• What do I get for $395? How do I pay?
To take advantage of this price:
• The image you send will be used “as is” without any changes. It must be in focus.
• You will receive digital proofs by email and up to 2 printed proofs for your approval.
• Once approved, your painted portrait image will be uploaded to Fine Art America where you will order your print.
• Your portrait image will be printed 12 x 16 or smaller on acid free watercolor paper with a 1" white border to allow for future matting & framing and will be shipped within 5 business days. If you’re not happy with the print, there is a 30 day no-questions-asked return policy.There are two factors that will increase the cost of a portrait:
1. The Digital Painting Costs: The degree of customization and size of the painting drive the price. If the photo requires no manipulation to remove or add elements, the base price for a 12 x 16 print is $395 which includes up to two printed proofs. Your price will be negotiated based on the supplied photograph’s quality, intricacy and size of portrait. This amount, minus the Printing Cost, is paid to my PayPal online service using your credit card, (You do not need to set up a PayPal acoount) or, if you don’t mind the delay, you may send a check.
2. The Printing Costs: Costs vary as to size of portrait printed and type of paper or canvas used and whether it is stretched or not. Any price I quote will include both the digital painting and the cost of printing and stretching if desired. Printing and stretching costs are paid directly to Fine Art America. (I have arranged for Fine Art America to handle all my printing and stretching. They have a reputation for quality and service. ) As we plan your portrait, I will suggest sizes that are typical of ready-made frames found at your hobby store. This will reduce cost of framing .
• How do you create a painting on a computer?
The simple answer is with a tablet and stylus.
The stylus, held like a brush or pen when pressed on a digital tablet, responds to pressure and angle to give me an incredible degree of accuracy and diversity in action. It is a virtual paintbrush. With it, stroke by stroke, I hand brush and blend the pixels of your photo into a painted portrait with all of the texture, artful blending and beauty of fine oil or watercolor painting. I actually use the same motion and technique that I utilize when painting with a oil paintbrush on canvas.
Upload your Bridal, Wedding, Family, Pet or Home portrait photo and I will transform it into a portrait painting printed on canvas or fine watercolor paper and ship it anywhere in the world.
• How long will this portrait last without fading?
Your portrait print, whether it is printed on paper or canvas, will last for generations to come!
That is possible because of the advanced technology of giclee printing (pronounced 'Zhee-clay & 'Jee-clay') using archival inks and premium papers and canvases that are acid-free. Giclee printing is used by major art museums for archiving entire collections. With proper care, your portrait will last beyond this century and into the next. I have arranged for the expert staff of print masters at Fine Art America to be printing your Fine Art Portrait. They have over 40 years of giclee printing experience and produce all of their museum quality fine art prints on state-of-the-art Epson printers. They guarantee the quality of their prints. If within 30 days, your not completely satisfied with your print, you may return it, no questions asked, for a full refund!
• What kind of photos can I use?
Just about any person or place you cherish.
That said, here are some suggestions for best results
• First and foremost, avoid using a photo taken with a flash. A flash flattens features leaving no shadows to show off the contours that flatter your model or location. Shadows are as important as the highlights.
• Though an out of focus photo can be used if you think it represents the individual or location in a special way, it is always best to use one that is as in-focus as possible.
• Digital photos are best, but a photo print can be used though it may require some extra time to scan and clean up the image. • If you’re having difficulty deciding what to use, let me help.
A SPECIAL NOTE: I reserve the right to refuse to create a portrait for any reason. My primary concern is that I will not work with nude figures or immodest clothing.
• Can you remove people or surroundings I don’t want?
I can do just about anything you want.
I have been in the business of photo manipulation for over two decades. I’ve done it all!
• I can remove background clutter, replace the sky, take out the person in the foreground, change the color of a car, or simply remove the blemish that was unfortunately there on the day of the photograph.
• It will be very important to communicate with me what you would like from me. Be detailed in your expectations of the final product. Think: Colors, Themes, Styles, Decor, Changes. The more information I have, the more secure I feel that I am giving you a product with which you’ll be more than just satisfied . . you’ll be thrilled!
• Do you have Gift Certificates?
That's a great idea if you're in a rush.
A printable C.Hawley Portrait Gift Certificate can be emailed to you customized with your name, the name of the individual receiveing the certificate and the amount being paid toward the portrait. This can be done in a day.
• How quickly can I receive my portrait?
As fast as 3 business days but usually 3-4 weeks.
• Portraits are custom work and require instant communication between us during the creative process. A break in our communication will delay the delivery.
• 3 Days: If your pocket book doesn’t mind a rush charge and the extra cost of shipping “next day”, a 3-day turnaround is possible. Only digital on-line proofs will be emailed. Instant phone and email dialogue is required to ensure a smooth process. You will be limited to a print on watercolor paper no larger than 12 x 19. Framing will not be available. (I will suggest creating the a portrait to fit typical frames available at your hobby store avoiding extra cost & time delays in custom framing your print.)
• 3-4 Weeks: The normal time required to paint your portrait is 5 to 9 business days but could take longer to be sure your satisfied. This process includes one or two printed proofs. Once approved the image will be uploaded to Fine Art America. There you will order your portrait in the size, type of paper or canvas of your choice. And , if you desire, I’ll walk you through the process. It will take 3 to 5 business days to print and deliver your portrait to your door anywhere in the world. Fine Art America also does framing.
• If it's a gift and you need it quick, another possiblility is a C.Hawley Portrait Gift Certificate. I'll send you by email a customized printable certificate with their name and the amount paid for the portrait. Just print it and give it or email it.
• Can I frame it myself or have local store do it?
Actually, that’s a great idea!
By taking the initiative to frame it yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money and have more control.
• We can plan to create your portrait to fit typical sizes of ready-made frames you can purchase at your hobby store for a lot less than a custom frame.
• This will help you make creative decisions with your actual portrait in hand instead of on a computer screen. Fine Art America will do an excellent job of framing if you decide to use them, but there is nothing like hands-on to be certain you are getting the exact color and style of matting and frame you want.
• What if I’m not happy with the final portrait?
I will try every way to please you.
Here is the process that I use in order to guarantee your satisfaction.
1. After sending me the photograph, a preliminary painting will be created based carefully on our conversations by phone and email and a digital proof sent to you by email. Though color will not be accurately determined because your computer monitor is not calibrated to my monitor, we will discuss technique and preferences.
2. When the image is approved, a small printed proof will be sent to you to be sure that the colors are accurate and meet your expectations. If necessary, a second proof will be sent.
3. Once approved the image will be uploaded to Fine Art America. There you will order your portrait in the size and type of paper or canvas. If you desire to have Fine Art America do the stretching, framing, or matting, I’ll walk you through the process making suggestions along the way.
4. If you’re not satisfied with the final product, send it back to Fine Art America for a full refund.
• What are my printing and framing choices?
You are limited only by your imagination!
It really depends on what kind of painting you are ordering. If your portrait is to have the appearance of a classic oil painting, then the portrait should be printed on one of the two choices of canvas available – satin or glossy. You can then either have it stretched and framed yourself at your local frame shop or have Fine Art America do it for you.
If your portrait is to have the appearance of a light watercolor, there are four papers to choose from. You can have the print framed locally or have Fine Art America frame it with your choice of one or two mats and framed with an acrylic glaze to protect your print.
For a contemporary look, both watercolors and oil paintings look stunning printed on canvas and stretched on 1.5 inch deep gallery stretcher bars with either black, white or mirrored image edges. No frame.Your portrait can be as big as 45” x 60”. And it can be as small as 6” x 8”. When we talk, I will go over the price structuring to find what you consider your best value. Your most economical bet is to select a print size that matches a typical ready-made frame that you find at your hobby store. You will reduce your costs of framing by at least $100 and probably a lot more if you’re a do-it-yourselfer.
A great ideas is making greeting cards of your portrait for Chistmas.
To explore your options, click here.
