| ~ FAQ ~ |
Frequently Asked Questions. |
If you have any unanswered
questions not answered below please contact me. |
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How long before I receive my order? |
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I typically take around 3 weeks to complete a portrait
(from receipt of photo/s), depending on size and content. I will send
your order only once full payment has been received. UK orders will be with you within
2-3 days of receipt of payment. Orders from the USA will take longer, typically
a week to 10 days. If you have a pressing deadline to meet, e.g. a birthday
or anniversary, please let me know. |
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How much does it cost? |
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The price is dependant on a number of variables - size,
medium (painting or pencil drawing) and the number of figures in the portrait.
A price guide can be seen here. I can also provide
quotes for bespoke portraits. |
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How do I place an order? |
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Please either complete my online
order form, printable order
form, e-mail me or telephone
me. You can find some more detailed ordering instructions
here. |
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When do I pay? |
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A 50% deposit will be required before starting work on a portrait. Final payment will be due upon completion of the portrait. |
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Can I make secure payments? |
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Yes. I accept secure online payments via PayPal.com. |
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Can you paint or draw portraits at sizes other than
those listed? |
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Yes. Please contact me with your requirements. Non-standard
size canvases may need to be ordered so will take longer to complete. |
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How do you complete a portrait? |
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I work in traditional methods. Paintings are produced
in artist-quality acrylics on canvas in an Impressionist influenced technique.
Black and white images are produced in pencil on cartridge paper. |
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What's the difference between oils and acrylic? |
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I use acrylics rather than oils principally because the
quick drying time of acrylic paint allows me to work quickly. It also has
a number of other advantages. Acrylics are more permanent than oils, are
more resistant to the effects of ageing, do not yellow or crack, and remain
flexible - an acrylic painting may be re-stretched or rolled-up for future
storage without its' paint cracking. Unlike oil paints, all acrylic colours
dry at the same rate, through evaporation of water contained in their binder.
Oil paints dry very slowly through absorption of oxygen by vegetable drying
oil binders. |
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Do you have a gallery I can come and visit? |
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No, but you can see examples of my portraits on this
web site and on my other web site, Birtall.co.uk,
which also features landscapes and illustrations. |
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Which countries will you ship to? |
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Outside of the UK I have shipped work to Northern Europe, USA and Australia. Please contact me for more. |
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What subjects can you paint? |
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Virtually anything for money. Please contact
me for more. |
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How do I choose my photo? |
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You'll find some tips on choosing
your photos here. |
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Can I combine more than one photo into one portrait? |
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Yes. Consider that the light will need to be coming from
roughly the same direction in each photo for your portrait to look convincing.
If in doubt, I'd be happy to take a look at your photos and give you my
considered opinion. |
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Can I change certain features in a photo? |
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Possibly, but normally difficult. I can make a judgment
once I have seen your photo. |
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Can I change the background? |
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I normally leave backgrounds plain so as not to distract
from the actual portrait, but backgrounds can be changed if required. |
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Can you produce a colour painting from a black and
white photograph? |
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Yes, provided I am supplied with sufficient information
as to colour reference - hair, skin, eyes etc. |
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Can I attach digital photos to an e-mail order? |
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Yes. Please read my guidelines for
sending in photos. |
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What's the difference between canvas board and stretched
canvas? |
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Please read my canvas guide. |
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How will the portrait be sent? |
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Smaller portraits will be sent to UK addresses via Royal
Mail Special Delivery. Larger portraits and international orders will be
sent via a delivery service such as DHL, Fedex or Parcelforce, depending
on current prices and availability of services. |
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Do you frame the paintings or drawings? |
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No. |
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How should I hang the canvas? |
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Stretched canvas is light and may be hung without being
framed. Canvases should be hung in an area exposed to maximum natural light. |
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Do you sell gift vouchers? |
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Yes. These can be bought for any amount (Pounds Sterling)
and redeemed as and when required, up to the date on the voucher (valid
for 1 year). They are provided in a blank card and sent directly to the
buyer. Details of the order are kept on file. Please click
here for more. |
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Can I see the portrait before it is shipped? |
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Yes. Once the portrait is completed I will e-mail you
a scan. If something needs changing it can be changed at this point. |
