Frequently Asked Questions
The portraits
Is my portrait really made by hand?
Yes. Every portrait is created by a trained portrait artist, never by AI. Oil and Paper portraits are painted or drawn by hand; Studio portraits are painted digitally, stroke by stroke, and come with a timelapse video of your portrait being made.
Who are the artists?
Our oil and paper portraits are made by partner studios in Vietnam and China, working in long traditions of realist painting. Studio portraits are painted by digital portrait artists. You learn the name of your artist with every piece, and each portrait is framed and finished by hand in New York.
What is the difference between the collections?
Oil: hand-painted on canvas or Belgian linen, framed without glass, from $795. Paper: hand-drawn charcoal or pastel, or watercolor, on cotton paper behind museum glass, from $695. Studio: digital painting printed as a museum giclée, from $199 unframed.
Why don't you put oil paintings behind glass?
Oil paintings are traditionally shown without glass, so you can see the texture of every brushstroke and the paint can breathe as it cures. Works on paper are always framed behind museum glass to protect them.
Can you print my own photograph or artwork?
Yes. Our Print Collection prints your own image as an archival giclée on fine-art paper in New York, from $95, with optional retouching and framing. You approve a proof before anything is printed.
Photos
What kind of photo do I need?
A sharp, well-lit photo taken at eye level, without filters. See our photo guidelines. If a photo won't work, we will tell you honestly before your artist begins.
Can you combine several photos, or add someone who has passed away?
Yes. Our memorial photo merge ($95) brings people, pets and places together in one portrait.
Can you work from old or damaged photos?
Often, yes. Send what you have and we will review it together during your consultation.
How many people or pets can be in one portrait?
Each price includes one person or pet. Additional subjects are $75 each for Studio portraits and $150 each for Oil and Paper portraits, and you can add them when you order.
Ordering and approval
Will I see my portrait before it's finished?
Yes. You approve a mockup before painting begins, receive progress photos, and approve the finished portrait before it is framed.
What if I don't love it?
If your portrait doesn't capture the likeness of your approved photo, we will correct or repaint it at no cost. See our guarantee.
How do I pay?
Orders placed on our website are paid in full at checkout. Larger commissions arranged through a consultation may be reserved with a 50% deposit, with the balance due once you approve the finished portrait.
Timing and delivery
How long does it take?
Studio portraits take about 1 to 2 weeks and Oil and Paper portraits about 4 to 6 weeks, after you approve your mockup. If you have a deadline, tell us when you order.
Do you deliver?
We ship insured within the United States. In the New York area you can pick up for free, or choose white-glove delivery and hanging, which is included with every Oil commission. See shipping and delivery.
Gifts and extras
Can I give a portrait as a gift?
Yes. We can arrange a gift certificate so the recipient chooses their own photograph. Send us a message to arrange one. Gift certificates never expire.
Can I order extra prints for my family?
Yes. Once your portrait is finished, we can make unframed giclée prints of it for $129 each.
Will you post my portrait online?
Only with your permission. Memorial portraits and portraits of children are never shared without your explicit consent.
Still have a question? Send us a message or book a consultation.