How to Commission a Portrait from Martindale Artworks
Pet portraits that are Pastel paintings are fragile by themselves, which is why I offer you a complete package that includes a double mat, frame, and glass. There are a few decisions you will need to make to complete the ordering process.
1. Choose the pet or pets you wish to have painted and photograph them or select a photo from your collection.
2. Size and price- I offer four sizes for you to choose from.
There is a fee of $80 for each additional pet image. If there are more than two, the two larger sizes are recommended. Unless otherwise specified, I will choose whether to position the painting horizontally or vertically.
| Size |
Price w/frame |
Price w/out frame |
Shipping |
| 9" x 12" |
$350
|
$275
|
$30
|
|
11" x 14"
|
$400
|
$325
|
$40
|
|
12" x 16"
|
$450
|
$375
|
$50
|
|
16" x 20"
|
$500
|
$425
|
$60
|
|
18" x 24"
|
$550
|
$475
|
$70
|
Size refers to the inside dimension of the frame itself. The actual image will be 1 to 2 inches smaller all the way around due to the mats. For example, in an 11” x 14” piece, the image would be approximately 9 ¼ “ x 12 ½”.
** There are currently options available to purchase a custom pet portrait that do not include any mat or frame in the purchase price.
*Prices shown in U. S. dollars.
Please click here for a currency conversion chart.
Prices do not include shipping as the rates change frequently.
All international shipping and handling charges will apply.
3. Select a pose that you prefer.
You may have a photo that depicts the exact pose you wish to use. Or, you may only have general photos of your pet, but you want a different pose. In either case, make sure you let me know in writing what it is you wish to see in your portrait. Please be as specific as possible to aid me in doing an excellent portrait for you. If you wish to take photographs of your pet, click on Photo Tips for guidelines in photographing your pet.
4. Background- I offer two types of backgrounds
The first is a standard Studio Background which is simply a solid color or two or three colors mottled or marbled together.
The other choice is a Landscape.
Most anything can be painted. However, if there are specific items such as barns, flowers, etc., please provide a photo and/or description of these items as well. This is important as the flora here in the verdant hills of Tennessee where I reside may not be the same as where you live. On the other hand, if there are items you would like to have taken out of the photos you send, I need to know that as well.
5. Mat boards and Frames-You select the frame, portraits are shipped with two different colors of off white mat boards.
The inner mat will only have 1/8” to ¼” showing, while the outer mat will have ½” to 1 ½” showing, depending on the portrait size you have ordered. Click here or on the frames tab to select the frame of your choice.
** There are currently options available to purchase a custom pet portrait that do not include any mat or frame in the purchase price.
6. Now you are ready to place your order.
Now you are ready to place your order. There are 4 neccesary steps to take: (these steps will be easy to follow on each page)
Step #1: Choose a portrait size with the options of background and position.
Step #2: Choose the number of pets intended to be in your portrait.
Step # 3: Choose a frame. If you are ordering your portrait on this website, you will continue to the checkout and make your payment. At this time, it will be necessary to pay 50% of the painting price. This guarantees it is a serious order as time is valuable. If you do not wish to do this part online, you may send your down payment via bank cashiers check along with your photos to the address in Step #4. Be sure to include your current e-mail address (if available), phone number and your mailing address as well as the "ship to" address.
Step #4: Mail your photos and any additional comments or portrait requests to:
Martindale Artworks
5987 Carter Lane
Franklin, TN, 37064, USA
7. Once the photos and down payment have arrived,
I will e-mail you with confirmation that your order was received. At which time I will begin your painting. Paintings normally take 2-4 weeks from the time I receive your photos. Christmas is a very busy time, so I ask that Christmas orders be in no later than September 1. After this date, I cannot guarantee Christmas delivery. This does not bother some people, and if this is fine with you let me know and I will get the painting to you when it is finished. Gift certificates are also available.
8. When your painting is completed,
I will e-mail you a proof of the painting and the remaining balance due, including the shipping costs. At this time, you will need to examine the proof carefully to see if any changes or adjustments are needed. Please e-mail or phone me if you have any questions. Your satisfaction is important to me.
Keep in mind that colors can be slightly altered from one monitor to the next.
9. Once your approval and final payment have been received,
I will e-mail you to let you know the name of the shipping company that will be delivering your portrait. (Martindale Artworks uses FedEx most frequently) I will include an approximate date of arrival when that information is available.
When the painting arrives, please be careful when unpacking it, as it will have glass in the frame. If there are any problems, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would also appreciate confirmation from you that the painting has arrived in good order. Plus, if it is a gift, let me know how the recipient liked it!
