How It Works! The Ordering Information
the process when ordering a custom portrait
If you would like to commission a pet or family portrait and need to find out as much as possible, this order information will quickly give you an idea about my ordering process. If you require any assistance with your order, do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Choosing Your Photos
Choose some of your best photos of the pets and people you would like to have painted. I look at one main photograph when painting, but would love to have a choice of several photos in order to see the true personality and coloring of the subjects I paint.
The photos must be big (original sized), clear and sharp. Visit my section with Photo Tips or read my article about Photographing Pets to find out more about photos.
Contact Me
When you have the photographs ready, contact me with your photos and let me know about your requirements and thoughts. Photos sent through regular mail will be returned along with the completed portrait and if you sent me photos for approval which I for some reason could not work from, I will return them free of charge. I always make sure to answer emails within 24 hours, so if I didn't, please email me again.
Photo Composites
I create a digital composite with your photos, depending on your requirements and wishes. You may add a different background, include elements, delete unwanted items and include several subjects into the scene. Every individual commission is unique, therefor it's very important to discuss details before I start with your portrait.
The photos other then those of your subjects which will be painted, doesn't need to be provided by yourself. After the composition is completed with your requested alternations, the photo composite works as a visualization guide for the final artwork.
Choose Medium and Style
My portraits are individually hand-painted with traditional painting techniques, from the first brush stroke to the tiniest detail at the end. I paint and draw in three mediums which gives you a choice between oil, pastel or pencil. In addition to the three mediums, you also have a choise between detailed or sketchy portraits in pastel or pencil. To find out more about the differences between mediums and styles, view my Medium & Style Guide.
Oil Paintings
Pastel Paintings
Pencil Drawings
Making Payment
Once the photo composite is completed and the desition upon medium and style has been made, you can visit my price and ordering pages to make the payment. I take half of the amount to start working on your pet or family portrait. This is a refundable deposit, minus the 5% fee taken by the Payment Gateways. You may also choose to pay the entire sum at once, which some clients do. Your payment is safe and secure since actual payments are done on VeriSign Trusted Servers with SSL Certificates. I accept most major credit or debit cards throug Paypal and Moneybookers.
Painting Progress and Final Scan
You will have the benefit of tracking the entire painting progress on my Work In Progress page in my blog "A Portrait Diary" and make suggestions as I'm painting your Portrait. This feature has been very popular with my clients over the years and it's the perfect way to keep you updated at all times.
The process is very simple:
Client list - Current clients are shown as a list of photos on top of the work in progress page.
Portrait creation - I scan or photograph the portrait in various stages and post them for you to see how far I've got in the process. I study the subject carefully to see right colors, shadows and lights. I paint the individual personality and character of each animal or person, the eyes are my main focus since they are images of the soul. It takes from 6 to 80 hours to complete a portrait, depending on size and backgrounds among other things.
Final scan - With this last step I want to ensure that you are happy with the completed portrait. Even though your portrait is completed you can still request possible alternations which I'm more then willing to do.
Other Services
Bespoke Framing
Take the chance to get Bespoke Framing for less money along with your portrait. A framing which will enhance and protect it for generations! The framings are in highest possible quality and provided with my professional framer and wholesaler. I have made a selection of mouldings and framed portraits to show on my website. To find out more, visit my framing section »
Prints of Your Portrait
If you would like to share your painting with family and friends or just have a copy to enjoy at your work or summer house, I can provide multiple Prints (in Giclée Quality) of the Portrait I painted for you. Visit prints of your portrait section »
Gift Vouchers
Why not give away something truly special to family and friends? Gift vouchers is the perfect gift on somebodys birthday, wedding or other special occasion, or perhaps you just don't want to ruin the surprise when searching for the perfect photo. A gift voucher is the answer you have been searching for!. Read more about Gift Vouchers here »
Balance Payment, Packaging and Delivery
The balance is paid once the portrait is completed and approved by you. This is also when services like Bespoke Framing and Prints are paid for. All portraits are packed carefully to help prevent any damage when it's sent.
Shipping costs depends on which part of the world you are located, view table below. Once the package is sent it arrives within a few days in Europe and 7 up to 14 days overseas. Observe that shipping can take longer around Christmas. The portraits are delivered accompanied by hand-signed Certificate of Originality, Invoice and Promotional materials.
The portraits are sent flat packaged to protect them against any damage. Read about how I pack artwork »
