Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

About Timeless Petraits

Q. Who is Timeless Artwork?

A. We are a team of professional artists dedicated to transforming your favorite memories of your truest best friends into timeless works of art. Professional Portrait Artists by trade but firstly we’re animal lovers! Years of specializing in 100% hand painted portraits we saw the need to provide an affordable and meaningful way to capture on canvas those who are often our true best friend and soul mate – the family pet.
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Q. I have great photos, why do I need a Portrait?

A. Portraits become classic works of family art that are handed down from generation to generation. Great photos can be saved, enjoyed, enlarged and framed for great memories but they will never match the “character” of a hand painted portrait. Your portrait will be something special and altogether unique and when on the wall enjoyed daily or for a lifetime – not lost in the drawer! Your pet deserves their rightful place on the wall with the rest of the family!
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Q. Tell me about your artists?

A. All our artists are trained professionals that specialize solely in portrait painting. Some have over 20 years experience, but we require a minimum of 10 years to work for Timeless Artwork. Our artists paint portraits full time and do not “throw in a portrait” when their other business is slow. As true artists, they know that their legacy to the craft is reflected in their work, on your memory, and in your home. It is a calling for them, not a job.
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Q. Do you use any digital printing or digital processes?

A. No. There are a number of techniques out there that involve computer generated laser prints that are then brush stoked or textured printed. It may be “hand painted” over a digital output, but it is not true artwork – All our portraits are 100% Hand Painted. It is what adds to the character of our portraits and captures the classic techniques of “old school” hand painting. Your best friend deserves that.
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About Hand Painted Pet Portraits

Q. What type of Paintings do you offer?

A. Our expertise is in the areas of Oil and Pastel portrait paintings, with the most popular sizes. Only the finest European oils, pigments, canvas and papers are used in our paintings. These two mediums provide the greatest opportunity to truly capture the subject. Both provide a totally different look and feel to the artwork itself. Oils portray a classic detailed portrait feel, while Pastels are a softer interpretation of the subject.
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Q. What is the difference between Oils and Pastels?

A. Most people are familiar with the traditional Oil Paintings. Pastels tend to be a bit more special and expressive. Both can offer the same vivid color but Pastels are sometimes considered lighter and softer, requiring a totally different kind of artist. Fortunately, we have artists that specialize in both Pastels and Oils.

Pastel is not colored chalk. Chalk is made from limestone while Pastels are pure pigment; the same pigment used in making all fine art paints. The powdered color pigment is combined with a minimum binder that is just enough to hold the pigment stick together. If this same powdered pigment was combined with an oil medium it would be oil paint and used in oil paintings.

As generally the most pure pigment that can be applied to a painting surface, Pastel paintings are vibrant, vivid and can be one of the most permanent of all painting media. Pastel paintings that are centuries old look as alive and fresh today as they did when they were created!
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Q. How do I decide between getting an Oil or Pastel?

A.It is often a simple matter of personal preference. Oils are the classic portrait media that deliver great detail and visual depth for the most accurate representation of the subject while pastels offer a softer, more wispier interpretation of the subject. The more detailed your photo and more realistic you want your pet portrayed – go with Oil. The softer and more whimsical you want your pet captured (or if your photo lacks detail) – go with Pastel. Both deliver a quality portrait but with a very different feel – you will like either one. Because Pastels are pure pigment they must be covered and protected by glass. Oils are durable and require only a border frame without glass. If you are planning to get the “Painting Only Option” we would suggest Oil as it is very durable and easier for handling and framing by yourself or a custom frame shop. If you are still unsure, spend some time looking at the pictures in our gallery and that will help you decide which way to go. The gallery is divided between Oils and Pastels.
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Q. Can you help me decide between Oil or Pastel?

A.Based upon your provided photo, our artists can recommend which type of painting they feel would be best. Both are reasonably priced, and really depend on your preference for detail, style or quality of your photo as noted above. The eventual room placement of your portrait can also be a driver to your decision. As a general rule, the more prominent the room of placement and the greater detail you want, the more we would recommend Oils. Childrens' rooms, sun rooms and lighter venues, or if your picture lacks detail, a pastel may fit better. You will be pleased and amazed with either of the two formats.
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Q. Do you do custom requests?

A. Yes, simply contact us and let us know what you would like to do and we will promptly respond with a quotation.
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Selecting a Photo of Your Pet to Paint

Q. What kind of photo can I turn into a painted portrait?

A. Any clear and detailed photo can be turned into a beautiful hand painted portrait. As we specialize in the classic portrait view we need photos that give a good close up of the subject – preferably head and shoulders. Small pets can be full body but we love to catch the facial detail. We will ignore the background – just send us a good picture of the subject you want painted. We work with the following digital photo files: JPEG, PNG & TIFF.
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Q. What makes a good photo to work from?

A. There are a number of things that make some photos better than others:

  • Clarity – not blurred, no shadows or minimal shadows
  • Resolution of source photograph – if the picture you have is very small (less than 100kb) we may be able to work with it, but we will need to evaluate it after we receive it.
  • We will not paint from a photo that we think is too difficult to paint from – so send in your choice and we will let you know if there is any issue and promptly resolve it.

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Q. What will you do with the background in my photo?

A. A great portrait really focuses on the subject and therefore our standard is a mottled background that enhances the portrait of your pet. The color of the background will be driven by what best compliments the coat color, eyes, hair and shades in the photo. Many detailed backgrounds have ruined beautiful portraits by becoming a distraction from the subject! That is why we avoid them and stay with the classic portrait background.
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Q. Can I request that you paint the background that is in my photo?

A. Yes, we can include your background but depending on the detail involved may require a minor additional charge. Additional people, pets or subjects will also be additional. Simply see “Other Options” in our ordering section.
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Q. What about cropping?

A. You can certainly crop your own photo before sending. Once we have your photo, any additional cropping will be left up to the artist who will do your custom painting. However, as a general rule, 60-70% of your finished portrait will be made up of the head/shoulders picture.
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Q. Do pets have to be “head and shoulders” for a good portrait or can I have an entire dog or cat, etc.?

A. Animals do not have to be a portrait shot like us humans due to their size. However, just as with people, facial expression is an important part of your pet’s “being” and as always, the best photos make the best paintings. Fortunately, most people have a better and more extensive photo album of their pe ts than anyone else in their family.
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To Frame or Not to Frame

Q. Can Timeless Artwork Frame my painting?

A. Yes. We have an affordable standard black frame option for both of the two mediums – Oil or Pastel. Your portrait will arrive fully framed and ready to hang on the wall.

Or if you would like to take your completed portrait to your local frame shop to choose from the hundreds of custom frame options a shop would offer we recommend you order the “Painting Only Option”. Then you can select a frame, matting or color that can go with your specific décor.
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Q. Are Oils and Pastels framed differently?

A. Yes, they are framed differently due to the nature of each. Oil portraits are durable and can be left exposed to the open air. Pastels, being pure pigment almost in “dust or powder” form need to be glass covered and protected to avoid smudging and wear.
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Q. What does framing include?

A. Here is what you get:

Oil Portrait Framing

  • The Oil Portrait canvas is stretched and mounted on a backer
  • The Oil is then framed with a custom black frame border
  • No glass, cover or matting is required for a beautiful framed Oil Portrait

Pastel Portrait Framing

  • The fragile nature of pastels requires additional protection in the framing process
  • Your Pastel will have a standard border matt based on the color scheme of the completed portrait.
  • Your Pastel will be safely protected behind a clear glass cover with black frame.

Framing does not add any additional Delivery or Shipping Fees as all Timeless Artwork is Free Shipping, Handling and Delivery.
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Q. Do you do custom framing?

A. Unfortunately not. In order to keep our portraits extremely reasonably priced we have had to standardize in the framing arena. We do offer a nicely framed finished product.

However, if specific décor fit, color, wood tone, etc. are important to you we highly recommend you select the “Painting Only Option” and then work with your local quality frame shop to mount it exactly as you want. With the money you save on the portrait you can certainly make sure it ends up fitting into your décor with a custom frame.

Though we would love to sell you a frame, our specialty is capturing your best friend on canvas for years or enjoyment and remembrance.
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Ordering

Q. How do I order my portrait?

A. Simply click here "Place my Order" and you will be taken to our simple 3 Step process. It’s that easy and will cover your portrait, framing, special requests and secure payment.
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Q. How long should it take to paint my portrait?

A. Once we have an approved photo, your painting will be completed and in your hands in about four weeks - sometimes sooner. Custom requests may be only slightly longer. “Painting Only” options may be slightly shorter in time. During critical holiday times we will advise estimated delivery dates for you.
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Q. How will you communicate with me during the process?

A. Email communication is the most efficient and preferred. If you will be out of email contact during the process, do not have email, or prefer to use phone/mail contact as it is a surprise gift and you must limit where communication goes – all can be accommodated. Email makes the process fast and communication instant. We understand that portraits are often gifts – please make sure you provide us contact or shipping information that will not tip off your surprise!
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Q. Can you expedite my Portrait?

A. Yes we can, but only provided we have an artist free at the time of order. All our shipping is free. Expedited shipping will be charged to you at the actual rate.
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Q. Do you offer other products?

A. Yes. Besides the hand painted portraits themselves, you can have that same finished portrait image put onto:

  • Classic Note and Thank You cards with your portrait image

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Q. What forms of payment do you accept?

A. You can pay your deposit and balance with any of the following methods: VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover via PayPal.
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Q. Do you offer Gift Certificates?

A. Absolutely! The gift of a custom painting of someone’s pet is one of the finest things you can bestow upon a person.
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Q. Where do you ship from?

A. We have several shipping locations all located around the greater Atlanta Georgia metro area.
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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Q. What if I receive my painting and I do not like it?

Our goal is to get you something very special. On a rare occasion someone may not be completely satisfied with the artwork. If you do not like it, we offer a 100% guarantee. If you receive it and decide you do not like it you can send it back to us with comments to improve the artwork. We will then take the following steps:

  1. Correct it from your comments
  2. Re-paint it
  3. Refund your money

If you are not 100% satisfied, we have not done our job well nor satisfied our agreement. We are committed to your satisfaction on your commissioned painting!
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Q. What is your refund/return policy?

A. If after receiving the final artwork you are not satisfied, we will refund your entire amount upon the return of the undamaged painting within two weeks of receipt. Damaged paintings are non-refundable.
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