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CREATION PROCESS
- Do you create portraits based on photos?
Yes, for the most part, that's how I usually
create my portraits. I also usually request that you mail the photo(s)
to me so I may work directly from them. Occasionally, I work from very
good digital photos or print-outs. (Any photo sent to me will be returned
along with the completed painting.)
- Can you create a portrait from a sitting?
Yes. So long as you live in the NY/NJ/PA &
DC areas, I can schedule to come to you to take my own photos and sketches
to work from and create the portrait. The advantage here is that if
you don't have a good photo, I will take one for you. The final painting
will be produced some time (days/weeks) after this sitting.
I am also available to produce final graphite/charcoal sketches in the
same day of the sitting for a reduced rate.
A sitting fee may apply. Inquire for
further details.
- I have multiple photos, can you combine them to make one painting?
Yes, of course. If people/pets cannot be in
one photograph because of logistics (location), death, or some other
reason, I can combine multiple photos to create one picture. Because
some photos are better suited for this purpose than others, I will guide
you as to which ones we should use.
- Can you create a scene based on my photo? Can you alter the portrait
to include something that isn't in the photo(s)?
Yes. If your objective is to create a scene
based on one or a few photos, then I can do this.
For example, one of the paintings I did included two little boys making
snow angels in the snow, which can be seen on the "Samples"
page and on the left. In fact this painting was based on a couple
of pictures of the boys separately, and were taken taken in the middle
of Autumn on a grassy soccer field. I combined the boys' separate photos
and added the snow and pine branches.
If you would like to include objects/buildings/whatever that were not
included in your original photos, I could possibly add them by taking
photos/sketches of them myself and then incorporating them into the
painting.
Additional fees may apply. Inquire for further details.
ORDERING DETAILS
- What are the possible sizes in which I can order my portrait?
I have listed a few common sizes on the "rates"
page, but you are not restricted to just these sizes. You can order
a portrait in the size range of anywhere from 11" X 14" to
around 40" X 60". Anything smaller would be too impractical.
Prices are based on per square inch and number of subjects, so any desired
uncommon size can be accomodated.
- How can I calculate the cost of my painting?
For the most part you can determine the cost
of the painting based on the prices you see on the "rates"
page. The factors I use to determine a painting's cost are its size
(per square inch), number of subjects, the amount of detail in the background,
any extra legwork on my part in satisfying special requests (i.e. painting
an ocean scene in the background that wasn't in the original photo and
wasn't supplied to me).
You can easily determine the cost by completing the estimate/order
form and provide all the details of the painting you'd like me to
paint, I will then provide you an estimate, usually within 24 hours.
- How much do your paintings appraise for?
The paintings that I produce could easily sell
for double to even 4 times the amount I charge you. Because I am a fairly
unknown young artist at the moment, you get quite a bang for your buck.
As I continue painting and get more popular with the many regional and
national competitions to which I get accepted, the paintings you order
now are bound to increase in value.
- Do you offer gift certificates, and if so, in what denominations?
Yes, I do, and you can order them in any amount,
with a minimum of $100. I do suggest that when you try to determine
the amount, that you take an amount located on the "rates"
page, and then allow about $10 for shipping. Prices are subject
to change, but that's a good way to determine an amount so the person
you are giving the certificate to doesn't have to add any more money
to his/her order.
Gift certificates will be shipped to the address that you supply and
according to any special delivery instructions. If time is a factor,
certificates are also available to be sent via e-mail, so you may print
and present it to the intended recipient.* (*Records are kept so you
should only print only one certificate per order.)
ART SUPPLIES
- What mediums do you use?
watercolor, pencil/graphite, and charcoal.
- Your watercolor paintings look wonderful, but I was originally
thinking of having a painting painted in oil. Is there a huge difference
between watercolor and oil?
You're not alone. May people don't know watercolor
is available to them. Oil has traditionally been used for portraits
and it's only recently (the last couple of centuries) that watercolor
has been something more than a sketching medium. Both are long lasting
if stored properly. The price of oil paintings seem to be higher because
the materials cost more and possibly inflated because there is more
demand for the medium, because of the long tradition. Both can produce
wonderful pieces, but it all comes down to personal preferences in choosing
a medium. Overall, watercolor gets more bang out of your buck.
- What's the quality of the materials you use?
I use only high quality materials: paint, paper,
pencil, etc.
DELIVERY
- On average, how soon will I be able to receive my portrait from
the time I place an order?
You should allow at least a month for an order,
but many times it is a few weeks. This includes time for delivery, your
payment clearing, and actual work done on the painting. For faster service,
you should pay using a certified method, and instruct me to choose a
faster shipping option. (See below payment question in relation to this.)
You may also instruct me to place you in front of the queue of all the
other paintings I may be doing. For more details on this option, see
the answer to the next question.
- I need the portrait done and in my hands in 3-4 days. Can you do
this?
Yes. For a fee you can be placed in front of
all the other paintings I am doing and ensure I work on your painting
around the clock to meet the deadline. I still require that all payment
be cleared before I start and send finish paintings, so you should pay
using PayPal. (See the below Payment section on details on PayPal and
other payment procedures.)
- How do you ship your paintings?
All paintings are packed to ensure no damage
and shipped by either FedEx, UPS, or Priority Mail. Unless your order
is needed as quickly as possible, to save you money, the painting is
sent using the most economical delivery option. Packages are always
insured and are provided with a tracking number for you to keep up to
date of the package's location.
- Do you ship your paintings framed and matted?
No. It has been my experience that frames and
mats, (the border around the painting), is a very personal choice, so
I leave that up to you and your favorite local framer.
On occasion, however, I have a temporary matt made for about $7-17 if
the painting is to be presented as a gift and your framer has no time
to create a matt for you. This makes a better overall presentation,
and I am happy to do this at cost if I have the materials available.
Please inquire if you wish to have this done.
- Can you mail the painting to a different address from my billing
address?
Yes, I will follow any special mailing instructions
you supply.
PAYMENT
- What methods of payment do you accept?
personal checks, money orders, PayPal.
Your preference will dictate which payment method you choose. I require
the clearing of any payment before I start or ship anything, so if time
is an issue for you, PayPal is the fastest payment method, with a money
order being the next quickest. PayPal is a standard secure way of paying
by credit card on the Internet and is used widely on sites like E-bay
and Amazon.com. (See PayPal's
site for more details.) If you do pay by PayPal, an approximate
0-3% charge will be added to your order.
- Does the payment include the copyright of the painting?
No. If you would like to retain the copyright
of the painting, you can instruct me of your desire and we can negotiate
a price.
- When is the payment due?
There are two times when payment is due:
Before I start painting, I require a 50% deposit. Then after I have
completed the painting, e-mail you a digital copy, and you approve of
this copy, I then require the balance, plus the cost of the shipping
option you choose.
- Can I get my money back if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, but only before I ship the artwork to
you; after that point all payment is non-refundable.
Once I have completed the painting, I will e-mail you an electronic
copy. It will be at this time you should make any requests for additional
final touches, if needed. If the final touches are not possible to your
satisfaction, you can request that a portion of your initial deposit
be returned to you. Because time is valuable, 30% of the deposit and
any expenses incurred will not be refundable. However, it is in my interest
to produce a happy customer, not to mention a great piece of artwork,
so I will try my hardest to keep you satisfied.
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