Materials That Inspire, Craft That Endures
Every element of a Sierra Art Panel painting is chosen and created with both the artist and collector in mind—quality, longevity, and beauty at the highest standard.
Sierra Art Panels
Sierra Art Panels are thoughtfully designed to deliver a superior artistic experience. Each panel is crafted by artist Tom Applegate, who combines years of expertise in woodworking with careful selection of materials—including modern composites such as carbon fiber and fiberglass when appropriate.
Available in standard cradled panels, slim plein-air panels, and custom designs, each piece is engineered to be slim, lightweight, and warp-resistant, while preserving the natural beauty of wood. The panels’ strength protects the artwork during shipping, storage, and display, allowing collectors confidence in the longevity of their investment.
“Every panel is created as deliberately as the paintings themselves—because the surface matters.”
Canvas & Priming
Sierra Art Panels are finished with high-quality, pre-primed canvases, including both oil-primed linen and acrylic-primed canvas. These surfaces are carefully chosen to provide optimal tooth, texture, and absorption for the oils applied, ensuring every brushstroke is captured with clarity and permanence.
The panels offer an alternative to traditional cradled boards or stretched canvas, providing flexibility in framing, storage, and display, while maintaining the structural integrity needed for professional and archival-quality work.
Paints & Pigments
Our paintings are created using artist-grade oil paints from high-quality manufacturers such as Old Holland, as well as occasional custom-made paints from pure pigments. These choices are deliberate:
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Vibrant, lasting color with transparency and depth
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Superior pigment concentration compared to standard paints
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Archival quality to preserve the investment of collectors over decades
Each painting is finished with an artist-grade varnish, which enhances color, adds vibrancy, and protects the surface. The varnish can be safely cleaned with a damp rag, giving collectors peace of mind and ensuring the artwork remains visually striking for generations.
The Craft
Every Sierra Art Panel painting is a complete work, where the surface and the artwork are developed in tandem. Tom Applegate personally builds each panel, primes the surfaces, and applies the paint, creating a holistic process that prioritizes quality and intentionality.
While every effort is made to use sustainable materials—particularly in selecting eco-conscious plywood—the primary goal is a lasting, high-quality work of art. The panels, paints, and finishes are chosen to meet the expectations of discerning collectors, rather than compromise on performance for the sake of sustainability.
Collector Benefits
By choosing artwork created on Sierra Art Panels, collectors can enjoy:
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Confidence in longevity: Panels and materials built to endure decades of display
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Vibrant, archival-quality colors that retain clarity and depth
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A complete, artist-driven creation process ensuring every detail meets the highest standards
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Ease of maintenance: Varnished surfaces that can be cleaned safely
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Investment assurance: Art designed to remain beautiful, preserving value for the future
