FAQ's

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes, you can give a portrait as a gift, but it must be redeemed within six months or the price will be subject to change.

I already have a photo I like, can you use it to paint from?

I’m open to it, depending on the quality, clarity, pose, and overall appeal of the photo…send me a jpg of it and I’ll let you know.

I want it to be a surprise!

I prefer to take photos and meet the subject face to face, in which case we could arrange an unveiling where the recipient could be surprised by the final painting, but not by the idea.

The only way for it to be a complete surprise is if you have an excellent photo already (see previous question).

I live too far away to come for a photo shoot, can I still have you paint a portrait for me?

Come to Oregon for vacation! You’ll love it here.

Or — I can come your direction for additional cost (TBD).

Or — if you have a good photo already I might be able to work from it.

Or — I can attempt to walk you through the photo process — my preferred lighting etc — and we can do a remote photo shoot, complete with retakes, until we dial it in.

What if I’m not happy with the portrait you paint for me?

I can probably address your concerns satisfactorily. But if not, I wouldn’t want you to have to look at something you didn’t like! So I’d keep the painting as an example to show prospective clients, and you wouldn’t have to pay me.

Do you do memorial portraits?

Yes, as long as you have excellent photo reference for me to work from.

I see you’ve put many of your customers’ portraits on your blog. Would my portrait be online too?

Only if you want it to be, your choice. Just let me know. And if I do post it, I can either include your name, just your initials, or no I.D. at all.

Do you do pet portraits?

I prefer painting people, but shoot me a jpg and I’ll tell you what I think.

Can you paint a big impressive portrait of our founder (president, CEO, shaman, matriarch, whatever)?

As long as you give me some artist’s license, I’m up for it. I’m not into stuffy poses and formality.

Do you teach classes?

Not yet, but I’m thinking about it. If you’re interested, send me an e-mail and I’ll keep you posted.

Do you have an e- mail list?

Yes, just send an e-mail to me (see Contact page for my address) with “Subscribe to Steve’s E-mail List” in the subject line. I only send 3 or 4 messages per year, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

I have this lovely mauve fainting couch, see, and coral window treatments…can I bring swatches for you to coordinate with?

Surprising even himself, the artist found himself typing, “No worries!” Colors need not be married to realism, and unusual colors can add interest to backgrounds and shadow areas.

Have all these questions really been asked frequently?

Oh, I’m so sorry, I’ve run out of time for today… Thank you all for coming, and have a wonderful day.