"I like pigs.

Dogs look up to us.

Cats look down on us.

Pigs treat us as equals."

Sir Winston Churchill

(1874-1965)

  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.   No.  There will be a 1 to 2 inch margin of mat boards all the way around.  11" x 14" refers to the inside dimension of the frame.

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.

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, I will ship the piece out to you. 

6.    Q.  How do I commission a portrait? 

         A.  You may click on Commission a Portrait and follow the instructions.  Then fill out the order form and hit submit.  You may send the photos via e-mail or through regular mail.  If you do not wish to order over the internet, you may send it along with your photos and down payment (in bank cashiers check) to Martindale Artworks, 5987 Carter Lane, Franklin, TN 37064 USA. 

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. You may pay by credit card on the order form, or you may send a money order or cashiers check with your photos to the address above.  Unfortunately, I cannot accept personal checks.  If you wish to use a credit card, but not online, you may phone me at (615)791-6105 between 9am and 4pm CST with the information.  I am very concerned about my customer's information being secure.  Your information will only be used for your transaction.  Occasionally, I may e-mail or mail things such as upcoming shows or events that pertain to my artwork.  If you do not wish to receive these items, please let me know in writing which address (email and snail mail) to take off the list.

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.  However, if you do not wish that I use your name, such as "Fluffy, collection of Mr. & Mrs. John Doe, Franklin, TN", please let me know.