Hot It Works! The Ordering Guide
the simple process when ordering a custom portrait
1. Select & Send 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.
2. Choose Painting Medium
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 painting mediums which gives you a choice between oils, pastels or pencil. Detailed portraits or affordable sketches, the choice is yours. The shortcuts below should give you a good insight on what the three mediums are about.
Detailed Oil Paintings - Starting at 4199 kr ( cca. €460 )
Sketchy Oil Paintings - Starting at 2199 kr ( cca. €240 )
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"The impressive medium which achieves great realism and gives anfeeling of luxury" - Oil paintings are delivered stretched on a wooden frame. Read about and see examples of my Oil portraits in the oil gallery »
Detailed Pastel Paintings - Starting at 2599 kr ( cca. €285 )
Sketchy Pastel Paintings - Starting at 1299 kr ( cca. €140 )
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"The medium which achieves softness, vibrant colors and dramatic lights" - Pastel paintings are delivered Mounded / Matted. Read about and see examples of my Pastel portraits in the pastel gallery »
Detailed Pencil Drawings - Starting at 1999 kr ( cca. €219 )
Sketchy Pencil Drawings - Starting at 999 kr ( cca. €109 )
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"The traditional and classic medium which gives impression of detail and contrast" - Pencil drawings are delivered Mounded / Matted. Read about and see examples of my Pencil portraits in the pencil gallery »
3. Photo Composites
Depending on your requirements and wishes I create a digital composite or montage with your photo which is absolutely free of charge. 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, I will find all necessary photos for your scene. After the composition is completed with your requested alternations, the photo composite work as a visualization guide for the final artwork.
4. Deposit Payment
I take a 50% deposit payment before I start to paint. You may also choose to pay the entire sum at once, which some clients do. Observe: the deposit payment at this time is for the portrait only, possible framing and portrait prints are reckoned up when the portrait is completed and the balance is paid.
5. Track the Painting Progress
You will have the benefit of tracking the entire painting progress in my Work In Progress blog 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 the left side. The portrait I currently paint is on the top of the list and the photos below are the ones waiting to be painted.
- 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 40 to 200 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.
6. 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 to show on my website, but in reality there are thousands of mouldings to choose from.
7. 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.
8. Balance Payment & Packaging
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.
9. Portrait delivery
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.
- Shipping costs Sweden: cca. €33
- Shipping costs Europe: cca. €55
- Shipping costs Worldwide: cca. €77
The portraits are sent flat packaged to protect them against any damage. Read about how I pack artwork »