What kind of materials are used?

I create using a variety of materials. For more traditional portraiture, I use oil paint. For live art events, I use pen on paper. For anything else, I used whatever I find most appropriate to the goal of the piece.

Which photographs are best for use as painting references?

If you love the photograph, I love the photograph! The reference photo can be of a landscape, a person, a group of people, an object, the sky is the limit. Please keep in mind, the quality of the photograph will be reflected in the painting. I cannot make up details that are not there. If it is an older photograph (perhaps found in grandma’s attic?), the painting will still be approached with love and respect.

Are there any photographs that cannot not be used as a painting reference?

Pictures that do not belong to you. Examples include photos taken from Pinterest or other social media sites, photos that the owner of the photograph did not give you permission to use, and photos of other pieces of artwork. If you have an idea that you would like to bring to life, I can do my best to accommodate you. I will not try to reproduce another artist’s work.

I have aspects from multiple pictures that I want to be incorporated into the same painting. Is this possible?

Yes, this is possible. Most commonly, the request is for the best shot of multiple people to be used in the same painting (think eyes were closed or memorial paintings where someone who has passed is added into an event).

I have aspects of a photo reference that I do not want included. Can you remove them?

This is situation dependent. I can remove pieces of jewelry or aspects of the background. For instance, if there is a house in the distance that takes away from people closer to the camera, then I can remove the house and fill in more tree line. The goal is to always achieve a cohesive image, so a discussion would be required and I do not claim to be able to accomplish every request. I will not change faces. I do not remove wrinkles or perform plastic surgery. If you do not love the picture, then do not use that picture.

How does payment work?

For any format not found in my shop, a payment link will be sent via PayPal. After we have discussed your goal, agreed upon the basic specifications of the piece and addressed any possible time constraints, I will send a quote based on estimated effort and materials. When I receive confirmation that the price is agreed upon and receive payment, I will begin the piece.

Do you offer refunds?

If you receive a painting and do not want to keep it, I offer full refunds. Refund will be processed once I receive the painting back. Painting must be shipped within thirty (30) days of delivery to receive a refund. I do not offer refunds for prints on greeting cards. Once refund is processed, the painting and any prints will be posted for sale.

How long does it take to receive final product once payment is complete?

Though there is no fixed estimate for how long a project will take to complete, the general estimate is 8-12 weeks. Factors that affect this timeframe would be complexity of image, if the piece requires framing, if prints or greeting cards will be made of the final painting and how many pieces are currently on the schedule. I will always give my best estimate upon receipt of payment. If there is a hard deadline (holiday gifts, birthdays, graduations, retirement, etc), I encourage 3-4 months’ notice.

Is shipping included in the price?

Yes, shipping is included in the price within the continental United States. Extra shipping fees may apply to items shipped outside of the continental U.S.

I have another question, can I ask?

Ask away! I am always happy to chat.