New Commissions: Ballard Inn & Hotel Ballard

I'm excited to share two recently completed commissions for the folks at Hotel Ballard and The Ballard Inn. Both are familiar landmarks here in the Ballard neighborhood, but I was especially drawn to the Ballard Inn—a building I’ve long wanted to paint. Its charm really stood out, and I had no idea it came with such a dramatic backstory.

Originally constructed in 1902, the Ballard Inn first opened as the Ballard branch of the Scandinavian-American Bank. When I dropped off the finished piece, I was told that the bank’s original manager (and owner) embezzled all the funds and fled—reportedly back to Norway! Ballard history never disappoints.

Below are photos of the two completed watercolors, along with a couple of work-in-progress shots that show how the paintings came together.

The Ballard Inn 6X8 original watercolor.

How it begins…

The Hotel Ballard 6X8 original watercolor

The first layers of color

If you're interested in a commissioned piece of a favorite building or local spot, feel free to send me a note. I’d love to hear your ideas. Commissions generally range from $300–$400 for a 6x8" original watercolor.

Thanks for following along!

—Ameen