Frequently asked questions

Our Paintings

How long does it take to create a reproduction?
Most of our reproductions are completed within 6-8 weeks. Extremely large and complex reproductions may take longer. As we give our artists all the time they need to complete their best work, we cannot always guarantee a delivery date. However, if you need something by a certain date, we can work with you to expedite shipping and ensure an on time delivery.

Will your artist sign his or her own signature?
Absolutely not. All of our paintings arrive with every detail the original artist added and nothing else.

What if my choice of painting is not included in your catalog?
Is your favorite painting by one of our licensed artists but not yet on our website? We continually add new paintings to our listings. Contact us for a customized quote.

Can you paint a photo?
Yes! Include all the photos you want, and we can even combine them to add more detail than the original photo contained. Want to add or remove someone from a picture? It’s not a problem!

How much does a reproduction cost?
Our typical reproduction costs between $900 and $2500, depending upon size, complexity, and licensing requirements. For reference, our Mona Lisa is priced at $1749. For other examples, please browse our Reproduction Paintings for Sale. Naturally, extremely large and complex works may cost more.

Can you offer more economical reproductions?
We are able to reproduce a painting’s original proportions in custom sizes. This allows us to fit more paintings into your budget. Estimate the price of your painting for more information.

Why are your paintings a better value?
By taking the time to do things properly, we create higher quality fine art. We also include more in our offering. We reproduce your painting, not only in the original size, but we also commission a custom made stretcher allowing you to display your painting in its original size. Stretcher bars sized 65.3 cm by 80.7 cm (Vincent van Gogh‘s Cafe Terrace) are not available. That’s why we have them custom made just for your painting. Our paintings are delivered to you mounted and ready to be framed at your favorite frame shop. Your painting will ship to you secured in a wooden crate custom made specifically for your individual painting. When you learn more about the process we follow to create the absolute best reproductions, you will see our prices are quite competitive.

When considering other providers it is imperative to note the differences which set us apart:

• Compare their prices to the amount of time required to create a painting. Can they really create museum quality reproductions for the price they claim? Most oil painting reproductions come from the affiliates and resellers of big factories in Asia, who manufacture approximately 20,000 paintings per month. The wholesale price for these paintings is about $40.
• Are their paintings mounted?
• Are you getting an original size painting?
• Do they include original size stretcher bars?
• Since it can take between 6 months and 2 years for oil paints to fully dry, do they ship their paintings to you rolled up in a little tube where the still wet oils rub, smear, stick, and imprint upon themselves?
• Do they guarantee accuracy? Are they even using actual size licensed references, or are they referencing a small picture from a book?

We emphasize accuracy and quality above everything else and take great pride in each of our reproduction oil paintings.

Are your oil painting reproductions legal?
Being in the US, all of the artwork used for our paintings and website has been licensed. Our paintings are completely legal to buy, sell, create, ship, and transport. There is no need to worry about copyright infringement. In the United States, Canada, and the European Union, an artist’s work is copyrighted until 70 years after his or her death, at which point his or her work enters the public domain. Until that time, it may be possible to purchase permission from the museum housing the original painting. This is why we have only a few paintings of some artists and have not yet licensed all of their works. For artists who have been deceased longer than 70 years, we are free to recreate their work however we wish and work with the owning museum to purchase permission to recreate the painting. Working with them gives us access to higher quality original details and produces a superior reproduction, which makes all the difference.

How do I pay for my painting?
When we begin, you will receive an invoice for 50% of the total amount through the FreshBooks email invoice system where you may pay via PayPal, your credit/debit card, or electronic bank transfer. This is the most secure method we have found, as we will never see your payment details. Upon completion of your painting, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of the amount, again through FreshBooks and PayPal. Want to be mailed an invoice and pay by check? Just ask.

Materials

What brand of oil paints are used?
Most oil paint companies produce two product lines — student grade and professional artist quality. The difference between the two is typically the amount of pigment suspended within the oil. The oil itself will also vary as each company selects the type of oil to use. For example, Blockx (pronounced Blocks) uses linseed oil for their earths, mars and blacks, while using poppyseed oil for their other colors. Old Holland uses cold-pressed linseed oil across their entire range. However, even within the same line of the same brand, there are differences in each color recipe. The differences can be felt by picking up a tube — the better quality oil paint will have a higher pigment load and will feel heavier due to more pigment suspended within the oil.

We encourage our artists to mix and match between the best brands and choose the appropriate colors for each particular painting. While an artist recreating an old master, such as Rembrandt, may choose a tube from Old Holland due to some of their recipes dating to 1644, another artist working on a more modern painting might prefer Blockx. While reproducing Joseph Mallord William Turner, Winsor & Newton would be best as he was a regular user of their paints. As long as the paint is of professional artist quality and is a proper selection for the task at hand, we have found the particular brand of oil paint is less important than matching the needs and preferences of the individual artist.

What type of canvas is used?
We use several types of canvas. A small portrait requires linen with a finer weave than would a larger landscape. Your artist will select the best choice of canvas, depending upon the painting being reproduced.

Shipping

How much is shipping?
Shipping is free — anywhere in the world.

How will my painting be shipped?
All of our paintings are shipped in a custom made wooden crate and insured for the full amount. Your painting will require a signature upon delivery. We will send a tracking number so you may follow your painting until it arrives safely at your doorstep.

How will you ensure my painting arrives safely?
We ship all of our paintings in a custom made wooden crate designed specifically to protect the individual painting housed inside. Your painting will arrive in pristine condition, exactly in the condition it was shipped.

Will I pay customs and taxes?
We are located in and ship from the United States. Our US customers will not be charged any type of tax, custom, or fee. If your country charges custom on imported goods from the United States, you will be responsible for any fees incurred. However, we will work with you regarding paperwork and shipping options.

Other Questions

Who is your artist?
Our artist is mid-career and copies the brushwork of old masters to further knowledge and understanding of oil painting techniques. Copying the works of master artists is an old tradition in the European method of art instruction. For example, Vincent van Gogh copied 21 works by Jean-Francois Millet, and since opening in 1793, the Louvre has always encouraged artists to paint the masterpieces within their collection.

To ensure the highest quality in our paintings, our artist has the highest qualifications:

• Formal artistic training
• Extensive oil painting experience
• Experience in copying fine art
• A perfectionist mindset
• A sharp eye for detail
• Patience and dedication to create superior results