| Below are a selection of the
most frequently asked questions, if you have a question you would like
answered that I haven't listed please let me know.
I would like to commission a
portrait, what do I do?
You will first need to decide how
you would like your portrait to look and consider such things as the
medium to be used, the size of portrait you would like, whether to
include a background and think of the style, i.e. would you prefer a
head or full body study or perhaps a montage showing different aspects
of your pet? Once you know roughly what you would like contact me via
email or post with your request and photographs. Please see Ordering
Information for more details.
What are the differences
between the mediums you use?
I work using pencil, colour
pencil, pastel, acrylic and oils. Choosing which to go for may not be an
easy choice to make as each brings their own unique
qualities and marks to a portrait. To help you decide and give you
more information on each medium I have added pages to the Galleries
which I hope will clarify the situation.
Can my portrait be a different
size to those shown on your price list?
Certainly. The price list is
based on the sizes I have found to be most popular and is by no means
unchangeable. If you have a particular size in mind or are looking for
something different, email
me, and I can give you a quote.
How long will it take to do my
portrait?
This can vary and is
dependant on the number of commissions I am doing, the time of year and
the medium chosen. I normally work to a 2 - 3 week timetable (6 - 8
weeks if in oils) but am happy to discuss shorter timescales for special
occasions. The run up to Christmas is a particularly busy time of year
How many photographs should I
send?
The more photographs you can
send the better. I work from one main photograph but like to have others
to refer to. Indicate which photograph best represents your pet and
would like me to work from as well as those that show his/her true
colouring. The more information I have, the more I have to work from.
Can I email images?
Yes, sending your photographs to me via email is the safest option, and
quickest. If sending digital images send them as jpeg files at the
highest resolution, not less than 300dpi if possible.
My pet has passed away and I
don't have any good photographs, can you help?
Let me see what photographs
you have as there may be enough for me to work with. I can often combine
pictures where, for example, features may not be clear in one photograph
but fine in another. I will certainly try and see what I can do.
I would like all my pets
together in the same portrait but don't have a photograph with them all
together, does this matter?
No not at all. As long as all
the photographs show each pet clearly I can put together a grouping to
suit you.
Can I have a background?
The short answer to this is
yes. Often it will depend on the style of portrait you are after. I
generally do not include a background if drawing a head study in pencil,
colour pencil or pastel preferring the focus to be on your pet. When
working on a painting with oils or acrylic however, I always include a
plain background in colours to compliment your pet.
If on the other hand you are after a full body study I am happy to place
your pet within a setting of your choice - this could be in the garden,
the park, on a chair, playing with a toy or simply their favourite spot.
Backgrounds of this kind will incur an extra charge dependant on the
size and medium used. This can be discussed when placing an order.
How much will my portrait cost?
This is dependant on the size
and medium used - please see prices for more
information. Including a background and/or extra pets will reflect on
the final cost.
When do I pay?
Only when you are completely happy with your
finished portrait.
Can I see my portrait before I pay for it?
Certainly. On completion of your portrait
I will email a photograph to you for your approval. You also have the
opportunity to view your work in different stages as it progresses on my
work in progress pages.
How do I pay?
My preferred method of payment is through PayPal
using their Email Payments option. This allows you to pay online using a
credit card, bank account or PayPal balance. Once you are completely
happy with your portrait I will send you a PayPal invoice via email. You
simply click a link in the email to make a payment.
I also accept payment by cheque - please make payable to Laura Hardie.
UK customers also have the option of paying by postal order.
In all cases portraits are dispatched on receipt of full payment.
Is P&P included?
Yes. Postage and packaging is free
worldwide.
How is my portrait delivered?
Your portrait will be securely packaged to
avoid any damage in the post. UK parcels will be delivered using Royal
Mail's Special Delivery service with those overseas going by Airsure.
Both services are safe, secure and reliable with all parcels
electronically tracked.
Are portraits framed?
Portraits do not come framed as this, I
believe, is a personal choice better decided by you. Pencil, colour
pencil and pastel drawings are mounted in a mount complimentary to the
portrait.
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