Frequently asked questions
Thinking of taking some art home?
I get it! The decision to buy or not is horrendous, because there so much choice of style, prints, quality, price, etc. Do you get something cheap and cheerful from IKEA? Do you get something vastly expensive from a private Gallery? Do you buy an original piece from an artist like me? All of these are perfectly fine. But what’s right for you?
It depends. Don’t you hate that phrase but it really does depend. Buying art isn’t just about filling a space on a wall. It’s about finding that one piece that makes your heart do a little happy dance.
Here are questions that people often ask me, and a few you might be secretly wondering too.
Will I love it
If it makes your heart flutter, it’ll look fabulous. That said, I can help you picture it in your home — think of me as your art matchmaker.
Honestly, if you have come this far, you must have something that you like in mind. My photographs really are as vibrant and crystal clear as they look – they are not retouched or edited by AI. Many of my United States clients buy direct from me from seeing the painting on my website, they are all delighted when they receive them. You can see my reviews here. I’ve never had a disappointed customer.
Can I see it in person?
Definitely - if you are in the UK you are welcome to visit me in person to see the whole collection, or I can bring a particular piece to you to view in your home if it’s a convenient distance away. If this is not possible, we can do a WhatsApp video where I can show you the painting in real time. All viewings are at your leisure with absolutely no fee, no pressure, no obligation to buy (a cup of tea is the only requirement).
Is this an original or a print?
If it says “original” you’re the only person on the planet who will own it — it’s 100% unique, hand-painted by me.
Will it fit in my space? How do I know if it’ll look good?
Sizes are listed, but if you’re squinting at your wall and thinking “hmmm… not sure,” I can whip up a mock-up so you can see it in your room before committing. That way you’ll know it will be perfect.
How easy is it to buy?
It is easy to buy from me. Contact me – add shipping – pay me – painting is couriered direct to your door.
You need to contact me , and let me know what piece you are interested in and where you live, because the only extra cost, if it applies, is delivery. Delivery is free if I can conveniently deliver the painting to you. Otherwise you will have to pay the courier costs, more info on shipping below.
There are no other costs to you. I will pay any import VAT or customs duties, tariff or VAT costs that your country charges. (Since Brexit, import VAT applies for artworks shipped between UK and the EU. Tariffs in the US are still changing.)
How much is shipping or delivery to me?
I’m not gonna lie. Shipping by courier is expensive - and it needs to be with such a precious item. Having said that, many people accept that if they live overseas they will have to pay more for shipping. I will get the best quote for you and you pay at the price I am quoted, I do not add on anything. Once you give me your city and country, I will contact two of my reliable couriers for a quote. Art couriers will not insure the painting unless they package it themselves too. You will see the quotes I get and we chose the best and quickest of them. They are totally reliable and I have not had any incidents from many many shipments to the USA. Contact me by email.
If you live in the UK and I can easily deliver it to you fine, otherwise there will be a small extra. Again you will see the quotes beforehand.
How will I get it?
Personal delivery is free if I can conveniently deliver it or if collected by you.
Otherwise it will be delivered to you. Quality art couriers will only provide insurance (essential!) if the painting is packaged securely by them. So I will get two quotes by reliable art courier companies that I use regularly and let you see these. Whichever we choose, you will be charged at cost. Once you agree the payment, and paid fully, the item will be collected, packaged and couriered to you. So shipping is fully insured, totally reliable and delivery within 1/2 weeks, usually within days.
As yet, fingers crossed, I’ve had no damaged goods - this is critical both for me you. My paintings arrive beautifully packaged, snug as a bug, insured, and delivered to your door. Opening it is basically like Christmas morning.
How do I pay?
Once you are happy with the payment and the shipping (if any) costs, I will send you an invoice with the payment details.
Payment is to be made by direct bank transfer to my bank account. American customers pay in US dollars to my US business bank account. The conversion from Pound sterling to US dollars is made using the Exchange Rate on the day of the quote being given.
A receipt is emailed to you when I receive your payment into my bank account, and the delivery process initiated. The receipt is the Certificate of Authenticity as it details key information like the title, medium, dimensions and date and is crucial for confirming the work's legitimacy.
Can I afford this painting?
I understand that is a real issue for consideration. Things are difficult these days, but if I can help you I will. For example, if you like a particular painting and cannot afford to pay for it up front, you can pay over 3 months, with a third of the payment each month. The painting will be shipped after receipt of the total payment.
Is it worth the price?
Well, other than saying “most definitely” let’s go through this. Yes, my prices have increased over the ten years or so since I’ve been painting. I keep my prices competitive with my peers who I personally think have a similar quality and finish in the framing process and are in my “zone”. My paintings will be shipped ready to be hung. You just need framing pins and a hammer, more here. The artwork you receive will be framed to the highest quality, more on framing here. Do not underestimate how important framing and UV protection glass is. I have, in my youth, bought paintings without UV glass and realise after a couple of years that they do not seem to ‘wow’ me any more, that is because all art fades in daylight, more so in strong sunlight. Despite being in England, this really does happen. Do not settle for less than quality UV glass, not plastic, not old-fashioned UV glass, but crystal clear quality that you can get these days.
Are there any hidden costs?
None. (It will look so good, you may have to buy another! Ha!)
I will pay any import VAT or customs duties, tariff or VAT costs that your country charges. (Since Brexit, import VAT applies for artworks shipped between UK and the EU. Tariffs in the US are still changing.)
Is it an investment?
Here’s the thing. Art should first make you happy every time you walk past it, you should never want to part with it. But yes, originals often do increase in value as my work spreads its wings in the world.
It’ll stay looking fabulous for future generations and that is an investment to you. And them.
Am I a credible artist?
Well, where do I begin with this one? Yes, of course I am credible.
I am a partner artist and avid support of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. I also donate to charitable foundations, such as the Harrogate Hospital Trust and many others.
I have sold hundreds of paintings over the past 10 years. I have exhibited in many reputable galleries, art fairs and exhibitions in the UK.
My reviews are tremendously fine.
I am known for my distinctive colourful figurative art, stylised by exotic colours and patterns. The overall artwork is of a high-quality craftsmanship with archival materials and unique framing.
Also, I’m a fine person – haven’t you seen me on Instagram?
Will the painting last?
Yes, (and I can say this from personal experience) longer then many framed pieces of art for which you may have paid much more. My artwork is given the best possible chance to endure for many generations. I use fancy-pants professional watercolours on archival paper and UV protective glass — basically, it’ll outlast your sofa and probably your wallpaper too.
Paper – I only use the best. Arches Aquarelle 850gsm watercolour paper is acid-free and chlorine free, made of 100% cotton fibres which provide strength and stability. Arches Aquarelle uses no optical brighteners so its natural white colour will not yellow with age and archival value is ensured. It’s French, what more can I say.
Pigments - I use as high permanence quality pigments to ensure their colour-fast durability over time.
Materials - Backing paper, tape and the ultra-deep ivory mount are all archival quality
Glass - UltraVue® UV70 - My paintings seriously look as if there is no glass there at all. They can be placed in a bright room, show minimal glare on the painting from reflections and overhead lighting. More importantly, they are protected from fading as much as possible. To quote the supplier, this glass:
virtually eliminates reflections
filters up to 70% of UV rays
provides crystal clear colour transmission
light transmission brightens colours and contrast levels
enhanced surface for better durability and easy cleaning
propriety coating is engineered for permanence
Framing – Framing plays such an important role in the presentation and protection of your artwork. So, it’s important to get it done properly and to a high standard. Mine are the highest quality bespoke wood frames.
Fixings - Fixed with secure hardware and a strong picture hanging cord.
Can I return it? What if I don’t like it?
I hasten to say this has never happened. However, I offer a refund or exchange within 7 days of purchase. To initiate your return please contact me in the first instance so I can see if there are any issues I can deal with.
To be eligible for a refund, your item must be in the original packaging and in the same condition that you received it You are legally obliged to take reasonable care of the artwork while it is in your possession. If damage occurs to the artwork whilst in your possession, I may have a right of action against you for compensation.
Once I have received the artwork back from you, and have verified the condition of it, I will process your refund. This may take up to 7 days.
Unless damaged, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. I strongly recommend using a 24-hr tracked courier service which includes insurance to match the value of the artwork. I will recommend a courier to you.
What if it gets damaged in transit?
Your artwork will be packaged to a very high standard to ensure its safety in transit. If in the unlikely event it arrives to you damaged, please photograph both the packaging and the damage to the artwork, and contact me immediately. You will need to return the damaged artwork to me in its original packaging. I will cover the costs of the return. If the damage can be rectified, then I will do this and return your artwork back to you at no extra cost.
If your artwork is damaged beyond repair then you are entitled to a full refund. I may well cry.
The real question - to buy or not to buy?
That is the ultimate question. William Shakespeare would agree.
At the end of the day, it’s simple: does this piece make you feel something? If you keep coming back to look at it, that’s your heart saying, “yes, please.” You know when your heart does a happy dance.
