Frequently Asked Questions
 

Need a bit more information about your dog portrait and/or other paintings?

The following frequently asked questions might help you out.

I would like to have my dog’s portrait custom painted, but I am not sure which style and size to choose.  Would you help me?

Please choose “not sure” in the style and size sections of the order form and send us the picture(s) of your dog.  Hiroko will contact you by email, and you can decide together which style best fits your budget and preferences.

Can you combine elements from several different photographs?

Absolutely! After you submit the order form and pictures, the artist will contact you.  Please send pictures you want her to use, and specify the objects to be used from each photograph.  Later she will email you a sketch so that you will have an idea of the color and layout.  Upon your approval, she will start working with the design.

Tell us about the painting material.

Professional quality acrylic colors, such as Golden®, Liquitex®, Holbein®, are used on a stretched cotton duck canvas (with either a ¾” depth or a 1 1/2“depth, depending on your specifications on the order form).  Finished paintings are sprayed in order to ensure their long life and to prevent them from yellowing.  (If you would prefer not to have your painting sprayed, please let us know).  Please click blue texts above to view pictures of the canvases.

May I see a preview of my dog’s painting before I make a final payment?

Tell us about background fee.

Custom painting basic fee includes simple or faded background with the color of your choice.  If you want a specific background, please send us a digital image of the object/scenery you want us to insert.  Price range is from $60 to $500 according to complexity and/or size of the canvas.  In 2008, average charges for the scenery in distance, for example, were $50 for 9" x 12,  $80 for 16" x 20", $120 for 24" x 30", $150 for sizes bigger than 24" x 30". If you would like to have a background inserted, please consult with us to find out the estimate.

Do I need to pay a deposit for my custom painting?

Yes, it is necessary that we receive 50% of the basic fee (before shipping charges and taxes are assessed) as a deposit, in order to secure a place in the painting schedule.  Please be advised that once your approve the digital sketch of your project, the deposit will be nonrefundable. Please view dog portrait price guide.

What are your accepted payment methods?

We accept payment through PayPal. Checks payable to Paws & Paint will be also accepted for custom portrait order only. Please make a payment through PayPal for Paws & Paint item purchase.  Any over or under payment is not accepted. 

Which payment method do you prefer for custom painting orders, PayPal or checks?

We recommend payment by PayPal in order to save some transaction time. (We're PayPal verified!)  If your payment is made by check, the item will not be shipped until your payment is verified by a financial institution, which may take up to two or three weeks.  

Shipping & Handling Fee information?

Please note that shipping & handling is usually between $20 to $150, depending on the destination, material size and weight.  In addition to the postage, handling charge of box/packaging fee may be included.  Paws & Paint currently uses USPS or UPS delivery unless we agree with another shipping method.  As soon as we get an order request from you, Paws & Paint will find the precise shipping & handling fee and notify you of this amount.   

How long will the whole process take?

Turnaround time is usually around 4 - 6 weeks after receiving your order form, photography, and initial payment.  It may be sooner or later depending on the artist’s schedule.  We will update your project every week.

I want to have my friend’s dog painted as a gift.

Paws & Paint gift certificate is available. Please send us an email!

Do you paint cats, too?

Yes, she does.  We have actually received order requests from many clients to include feline family members in custom portraits, and we are happy to have all paw members painted.

Can I reach the artist for questions?

Yes, please send her an email at portraits@pawsandpaint.com.  She usually responds to inquiries within 24 hours.

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