FAQs

1.  Q.  What if I don't have photos of my pets? 

      A. I have photo tips so you should be able to successfully photograph your pet.

2.  Q.  If I order an 11" x 14" portrait, is that the exact size of the painting itself? 

      A.  That depends on whether or not you wish to have a mat.  If you choose to have a mat, there will be a 1 to 2 inch margin of mat boards all the way around.  If you choose not to have a mat, the painting size will be 11" x 14" which is the inside dimension of the frame.  Since it is pastel, there will be a spacer that is not visible if you choose to not have a mat.

3.  Q.  What if I want a picture done of a pet that is deceased? 

       A.  If possible, send a few of the best photos you have, plus any descriptive comments you can think of.  Make sure you choose photos that represent the color and character of the pet as best as possible.

4.   Q.  How do you create your paintings? 

        A.   Each piece is hand drawn in charcoal on a sheet of Pastelbord.  Then layers of soft pastels and pastel pencils are applied.  I do not use a fixative spray.  Even after a fixative has been applied, the pastel is still in a fragile state and can smudge very easily.  Fixatives also have a tendency to diminish highlights as well as fade out any subtle shading.  This is the reason I offer a complete package with a double mat and frame, or a spacer if no mats are desired.

5.    Q.  How long does a portrait take? 

         A.  Every portrait is created by hand, from start to finish.  Therefore, I ask for one month from the time that I e-mail you confir-mation that your photos have arrived to finish the portrait.  Keep in mind, the better your photos are, the less guesswork I have to do to finish a piece.  If it appears that I will be taking longer, I will let you know.  Once I am finished, I will e-mail a proof to you.  As soon as I have received your approval and the final payment has cleared the bank, I will ship the piece out to you. 

6.    Q.  How do I commission a portrait? 

         A.  You may contact me via phone, mail, or email by selecting the Contact Us button. 

7.     Q.  How do I pay for the portrait? 

          A.  I ask for 50% of the painting price upfront.  The balance with shipping charges will be due once you approve the proof.  Once the final check has cleared the bank, I will then ship the portrait out to you.  

8.  Q.   What if I am not satisfied with the portrait? 

      A.  By sending you a proof, via e-mail or regular mail if you prefer, you will be able to let me know if any changes need to be made.  This usually rules out any dissatisfaction.  However, in the event that you are truly dissatisfied once you receive the actual portrait, please let me know.  Once I receive the painting and it is in good order, I will refund the price of the painting to you. 

9.  Q.  Once I receive my portrait, will you be using the image for anything else? 

       A.  I will retain copyright, and a photo of it will be used in my portfolios, both hardcopy and electronic, as well as possibly on greeting cards, etc.  However, if you do not wish that I use your name, such as "Fluffy, collection of Mr. & Mrs. John Doe, Franklin, TN", in reference in my portfolios, please let me know.