Spartan Stadium

This vibrant watercolor painting print depicts Michigan State University's Spartan Stadium. The painting took approximately 125 hours to complete and is watercolor on paper, measuring 24" x 18". Painted in 2019, artist Niki Lee Shipman designed the piece to resemble a memory of walking into a football game, ultimately commemorating school spirit and the gathering of family and friends. Niki drew her inspiration from the ancient Greek city of Sparta and its great military might. She chose to paint the stadium in an icy blue, purple and green palette with pops of brilliant pink and orange to evoke drama and power--as if the crowd is gathering to watch an epic battle of Spartan warriors. The Spartan emblem is prominent and highlighted in the sky as the focal point of greatness.

This is a licensed product with Michigan State University. All orders require 1-3 business days for processing because the university must approve the sale. Niki will ship the print as soon as the order is approved (usually a very quick process!).

About Niki's Painting Process:
Niki starts by photographing the scene herself at different times of the day. She works from a handful of photos with varying light and pulls different elements she wants to make the most “perfect” fantasy-like scene. The paintings begin with a light pencil drawing, then she paints away! Niki works in many layers of translucent paint to form the brilliant colors. When the painting is complete, she takes it to a professional printing house in Ann Arbor whom she has been working with for over a decade. They scan the painting at a very, very high resolution and she uses the electronic file to make her prints. She has her own HUGE state-of-the-art professional Canon printer, and having worked as a graphic designer herself, she personally prints and packages every single one of her products. From painting the art, to selecting the print paper-grade and type of ink, to tying each bow on the wrapping—Niki ensures her customers receive nothing short of perfection.

This item is a very high quality print of the original watercolor painting. The original painting is 24" x 18" and was digitally scanned at an Ann Arbor printing house just after completion in 2019, capturing every detail of its original beauty.

There are two editions of prints depending on the size:

Size 24" x 18" is a limited edition of 2,000 prints.

Size 16" x 12" is a limited edition of 4,000 prints.

The prints are printed and packaged in-house by the artist herself using her own professional, state-of-the-art Canon wide-format printer. Each print is printed on very high quality cold-pressed, 100% cotton, textured matte paper (similar to heavy-weight watercolor paper) meant for fine art prints. The paper is acid and lignin free and is an outstanding archival material.

Each print is signed and numbered by the artist.

The prints include a certificate of authenticity, a handwritten note from the artist (or your custom message for gifts) inside a branded mini envelope, and a branded postcard with information about the collection.

Artwork Only — This option includes just the print itself, which comes rolled, packaged in a plastic sleeve tied with a bow, and shipped in a sturdy tube. It is the least expensive option, though the print will need to be taken to a frame shop for proper finishing. This option is best for clients who would like to select their own mat-board and frame design to suit their decorative needs.

Matted — This option includes the print safely adhered to a pure-white double mat-board. The prints arrive ready-to-frame for standard sized frames (16" x 20" frames can be purchased at Target, Walmart, etc.) and the client is free to purchase their own custom frame. The prints are matted, packaged in a large plastic sleeve and ship in a large flat box. This option is best for clients who would like to balance cost and design freedom as the artist offers her matting services for a lower price than the typical frame shop.

Mat Sizes:

• 12" x 16" Print with Double White Mat Sized to 16" x 20"

• 18" x 24" Print with Double White Mat Sized 24" x 30"

The artist has partnered with the online framing company Art to Frames from Brooklyn, NY to help save on framing. A coupon code for an EXCLUSIVE 15% DISCOUNT for the artist's customers is provided inside the small envelope in each package. Additionally, Niki includes a notecard detailing her personal framing tips to guide the customer through the process.

Ships within 1 - 3 business days.