How does it work
(see link to 'how the painting process works')
you upload a photo onto our website using the order form (click 'buy a picture' to start this process'), and pay for it. Our artists paint your picture. It is a genuine oil painting hand painted by professional skilled artists. You view a photo of the completed painting. You approve it and then we send the artwork to you.
Is my photo good enough to make a painting
Don't worry, you can send us any photo, we will let you know if it is satisfactory. Look at the requirements listed in 'photo requirements'
Can you do special alterations
Yes, but please tell us in advance, on the order form. Minor alterations are at no extra cost if you tell us when you initially submit your order.
Also some minor alterations may be permitted at the Preview stage. These may or may not be charged depending on how minor they are.
Major special alterations are possible also, we are very flexible, just contact us by email first to discuss your requirements.
Can you combine people from different photos into one painting?
Yes this is possible. You can upload up to 3 pictures and we can combine images from them into one painting. If the artist feel's it will take much longer than usual and requires any extra charge, we will let you know before we proceed.
Can you create a different background for my portrait
Yes, this is possible, we can do any background you like, you can send us an image of the background you want or we could make one up for you. Please tell us on the order form, or ask in an email. A simple background is no extra charge, but a more detailed one is extra.
How long will it take
At Portrait Xpress we like to be fast, but not to compromise quality; it takes approximately 3 weeks for the artist to complete the painting and for the oil to fully dry; at this point a photo will be available for you to preview of the completed painting. It takes a further approximately 2 weeks to package it and send it to you; slightly longer if you wish for it to be framed.
Can I preview my painting before receiving it
Yes this is standard procedure for you to preview a photo of your completed artwork, before it is sent to you. Some minor alterations may be permitted at this preview stage.
What mediums available
Oil and watercolour, and other mediums also such as charcoal, or acrylic. Prices are quoted for oil, please contact us if you wish for a different medium.
We can do many different types of art work, or other options are available such as we can even convert your photo into a hologram image. Email us for details if you have any request that is not on the order form.
Can you frame it
Yes; you can choose for us to frame it or more normally it can be sent to you as a roll for you to arrange the framing separately.
How do I pay
Major credit cards on PayPal.
If you wish you can pay by Bank Telegraphic Transfer, or Western Union, please email us to enquire. This is more suitable for larger orders.
What currencies do you accept
For sales from the website we charge in
GB Pounds. International payment is secure and simple using your credit card via PayPal.
To use Hong Kong Dollars, email us the photo and do a bank transfer to our HSBC account or send us a cheque.
Will I like it
If you like the photo, you should also like the artwork. You get an opportunity to review a photo of your completed painting, before it is sent to you, when some last minute alterations could be made. An extra charge may be made for this.
How is it packed to be shipped to me
It will normally be sent in a roll. But it is possible for us to frame it also. We normally suggest simply sending it in a roll so you can choose the type of frame, border size etc, yourself.
Can it be signed by the artist
Normally the artwork is not signed by the individual artist, but yes if you request it, it can be.
Can you print my photo instead of painting it
Sorry, we don't offer this service. All of our artwork is hand painted on canvas.
Will I need to pay VAT or Import Taxes
Prices charged on our site exclude any local taxes, either import taxes or VAT. These vary with each country. We do not collect these monies. In the event of you needing to pay this, you will probably be contacted by the courier/shipping company.
Unique hand painted artwork has no import duty in the UK, although there is a VAT of 5% for this item.
How do I use my gift voucher?
Click on 'load credit' once you are logged into the member's area to enter your voucher code. This automatically credits you with the value of the voucher.
Why do I need to create an account to buy?
By having a member account this provides a private area where you can view a picture of your painting before we send it to you. Also by uploading images onto the website and viewing them in a member's area, it doesn't clog up your email box with large files, and also allows high resolution images to be used.
I have a business, how can we work together
If you are the owner of a web or shop based company involved in art or photography or interior design, or related fields, please contact us to enquire about the options regarding how we can help you provide an additional service to your clients.
What is a supplemental charge, and when and how would I pay it?
Very infrequently you may be asked to pay a supplemental charge, this would
be if you change your order (eg decide to make the painting bigger) or if
the reviews you request to your painting at the preview stage are extensive.
After logging in to the member's area, click on 'pay supplemental charge'.
Enter the value in the box, and click submit.
If I have a voucher, how do I know how much credit is in my account once I have loaded it, or remaining once I have paid for a painting with it?
In the members area (i.e. once you have logged in) click on the words LOAD CREDIT on the left hand side. At the top of the page here, any available credit from a gift voucher is shown.
How do I confirm I am happy with the preview or request changes?
Once the preview is ready for you to view, we will notify you by email. Click Login Check Order Status, and login to your member's area. In the orders section, click VIEW under Details. Where it then says Preview, click VIEW again. This will show you a photo of the completed artwork for you to inspect. If you are happy, click the box confirming you are satisfied with it. If you have a comment or wish something changed, write that here in the comments area. Then click Update Order, which will register this, and return you to the rest of the website.
How do I check the status of my order?
We notify you by email when a preview is ready to view, or you can check under Details, in the Order section. Once you have confirmed the order it will be prepared to transport, and sent to you. Email us if you need.
Do I need to pay for 100% of the painting on placing my order?
No, you get an option at checkout to pay either for the order in full, or to pay 50% now and 50% after approving the preview of your painting.
More Questions
email us to ask any further questions
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