Frequently asked questions
General questions
How long does it take to make a painting?
Since each piece is unique in size and composition, the time it takes from start to finish varies. I can take from a day to three weeks, not including the time for the oil paint to cure and apply a final coat of varnish.
What materials do you use?
I primarily work with Gamblin products, which include artist oils, gel medium, Gamsol odorless mineral spirits, and Gamvar varnish.
My brushes are a combination of old, new, cheap, and pricey brushes from various vendors. Some are natural, some are synthetic; it all depends on the kind of brushstroke effect I want for a subject within a painting.
What inspires you?
My subject matter is rooted in the simple beauty of nature, my love of gardening, and my search for belonging in my adoptive country. I paint en plein air and from personal photographs taken during my travels and in my backyard in Vermont’s Champlain Valley.
Can I purchase original paintings?
Yes, original paintings available for sale are listed in the Oil Paintings category under the Shop tab.
Can I see the painting in person before purchasing?
Yes, I can arrange a private studio viewing for you if you’re local or visiting my area. Please use the contact page on this site to set up an appointment.
Product or Services questions
What products do you offer?
My products include custom-framed original oil paintings on canvas or panel, archival reproduction in giclée prints, individual blank greeting cards size A7, and boxes of assorted greeting cards size A2. Each product category is located under the Shop tab.
Do you take commissions?
Yes, however, I choose to select commissions that inspire me and are consistent with my style and subject matter. Please use the contact page on this site to enquire.
What services do you offer?
I offer private oil painting lessons from May to September. For more information, use the contact page on this site to enquire.
I offer greeting card personalization for an additional charge.
Orders
What should I do if my order is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Take photos of damaged artwork and packaging and email these photos using the contact page on this site. Within seven (7) days of your artwork delivery date, please contact us by email or phone between the hours of 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST Monday through Friday to give us your order information. Save the original packaging!
How can I track my order?
Orders shipped via UPS or USPS will be assigned tracking numbers.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
At checkout on this website, the payment options are Debit/Credit card, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Payments via cash or check are available for in-person sales only.
Do you sell gift cards?
No, we do not offer gift cards at the moment.
Can I make a purchase using financing platforms like Klarna or Afterpay?
No, Klarna and Afterpay are not available at the moment.
Shipping and delivery
How quickly can you ship?
You should expect next-day shipping on all orders except framed paintings, as these require careful packaging.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, I offer free shipping on orders of 5 or more greeting cards.
Is shipping calculated on each order according to destination?
Yes, but only on international destinations. It does not apply to shipping within the USA.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping time is dependent on the carrier.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, cost is subject to international tariffs and customs.
Will delivery include installation?
No, I do not provide installation. Paintings come ready to hang and are easily installed.
Which carrier do you use?
I use USPS for prints and cards and UPS for framed paintings.
If it is a gift, do you wrap a purchase or add a card?
Gift orders are wrapped in the usual packaging. If you would like to include a card with your message, please reach out via the contact page on this site.
Do you ship to a third party address?
No, we do not offer products using ship-on-demand..
Returns and Refunds
What is your return policy?
If you receive products you’ve purchased and are not fully satisfied, you must contact me to discuss the issue. Use the contact page on this site to send me an email or text message.
You have (7) days from the time you received the products to contact me about your intent to return the artwork in its original condition for a refund.
Once you have confirmed that the original artwork will be returned, you must ship, at your cost, the artwork within (3) days from the day you contacted me to ship out the original artwork .
Repackage the artwork using the original packaging materials. If you’ve already disposed of the original packaging, you’ll be responsible for purchasing packaging materials to send the artwork back safely to me.
If you do not notify me of your intent to return the works within 7 days of receipt or you do not ship the work within 3 days of notifying us, you will not be eligible for a refund.
What is your refund policy for commissioned artwork?
A full refund is available only if the commission is canceled before any work has started.
A partial refund may be considered early during the sketching stage only.
Once the final artwork is completed, no refunds will be issued.
Please reach out via the contact page on this site if you need to discuss a cancellation or refund.
Insurance
Do you provide insurance?
Only original paintings and commissions are insured according to the specific policies of the shipping carrier.
Installation and care
To care for an oil painting, avoid direct sunlight and control temperature and humidity by keeping it in a stable environment between 65−68°F and 50% humidity. Gently dust paintings every few months with a soft brush and only clean the surface with a lightly dampened cotton swab or specialized cleaner if necessary, as improper cleaning can cause damage. Do not use window cleaner, vinegar, or other household chemicals, as these can cause permanent damage. It's crucial to avoid any strong chemicals and never attempt deep cleaning or varnish removal yourself.