FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions often asked by customers. However, if your query isn’t answered here, send your query to Stan and he’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have – see contact page.

How long does it take to complete the portrait?

Portraits usually take 2 weeks to deliver, but if the portrait is needed quickly it can be prioritised. Jobs can be completed in a short time e.g. – within a few days for colour pastels or charcoal portraits. Oil portraits need time to dry, which can take up to an additional 4 weeks.

Can portraits be done from photos?

Yes. 75% of Stan’s time is spent drawing from photos. He can work from all kinds of photos whatever the condition. One of Stan’s favourite parts of his job is to unite families in one composite portrait — even when some of the photos are very old and blurry.
You can e-mail, text or Whatsapp your photos.

Can a portrait be made from separate photos?

Yes. Any number of people can be drawn together from separate photos.
Stan does work for the army which may contain up to 50 soldiers in one large drawing.

How long will the painting/drawing last?

All the art materials Stan uses are of the best archival quality available. The paper used for pastels and charcoal portraits is acid-free. Stan sprays pastels and charcoals with fixative to reduce the chance that they will smudge when touched. The finished drawing or painting will keep its freshness for generations and will not fade. You can be assured that your childrens’ childrens’ children will be fighting over who owns it!

Can you put more than 1 person on a portrait?

Yes. Stan can do a composite of up to any number of people or pets. 2,3,4 or 5 people together is common. He regularly does large group caricatures for Army regiments of 40 officers or more!
Of course that means separate photos can be combined on to one group portrait.

How big will the portrait be?

If the portrait is to be of one person the best size would be 16×12 inches (A3), which is a standard size and easy to find ready-made frames for. For 2 to 6 people the best size would be 20×16 inches (A2). If a portrait is needed for a particular size, Stan will do his best to work to the size requested (get in touch with him to arrange this). For a full figure at least 24×30 inches (A1).

Can I get a discount if I order more than one portrait?

The cost of Stan’s work is based on how long it takes to complete it; speeding up the process would compromise the quality of his work.

Postage is discounted if you buy multiple artworks in one order: portraits and caricatures can be sent together, oil paintings can be sent together, and greetings cards can also be sent together.

How do I pay?

You can pay online through this website (see Prices & Order page), where you can pay by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. We think you’ll find it easy to use.

If you prefer another payment method, please get in touch with Stan and he is sure to find a way to accommodate you.

What if I don’t like it?

Stan is a very experienced artist, and likes to please his clients. Complaints are very rare. If, however, a complaint is genuine Stan will do his best to rectify the problem or re-do the portrait. In case this does not solve the issue, Stan can refund the artwork if it is sent back to him.

Can you send me a photo of the portrait before you send it to me?

Despite the apparent convenience this would bring, this turns out not to be a good idea because a photograph of the artwork very rarely represents it accurately.

Your question not answered here?