FAQ

Paintings of landscapes, scenes and museum reproductions can be duplicated in any size you might need. Email your specifictions and we can provide a price.

Photo Taking Tips:A Creating paintings from photographs takes special skills; the artist must adjust for the distortion that a camera
creates and add living color to a flat photographic image. Following are some suggestions for taking photographs of a
person or animal suitable for creating a portrait.

# 1 RULE - if you can possibly avoid it DO NOT USE FLASH FOR PHOTOS for people. Have the light direction
coming from one side, not the back or the front A "fill flash" that flashes in the daylight outdoors, is acceptable.
Portraits from Black & White Photos: I can work (and have) from a single "pretty bad" photo . . . . Particularly in the case of an portrait of a departed loved one.
I can work from just about any photo. If you have a favorite photo, I'm sure I can create a beautiful painting for you. Obviously a good a clear
photograph is preferred. If you have the opportunity to take new photos of your subject, I can help you get the best photographs of your subject.
Take as many pictures as you can from different angles so there are multiple perspectives and a few good ones you can choose from. The remaining
will be good reference shots from which the artist can discern subtle color diferences and details.
Lighting for Portraits: Side lighting gives a good effect and allows for interesting shadows and features . . . but make sure the light comes from
the same direction on any photos that you want combined. Backlighting is good, but make sure that
there is enough illumination on the features of the subject.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOS OF ANYONE - PEOPLE OR ANIMALS Have them doing something.
Have the subject playing or sleeping or interacting with someone or something; it makes a much better portrait. Shoot at eye level -
either get down to their level, or put them up on something, don't shoot from above them. Get close to the subject the closer the photograph.
However, watch for your camera's tendency to "fish-eye" the subject of too close. In these cases, back
off a bit and use the zoom - it helps reduce that effect. Avoid bright sunlight and flash photos because it bleaches out color, features and details.
An open shade - like a porch is nice, but make sure there is enough light. Don't have distracting shadows on the subject! For instance a lattice
shadow, or branches of a tree, unless you want it to be part of your portrait. Early morning or late afternoon light is very good
light for paintings, the sun coming at an angle creates good shadows & details. Pose the person so that they have their head turned a bit,
a three-quarter view, instead of a full frontal face is usually a better choice for a portrait. Look at other portraits
and magazine photos and advertisements to see what ideas you like. Send me a picture from a magazine for reference, if you want.

HELPFUL HINTS WITH ANIMAL COMPANIONS Whistle or squeak a toy so that they perk up if you want them to look alert.
Have someone hold the animal still or restrain it in some fashion if it is very lively and won't let you get far enough away to take the picture. . . (smile!)
Include their favorite position or toy - please make sure you include it in the photos. Any detail you can add will help me understand and
capture their personality better. Shoot at eye level - either get down to their level, or put them up on something, don't shoot from above them.
If you are having a full-body portrait done, if possible take pictures in at least three poses - standing, sitting, and lying down.
If they have a "usual" or typical pose, make sure you get a few photos of it.

Shipping

AThe price of paintings does not include shipping. The painting will be packed with the
utmost care to insure that it arrives undamaged. Lake Muse Gallery will not be held responsible
for any damages incurred in transit. However, all paintings will have shipping insurance for 100%
of the painting's value.

Returns

All non-commisioned art works are one of a kind, hand painted, original works and are signed by the artist, unless it is a Museum Reproduction.
All sales are final and we do not allow returns. To guarantee satisfaction a portfolio of detailed images
of the painting you are interested in can be provided on request if you wish to examine the painting's detailed characteristics.
On a commissioned portrait or painting, the client may return the painting within one month for minor alterations. Nevertheless, paintings are a unique and completed in the artist's style and perspective in collaboration with the client and are final after any alterations.

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