FAQs

Due to time and work involved in creating the portrait, a 25% non-refundable deposit is required before any work is initiated. The remaining 75% is payable once the portrait has been completed and approved via email. My clients can request small changes or adjustments as they see fit, until the piece meets their approval. Once the painting has been approved and shipped, there are no intended refunds.

Payments can be made with Certified Cheques, Money Orders or PayPal. Portraits will be shipped once full payment has been received and has cleared the bank.

PST is not included in the listed portrait pricing (Ontario Residents only).

Portraits will be packed carefully and shipped with Canada Post, either Xpress Post or Expedited Service and will include insurance as well as a tracking number to follow progress of the shipment.

All shipping charges are extra and buyer is responsible for these charges. Please email to inquire about shipping charges (note: charges will differ depending on area shipped to). Shipping is available to Canada and the USA only.

High quality JPEGS via email is the easiest way to send and receive photos. However, if this is not possible, photos can be sent via post, and will be returned with the portrait upon completion. Utmost care will be taken to ensure that the photos are kept in their original condition - however, I am not responsible for lost or damaged photos during shipping (please ensure that you send a copy and not the original for this reason).

Photos should be close up, as clear as possible, and daylight is preferred. A detailed shot that captures your pets personality work the best for portraits. If need be, more than one photo can be sent so that I can work from multiple references.

Turn around times vary with portrait size and complexity. I usually ask for between 6 to 10 weeks to complete a portrait, although during busy times, the completion time may be extended.

I do offer a Satisfaction Guarantee: If you are not satisfied with the final portrait after receiving the proof via email and I have completed touch-ups and reworks to the portrait at your discretion, you will not be required to pay the remainder of the price of the portrait, and I will gladly keep the completed work. (Once the portrait has been approved for shipping, there are no intended guarantees, returns or refunds)

Absolutely not. Any work that I produce and ship may NOT be reproduced without written permission from me.

I also reserve the right to use any portrait that I create in advertising for my website, to display as a sample, or to use in any printed or other promotional material for myself.

Prints for my own resale may be created from a portrait that I complete, however, this will only be done if I have the clients written permission.

All Christmas orders must be in by September 30th of that year or earlier. As it is a very busy time, completion dates may be extended.

Helpful Photograph Tips for Portrait Quality Shots ...

In order to be able to make a portrait come to life on paper, the photo supplied by the buyer must be clear, detailed and close up. This way all of the detail can be rendered properly and the expression captured the way that it was meant to be.

Below are some examples of GOOD and BAD photos to give you an idea of what kind of shots to send for a commissioned portrait.

GOOD SHOTS
* Lots of light (preferably natural)
* A pose that captures the animals personality
* A funny or odd pose works out well as it makes for an interesting subject
* Close up head shot for detail
* In focus
* Straight on view or three quarter view for best visual

These two are great shots, not too much background distraction, great expressions on the dogs, clear and in focus, close up enough for detailed head portraits.

BAD SHOTS
* Too dark, back lit
* Movement making the picture blurry
* Animal too far away in shot (of course, not supplying enough detail)
* Rear view or distorted view (unless this is the effect that you are looking for)

All three shots are far too dark. The first and last picture has the dog too far away to create and capture expression. The middle picture is too dark, and it's a shame because the position and expression would make a great portrait.

I am able to bring photos into Photoshop and do some correcting, but when a shot is extremely dark, or the shot has too much blurry movement, there isn't much I can do about that. If you have any further questions about your photos, please do not hesitate to contact me.