. It is the sole physical manifestation of the artwork. A print is a high-quality reproduction of an original drawing, allowing more collectors to own the artwork at a more accessible price point.

Q: Why is an original more expensive than a print? 

A: The price of an original reflects its unique status and the significant time, skill, and material cost invested in its creation. It is a singular work of art. Prints, on the other hand, are reproductions that can be made in multiples, which makes them more affordable.

The Purchasing Process

Q: How can I buy an original or a print? 

A: You can purchase available originals and prints directly from this website. Simply navigate to the gallery pages for "Original Artwork" or "Fine Art Prints," click on the artwork you wish to purchase, and follow the steps through our secure checkout process. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept? 

A: We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. 

Q: Do you accept commissions? 

A: Joseph Hess is currently not accepting new commissions. 

Shipping and Returns

Q: How long will it take to receive my order? 

A:

• Original Drawings: Originals require special handling and will ship within 5-7 business days of purchase.

• Prints: Prints will ship within 3-5 business days.

Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. Delivery times will vary based on your location.

Q: What is your return policy? 

A: We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not, you may return the artwork within 14 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange. The artwork must be returned in its original condition and packaging. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. Please contact us to initiate a return.

Q: Do you ship internationally? 

A: No, we only ship within the US domestic market currently.