The Creative Process....

First things first - all of our artwork is handmade, by real artists, in the traditional way. We don’t do prints, posters, or paintings on prints. We only do the real thing – genuine oil paintings, by real living, breathing, hardworking, talented and experienced artists (forgive us for going on so much, but we’re rather proud of them!).

In a nutshell, the painting will begin as a blank canvas and finish as a work of art. We usually work in oil paints but we can, when requested, do watercolors or acrylic pieces.

When you commission us to create a painting for you (by placing an order online or by phone), the first thing we do is allocate the best artist for the job. Or, if you’ve a preference from earlier dealings with us, we schedule “your” artist to work on the painting.

We also make sure that we are working from the best available image. This is usually the image shown on our website, but if you would like us to work from a different version (there are several pictures of the Mona Lisa to choose from, for example, with different coloring) please let us know at the time of ordering.

Then, we move on to Step One…

Step 1 – Outline

The first step is outlining the main detail of the painting in pencil. Some of our artists prefer to sketch out the outline of the painting, and others use a grid system or special tool to ensure the dimensions and spacing of the reproduction are going to be accurate. This outline will be the template for the painting to follow.

Step 2 – First layer

The first layer of paint is applied. Although the painting looks very rough at this stage it is still very early days, and the contrast between this first layer and the finished painting is often very surprising! And, as with every stage, if you want to see photos of this we'd be more than happy to oblige.

Step 3 – Work continues

More progress. After each layer the artist may need to let the paint dry before he continues work. If you do choose to have us send photos of the progress, please bear in mind that the paintings often look really rough prior to being complete. Don't be alarmed if your own painting isn't a work of art just yet!

The painting is really coming together now, and the master artist will be overseeing the work and providing advice and guidance as necessary. If the artist has any questions, or if you gave us special instructions for the color or detail of the painting, we will invite you to give your opinion on the almost-finished painting.

The painting is completed, and the quality is checked by the master artist (Dan). If acceptable, photos are taken and sent to the customer who is invited to give their opinion on the piece. Any changes requested are made at no extra cost. Photos of the improved painting are then emailed, and only when the customer gives their final approval will the painting be sent (via UPS). So, in conclusion, a real artist will have created your painting from scratch, just for you, and we guarantee that you'll be 100% satisfied with your work of art!