Art Related
Do you paint people or landscapes?
Yes, I can paint anything from pets, people portraits, landscapes and still life.
How long does it take you to paint a portrait?
All depends on the style of portrait being painted and the detail. Time frame ranges from 4 hours to 60 hours.
The portraits shown on the ‘Popular‘ page which is an A4 charcoal drawing, usually takes half a day to complete and the A3 a day.
There are other examples in the galleries that are larger in size (A2) which have a combination of people/animals and pets with complex backgrounds these types of painting take approximately 60 hours to finish.
What does archival and lightfast mean?
Archival means the paper and/or card being used is acid free and won’t yellow over time and is gallery standard.
Lightfast means the pastels being used are UV (ultra voilet light) protected and the colours won’t fade over time.
Do you use other mediums besides charcoal and pastel?
Outside of charcoal and pastels I don’t essentially do 100% acrylic, oil or watercolour. But I do create mix media which has a combination of watercolour, acrylic, pastel and charcoal and sometimes airbrush for fine fades and large background blocking.
I’m taking my own photos how do I know if they are good enough to paint from?
Nearly all photo’s taken from a smart phone or modern camera will be good enough.
Please take a look at the ‘tips‘ page which will may help with taking a better photograph.
The larger the painting (A2) or bigger require higher resolution images for detail, clarity etc but A3 or smaller don’t need the same amount of detail and should be fine.
Its always best to take as many pictures as you can, sort through them which ones you like best and send them to me for clarification.
My dog is no longer with us and the pictures I have are not very good?
If you can send me the pictures I can advice what can be done or not in terms of style and size of portrait to best suit the photos you have.
Product, Payment and Deliveries
how do I pay for my portrait?
Direct Banking seems to be the preferred way clients pay but cash or cheque is fine.
Do you deliver internationally?
Yes, international orders isn’t a problem. Post and packaging various depending on where in the world the portrait is being sent and whether I am sending the painting only or framed.
What is the process involved when placing a commission with you?
Once a deposit has been paid the client then sends the pictures to me by email or post. I look through the pictures and if need be advise which are the best pictures to paint if several have been submitted.
If its a single image I can advise the best size or style to be used. A date will be set for the painting to be completed. Then finally whether you want to pickup the painting or be delivered.
Do you offer glass with your frames?
Frames containing perspex are included with the painting. They are easier to deliver due to possible breakages and the painting being damaged. But, if its a special order or you can pickup, glass can be accommodated.
Do you offer more options for framing?
We can if its a special order please contact Steve for more information. The frames we normally offer are complimentary and are including in the price of the portrait, so the painting is ready to be hung when the client receives it.
I don’t see any prices of pet portraits with people even though they are on your galleries?
People with pets is deemed as a ‘special order’ please contact Steve for more information.
what does matting mean?
Matting is an archival cut card which sits inside the frame between the perspex/glass and painting. Matting helps protect the painting from damage and improves the framing of the painting.
Do I need to pay a deposit before you start the portrait?
Yes, a deposit is needed before we can schedule your painting for creation.
I want a pet portrait for my friend but i dont think there is enough time?
Contact Steve, if its not possible to create your portrait in time, a Gift Voucher for your friend can be sent out to you asap once a deposit has been paid.
What is meant by a Special Order?
A special order is a bespoke painting not covered by the pricing on stevesart.co.uk. Usually a complex painting combining pets and people, pets and wildlife or nature. A large pet portrait with a bespoke frame can be deemed the same.
Cleaning and Aftercare
I’m scared of damaging my painting what can I do to avoid this?
Try not to hang your portrait where it’s in full sunlight, near any damp/mouldy walls and excessive heat.
Gently dust with a feather duster and don’t use any chemicals when cleaning the glass/perspex or the frame.
There is fine dust collecting at the bottom of the frame what is it?
The fine dust is the binder seperating from the pigment in the pastel. Its nothing to worry about, the binder is used to form the pastel stick and the pigment (colour) will remain on the paper or card. Over time the pigment will harden.
The chances are that the binder will not be seen as it falls down the inside of the matting which is primarily there to protect the painting.
I’ve accidentally damaged my painting can you fix it?
In many cases it can be fixed ie smalls tears, spills and scratches. Contact Steve with a photo of the damage i’m sure he will be able help.
How long will my portrait last?
A pastel portrait can last a lifetime without yellowing or fading as long as the paper is archival and pigments are lightfast.
All Steve’s paper/card and pastels are gallery standard. The colours will stay as vibrant as the first day you hung it. It has been said pastel lasts longer than oil paintings as varnish can crack.
Just make sure your painting is away from excessive heat or moisture.
