FAQs

Timeline for Commissioned Artwork

The anticipated timeline for a finished artwork is 3-4 months dependent upon a number of factors: workload, size, complexity and the time it takes for any requested changes to be incorporated.

Oil paintings require drying time and as I paint in layers, it takes time between sessions to dry before the next can be applied. After the painting is completed and final approval is received, a light coat of varnish will be applied and will require another drying period before packaging and shipping can be done.

The goal is to provide a quality portrait that will last for many years – hopefully, even generations. This takes time and I won’t sacrifice the safety and quality of the finished painting by rushing the process. Shipping too soon may result in damage to the painted surface if it is not dry enough before wrapping and shipping.

Once the project details are confirmed, and all the photo reference(s) are received and work begins, delivery dates can be discussed.

Order Process of the Commissioned Painting

1. Start with the Order Online

Fill out the Order Form with the Specifics of the Requested Painting.

Select the Size, Canvas Style, Subject Matter
Style of Canvas -
- The Default is for Traditional 7/8" profile
- Flat Panel - will work with off the shelf frames.
- Gallery Wrap is an option at an additional cost - 1 ½" profile continues the painting along all sides of the outer edge and allows the painting to be hung directly to the wall without needing a frame.

Tell me something about the subject matter...
Provide Photo Reference(s) in the form of JPG or PDF - if you need to send a hard copy of photo reference(s), we will coordinate outside of the order form per your request via email.
Submit the form

2. Order Confirmation by Email - You will receive an autogenerated confirmation email from the website upon placing the order.

Within 48 hours of placing the order online, I will send you an additional email confirming the order specifics with a Price Quote accounting for all of the requested aspects of the order.

This may include your choice of the Gallery Wrap canvas or wanting to add additional figures to the composition. Please see the Price Lists page for each style of painting (People, Pets, Landscapes/Seascapes for more details.

You can pay the deposit as determined with the Quote and pay through the website with the submit button.

You may cancel outright or change any details at this stage within 7 days.

3. First Draft – Layout will be provided by email usually within 10 Days of placing the order – any changes you request can be made at this time. (ie. Background color, adjustments to composition).

4. Final Draft - Final Approval will be made via a Zoom meeting. Final Invoice will be provided at this time.

5. After Final Approval and Payment Received - A light varnish to seal the painting will be applied. The necessary dry time before packaging for shipment will be required and dependent upon weather conditions at the time of varnishing - usually 7-10 days is a good, safe timeline.

6. Shipping Notification and Tracking will be provided at the time of shipment.

Refund of Deposit

If, for any reason, you change your mind about ordering a commissioned work within 7 Days of placing your order, you will receive a full refund of the deposit amount.

After 7 Days, the deposit will not be refunded as time and materials will have been employed on the requested work.

Final Payment

Upon completion and final approval of the work, final payment will be due prior to shipment. A Zoom Approval meeting will be scheduled and a final invoice will be provided, and final payment will be processed at that time. Once payment has been received, the painting will be varnished. A Shipping Notification and tracking will be provided to the client.

Free Shipping within the contiguous US

Free Shipping* within the contiguous US for most sizes listed.

* Larger sizes may be required to share the cost of shipping and will be discussed upon order confirmation before work begins on the artwork.

International shipping rates will be estimated upon confirmation of a new project, and may require an additional payment amount which will be added to the final invoice at the time of final approval.

Provided Photos for Commission

Photos used in the production of the commissioned artwork can be sent in JPG or PDF format via email, or by mail if there are significant changes in color between the photo and the PDF or JPG image that you want referenced, or if the reference photo is prior to digital era and a scanned version is unavailable.

Original hard copy photos mailed to me for the project will be returned along with the finished painting.

You can provide up to five (5) photos for reference and consideration for the pose. I will select the best pose and build the portrait. If you have a preference as to the actual pose of a particular photo, please be sure to note that within the email with the photo images.