Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to get a hand painted portrait?

Turnaround time is 2-3 weeks. After an order is placed, I will update you once a week on the status of the order. I do not offer expedited service. If I offered a faster service, I would have to sacrifice quality, and that is not something I am willing to do.

What options are available for paying for my order?

I accept PayPal, Visa, Master Card. I also accept checks and money orders, but require a hold to allow clearing time with the bank.

What types of files do you accept?

I can accept photographs in a number of popular formats (.jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .tiff). Don't worry about the file size, the larger the better. A large picture will allow me to better see the details and intricacies needed to create an incredible finished portrait. If you send me a poor quality photo, it will be difficult for me to produce a high quality portrait for you.

I can't decide which photograph will make a better portrait. Can you help?

Of course I can! Simply send me the photographs that you are considering. I will look over your photos, and can make a recommendation on which photo would make a better portrait, and why.

Can two (or more) photographs be combined to make one portrait?

Yes, in many cases I can combine multiple photos to create one beautiful portrait. Please email me the photos so I can confirm this.

Can my painting be hung on the wall the day I get it?

Yes. If your portrait was painted with pastels, you will need to frame your portrait under glass to protect the surface of the painting before hanging. If the portrait was painted with oils, your portrait will arrive stretched on a frame and ready to hang.

How will my order be shipped? What if it's damaged when it arrives?

I ship all of my paintings through FedEx or UPS, so please make sure that you provide me with a real, physical address for delivery. All of my paintings are fully insured. If your painting arrives and the box is visibly damaged in any way, please notify the delivery person immediately.

Do I get to see my artwork before I receive it?

I will gladly provide a photograph of the finished painting through e-mail so that you can see what it looks like before I ship. If you are not completely satisfied with the work that you have received, I will gladly make any changes that you request for absolutely no charge to you. I will not send your painting to you until you have approved it and are completely satisfied with the end result.

Will I receive a notification from you after I place the order?

Yes, we will contact you soon after an order is placed. I will take the opportunity to tell you if your photo is suitable or not, and confirm any special instructions that you may have.

Do you accept international orders?

Yes, I do. If you are not located in the United States, please contact me so I can give you an accurate shipping quote for your order.

I want to order more than one portrait. Do you offer discounts?

I am more than willing to work with you on pricing if you are ordering several paintings from me. For more information on discount possibilities, please email me.

About Pastels

Pastels are a wonderful and I use them more than any other medium for portraits. I love them! Most people think of pastel as being "chalk" but this is not so. Pastels are pigment in one of it purest of forms. Pastels are light-fast, long lasting (archival-lasting hundreds of years). Pastel Portraits, especially those of animals, are great for capturing the emotions and character that is found in their eyes, and even smile at us! Using pastels in pet portraits is my favorite way to use them but I do not limit myself to just dogs and cats! I also create portraits of people, birds, fruit, flowers and more. Take a minute to look at the examples you will find on my site and then let me create your next "memory" to hang on your walls!