Do you take the photographs that you work from?
Generally no. Most of my clients are not nearby. You can send good photographs
that you already have, and they do not have to be studio or professional shots. I actually prefer ordinary, candid
photographs to use as reference. In my opinion, they show the person or pet's real personality and sparkle. Most
professional photographs would require the client to obtain a Release, or permission, from the professional photographer.
Do I get my photo(s) back?
Yes, your photographs will be returned in the same condition that they are received. They are only used for art reference.
Can I use a professional photograph?
Yes, but I do require you to confirm that you are authorized to use the image(s) you send.
I have a photograph that is faded, torn, bent, or otherwise damaged.
Can you do anything with it?
In most cases, I can. Having a pencil portrait drawn from the photo is a great way of correcting and preserving
an heirloom photograph! Please feel free to email a scan of the photo, or have the old photo copied and send the copy
to me by mail and I can let you know if it will work well.
Is the artwork done on paper or canvas?
Artwork is completed on Strathmore Bristol Paper, smooth or plate finish.
It is usually 2 ply thickness. This is a good paper, and is acid free (resists yellowing). If you would like some other
kind of ground, like colored mat board or illustration board, I can do that for additional fees, just let me know.
Do the portraits include framing, matting, etc?
I do not offer that at this time. Taste in frames and matting varies widely from
person to person. I do send the artwork in clear acid free polypropylene art sleeves and that presents it well
as a gift.
Can I send a digital picture?
Yes! I accept photographs by email. If I have any difficulty in using
the picture, I'll let you know. The decision whether a digital print will
be suitable for portraiture will be dependent upon the print itself, and will be made on a case-by-case basis. Your
digital pictures may be emailed to me to review if you like.
Can I order from you even though I'm in another state?
Sure! I can send you a preview of your artwork by email to get
your approval before the artwork is mailed out.
Can I order if I live outside the US?
Yes - I can create a PayPal invoice to send my international clients. PayPal would
take care of any necessary currency conversions. You would to pay for the shipping and allow several weeks for mailing.
I do these on a case-by-case basis, and do my best to get you the mailing option that will please you. I charge only the actual
shipping fee.
Can you put parts or people of two or three different photographs
together?
I usually can. I know better what I will be able to accomplish
after I've seen the photographs. The price for cases like that can vary, depending on how complex the combination is. I
have been known to use as many as 15-20 photos on one project!
How long does it take for you to do the portrait?
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of the artwork. This depends
on my current workload. I also have small children at home, so please understand in advance that that may sometimes impact
how quickly I can create artwork.
All my artwork is hand-drawn and the end result is better when I am
given plenty of time. The quality of the artwork will suffer if it is rushed. I know this requires a lot of patience,
because you will be very excited to see the final results of your portrait! I do my best to make sure the wait was totally
worth it. Each client also deserves great attention and customer service, and this time frame will allow that.
