FAQ
I'VE BOUGHT MY PAINTING, SO IT IS "MINE," RIGHT?
Yes! You may frame it and display it privately as you see fit. However, clients who purchase custom artworks are buying the artwork but not the rights to it. This means that neither the client nor anyone other than Amanda Littlejohn Fine Art can reproduce the work for personal gain. Don't be concerned- Amanda Littlejohn Fine Art will not display or share your artwork without without first requesting your permission.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE PRESENT SO YOU CAN PAINT HIM, OR CAN I JUST SEND A PHOTO?
Don't worry. There is no need for your subject(s) to be present while I paint your heirloom portrait. All portraits are painted or crafted from high resolution digital photographs unless otherwise noted. Please make sure you have the rights to reproduce the photos you submit and request a release from your professional photographer in advance if you aren't using your own images. Thank you!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO PAINT AN HEIRLOOMÂ PORTRAIT OR SILHOUETTE?
Production time varies as no two projects are alike. Generally, I ask for open-ended deadlines on watercolor portraits unless we have made other arrangements. Production time on hand-cut and hand-painted silhouettes is significantly shorter and can take as little as 1-2 weeks. Please message me for current turnaround times, especially when it is close to the holidays.
HOW DO YOU KNOW I'LL LIKE MY FINISHED PIECE?
I am in frequent contact with my clients to ensure I am addressing their needs throughout the process of painting. My goal is for my clients to be satisfied with their purchases in every way. However, if they are dissatisfied, I will give a full refund minus the 20% deposit, if the artwork is returned in the condition in which it was received within fourteen days of its shipment to the client. Unfortunately, I cannot refund the delivery charge or pay for the delivery return charge. I also must notify clients that in the case of a return, their unwanted painting may go on sale to the public. 
All works will be insured for the amount agreed upon at sale, and in the unfortunate event of an item going missing in transit, you will be entitled to a full refund. There may be a short delay in receiving this amount while I investigate the claim and try to relocate the work. In most cases, custom/commissioned work can be recreated at no extra cost as an alternative to a refund. If this option is preferred, I will stop all other work until the painting has been remade.
IS IT ALRIGHT TO SEND YOU PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS OF MY FAMILY FOR OUR PORTRAIT?
Absolutely. I love working from professional high-res photos. Please make sure you have the rights to reproduce or distribute the photo(s) you wish for me to paint.  Most photographers will happily grant you a release, but it's always good to check with them to be sure, if you are not the original photographer. By providing your photo(s) to be painted, you are acknowledging that Amanda Littlejohn Fine Art may use the photo(s) to create your original work of art and will not be responsible for compensation to the client (you) or photographer for using the photo(s) to produce the work of art.
I WANT TO COMMISSION A PIECE BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START.
Contact me via the contact form on the home page. After your free consultation, if you decide to move forward with a project, I will invoice you via PayPal for 20% of the base price of your artwork, if you are commissioning a watercolor portrait.  For all other projects, I ask for full payment when your order is placed. Invoices are due upon receipt and hold your place in my schedule. Your place is not guaranteed until your invoice is paid. At the time you pay your deposit or cost of your project, please send a large digital image from which I can work (unless your project is a restoration project or a silhouette which requires a simple profile image), so I will have your image ready to paint as soon as the time becomes available.  I will begin creating your unique heirloom work of art as soon as possible. For watercolor commissions, the remainder of your balance is due when I begin work on your piece. You will receive an invoice from PayPal for this amount. Please feel free to send additional images to help clarify eye, skin, and hair color to ensure accuracy. Photographs with natural light are best, as they really capture the subtleties that are often lost in artificial light. Your satisfaction is my priority, and I want to make sure your loved one's features are beautifully rendered. Also, please note that minor changes can be made to your image(s) (i.e. removal of unwanted blemishes or color changes to apparel) at no additional charge.
WILL YOU WORK FROM BLACK AND WHITE, DAMAGED, OR OLD PHOTOGRAPHS?
In most cases, yes. I enjoy photo restoration paintings and the challenges they present. Each case is different, so please reach out to me to discuss the specifics of your project. Please note that I cannot create imagery and details where none are present in the photo. While I can soften a crisp image by painting it more softly, I cannot make a soft, unfocused image appear to be more crisp.