General Questions:
Can I request to change things or add things?
After I receive your responses to questions in the email or phone interview, any outside input will hinder the organic “flow” of this process. I welcome you to send me more information about your loved one any time, but beyond that, you will have to trust me to make the painting beautiful for you.
Will you include everything I share?
I will do my best to symbolize the things you share but I can't always include everything. What I use is dependent upon what makes for a beautiful painting. If there are a few "crucial things" you want included, let me know. I am pretty sure you will be happy with the surprise. :)
Will you paint more than one painting about my loved one?
Happily! However, keep in mind that no two will be alike.
Will you paint pieces about people or animals that are living?
YES! I love to honor people and animals, in or out of body. I call these Celebration Paintings. (Please see that page for examples)
Is it possible to watch the painting in process?
Sometimes.
Usually I work without an audience because my process is a kind of meditation which keeps me focused on your loved one.
When should I expect to have the painting?
How quickly I can finish a painting depends on the size, detail, number of orders and how many people are "in line" so to speak. I work on paintings using a "first come, first serve" structure.
For paintings which include ashes and/or photos, I count the day they arrive as the first day of the time frame I gave you.
For rush orders (under 3 weeks) I charge and additional 50%
If I can accept a rush order depends on how backed up I am.
I can start a piece while I am waiting for the arrival of ashes or photographs.
Answering the questions in the interview email or call and finalizing your payment (or other arrangement) reserves your spot.
I will let you know the approximate time your painting will take during our first emails.
Do you paint portraits of a person or animal’s face?
Generally, no. I usually include actual photographs in the painting if you want to remember them in that way. Occasionally I will do some portraiture in an impressionist way as a part of the piece. I am not a realist painter by any means.
Questions about Ash Paintings:
Do I have to include ashes in the painting?
No. This is a very personal choice and I am happy to paint for you with or without ashes.
If I want to include ashes, how will I send my loved ones ashes to you?
Once I know you want to include ashes in your painting I will provide you with specific instructions.
How much cremated remains are needed for each painting?
Please send a minimum of 1 teaspoons for small and medium size paintings. About a tablespoon or less for large pieces.
(We can use more if it is a larger painting or on orders of two or more paintings. Let me know.)
Will I see the ashes in the painting?
The ashes are mixed into the paint so they become one with the paint itself. Sometimes there is texture that comes from the ashes within the paint but I use so many layers and mixed materials it is probably not noticeable. If you want to be able to see the ashes, please let me know and I can work that into the piece.
Where do you keep ashes when they are not in the paint yet?
I shall handle your loved one's ashes with the same respect as I do my own loved one's ashes. I mark each package with your loved one's name and your contact information. I keep totally separate palettes of paint for each piece. I usually work on one painting at a time until completion so there is no chance of confusing anything. Before I mix ashes into paint, I keep your package in a special altar space I have created especially for this purpose.
Feel free to contact me with further questions.
I am here to be of help.
I look forward to creating a unique memorial which celebrates the life and personality of your loved one.
Thank you for trusting me with your memories.
Can I request to change things or add things?
After I receive your responses to questions in the email or phone interview, any outside input will hinder the organic “flow” of this process. I welcome you to send me more information about your loved one any time, but beyond that, you will have to trust me to make the painting beautiful for you.
Will you include everything I share?
I will do my best to symbolize the things you share but I can't always include everything. What I use is dependent upon what makes for a beautiful painting. If there are a few "crucial things" you want included, let me know. I am pretty sure you will be happy with the surprise. :)
Will you paint more than one painting about my loved one?
Happily! However, keep in mind that no two will be alike.
Will you paint pieces about people or animals that are living?
YES! I love to honor people and animals, in or out of body. I call these Celebration Paintings. (Please see that page for examples)
Is it possible to watch the painting in process?
Sometimes.
Usually I work without an audience because my process is a kind of meditation which keeps me focused on your loved one.
When should I expect to have the painting?
How quickly I can finish a painting depends on the size, detail, number of orders and how many people are "in line" so to speak. I work on paintings using a "first come, first serve" structure.
For paintings which include ashes and/or photos, I count the day they arrive as the first day of the time frame I gave you.
For rush orders (under 3 weeks) I charge and additional 50%
If I can accept a rush order depends on how backed up I am.
I can start a piece while I am waiting for the arrival of ashes or photographs.
Answering the questions in the interview email or call and finalizing your payment (or other arrangement) reserves your spot.
I will let you know the approximate time your painting will take during our first emails.
Do you paint portraits of a person or animal’s face?
Generally, no. I usually include actual photographs in the painting if you want to remember them in that way. Occasionally I will do some portraiture in an impressionist way as a part of the piece. I am not a realist painter by any means.
Questions about Ash Paintings:
Do I have to include ashes in the painting?
No. This is a very personal choice and I am happy to paint for you with or without ashes.
If I want to include ashes, how will I send my loved ones ashes to you?
Once I know you want to include ashes in your painting I will provide you with specific instructions.
How much cremated remains are needed for each painting?
Please send a minimum of 1 teaspoons for small and medium size paintings. About a tablespoon or less for large pieces.
(We can use more if it is a larger painting or on orders of two or more paintings. Let me know.)
Will I see the ashes in the painting?
The ashes are mixed into the paint so they become one with the paint itself. Sometimes there is texture that comes from the ashes within the paint but I use so many layers and mixed materials it is probably not noticeable. If you want to be able to see the ashes, please let me know and I can work that into the piece.
Where do you keep ashes when they are not in the paint yet?
I shall handle your loved one's ashes with the same respect as I do my own loved one's ashes. I mark each package with your loved one's name and your contact information. I keep totally separate palettes of paint for each piece. I usually work on one painting at a time until completion so there is no chance of confusing anything. Before I mix ashes into paint, I keep your package in a special altar space I have created especially for this purpose.
Feel free to contact me with further questions.
I am here to be of help.
I look forward to creating a unique memorial which celebrates the life and personality of your loved one.
Thank you for trusting me with your memories.
