Q: What type of photos are best?
A: Photos that are taken in outdoor light in the early morning or early evening, also eye level of the subject.
Q: How long does it take to get my painting?
A: 6-9 weeks depending on demand.
Q: Can I get my painting in less than 6 weeks?
A: Yes! You can get your painting in 2 weeks if you are willing to pay the rush fee of $50.
Q: Is it okay if my child is making a funny face or blinking?
A: Yes, but it is preferred the subject’s mouth is closed.
Q: Do you ever paint the faces of people?
A: No, my paintings are impressionistic sketch portraits, not formal portraits. The emphasis is on spirit, gesture, personality, and beautiful paint handling. I can always paint a portrait without showing the face. For example: a child facing the ocean with their back towards the camera.
Q: Can you make a painting from several different photos?
A: Yes. I often do this for separate groups of grandchildren combined into one painting as a gift for the grandparents. Photos just need to be scaled with a yardstick. Contact me for more instructions.
Q: What clothes or colors should be worn ?
A: Clothes that have special meaning or mark a special day are a good idea but there are no clothes items in particular that can’t be painted. The only solid colors that are not good are peach and orange.
Q: Can I mail in a hardcopy of a photo?
A: Yes, if it is digitally backed up. Do not send original old photos from the pre-digital era. Send a color copy.
Q: Can you omit people or parts of a photo?
A: Yes
Q: Do you paint backgrounds?
A: For an additional fee, I can paint in backgrounds. I can draw in the background for no additional charge. I prefer to not paint backgrounds. They often make the painting look overworked.
Q: Do you have gift certificates?
A: Yes! Please contact me for more information.
Q: Are your paintings vertically formatted or horizontally formatted?
A: Most of my paintings are vertically formatted but I can format the painting to your request. Usually seated subjects are horizontally formatted and standing subjects are vertically formatted.
Q: Why do you not paint on the journal paper any more?
A: As I have painted more, I have discovered the cotton paper is better for my work. There is no dried glue on the edges, the cotton content makes it archival (which last much longer), it creates a beautiful deckled edge when I tear it down to size and it is a better art investment for my clients. The price difference is worth the quality!
Q: Do you paint duplicates?
A: Yes, I can paint duplicates of your painting if you want to give some to grandparents, ect. The duplicates can be in different sizes. If you are interested in duplicates over 4, I can create a package deal for you (painting a family home for all family members, etc).