Q: Is there a payment plan or do I need to pay in full?
A: For commissions, I ask for a 50% retainer up front. After I've sent you a low-resolution photo of the work in progress, I require another 25% to move forward. The final 25% is payable immediately prior to shipping.
There is no payment plan available for original paintings from one of my collections or for the purchase of prints.
 

Q: What is the price of a commission?
A: It really depends. I will provide you with a quote upon receiving the details from you regarding the size of the desired portrait. It also depends on the quality of the reference photos you provide. of My prices include shipping or, if you're within the GTA, I will deliver the painting to you. Please email me your request for quote using the Inquiries form. I will reply within 24 hours. 
 

Q: What is your return policy?
A: Returns and exchanges can be made at any time. You will be refunded for everything except shipping.
 

Q: What will the be cost to ship me the commissioned piece or the print I order?
A: Shipping is included in all listed prices and on commissions for deliveries within Canada and the U.S., with the exception of the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Nunavut, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii. For deliveries outside the "free shipping" areas, I will provide you with an estimated shipping cost.
 

Q: Can you guarantee that a commissioned portrait will look exactly like the photo subject in the reference photo?
A: Your commissioned portrait won't look exactly like the subject in the reference photo. It will, however, be a likeness to the subject.
I use colour in an abstract way. I always ask clients to provide three to five reference photos. If you wish for an exact likeness, or literal translation, I would be happy to refer you to some excellent local portrait photographers. My paintings are non-realistic and are suggestive of the reference but not painted in realism. Non-fleshtones, abstract and unexpected ("bold") use of colour, your painting will bear a likeness but will not look realistic or identical to the source. A flattering and beautiful suggestion of the subject is always the goal!
 

Q: Does it come framed?
A: It doesn't however I've now partnered up with an excellent framing partner, should you wish to have your print framed for an additional cost. My original paintings aren't framed however they can be, as well. When I paint on wood panel, the panel's backing allows it to be hung from a nail.
 

Q: Does the painting or print arrive signed by the artist? If so, where?
A: Yes. I sign all my paintings with paint in one of the bottom corners of the canvas, and all my prints with pencil in the bottom right corner of the print. I also include the print number in the bottom left corner of the print and the title in the middle.  
 

Q: What kind of paint is used? 
A: Acrylic. I also use matte gel for texture and sometimes to create what I call a "faux frame," as on the Mad Dog and Raoul paintings.
I finish all paintings with two coats of varnish. If you require an isolation layer, I can add one however that will increase the final cost. (An isolation layer is a transparent coat of gloss gel that is applied over the acrylic paint and under the coats of varnish. Its purpose is to allow future retouching of the painting, should there ever be a need for this.)
 

Q: On which medium does the artist paint?
A: I usually paint on canvas however I also use wood panels.
 

Q: What is the turnaround time?
A: Currently 3-6 weeks, but the art agreement allows for 12. This timing is fluid, depending on the number of commissions I've taken on prior to yours. 
 

Q: How will I hang or display my painting?
A: Canvases are easily hung using a small nail hammered into the wall. (Finishing nails work well for this!) Upon request, I affix hanging hardware to the portraits I paint on wood panels. I do not charge extra for this.
 

Q: It costs less to commission a single-subject painting than a multiple-subject painting. Why?
A: Each likeness takes time to paint and in many cases, two (or more) subjects require a complexity not present in single-subject compositions. I recommend one subject per painting. Quotes are based on canvas size, the complexity of the subject's look, as well as on the number of subjects in the piece. Multiple-subject commissions may also require a larger working surface to accommodate multiple faces.
 

Q: Do paintings on larger canvases or wood panels cost more than paintings on smaller canvases?
A: Yes. Larger canvases simply cost more and require more paint than smaller ones.