Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
How long will a portrait/ caricature take?
Will my photos be good enough?
How do I pay?
Can I view the portrait before I pay for it?
How will the artwork be sent?
Can I have the portrait framed
So what's the next step?
How do I take care of my oil painting?
How do I take care of my pastel caricature?
How much does it cost? Back to top
Check out my prices page for a full run down. A deposit of 20% is required for commissioned pieces.
How long will a portrait/ caricature take? Back to top
An oil painting will typically take between 6-8 weeks to complete; this depends of course on how busy I am. I will try to let each individual know of the timescale. A caricature can take 1-2 weeks to complete and a pencil portrait 2 - 3 weeks.
Will my photos be good enough? Back to top
Check out my photo tips page
How do I pay? Back to top
You can either pay securely online using your credit/debit card through PayPal. Or I will accept cheques made payable to Maria Pannullo. Cheques will have to clear before the painting will be despatched.
Can I view the portrait before I pay for it? Back to top
Yes! Once the painting is complete I will e-mail you a scan of the image
How will the artwork be sent? Back to top
Artwork will be sent flat packed, unmounted and unframed by Royal Mail Special or Registered Delivery.
Can I have the portrait framed? Back to top
I don't provide a framing service as I find that customers like to choose something that is in keeping with the interior of their home. Once you have received your oil painting you will be able to take it to any Framing Store and pick out the frame of your choice
So what's the next step? Back to top
Once you have decided to have a painting commissioned drop me an e-mail or contact me by phone with the following information:-
Your name, postal address, telephone number and e-mail address.
Size of painting required (see prices).
Details of required delivery date -perhaps it is a gift for a special occasion
Photos can be sent to me digitally by email or by post if you prefer to
Maria Pannullo
39 County Road
Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4JN
I will get in contact with you after I have received this information to discuss your requirements in more detail.
All photos will be returned with the painting.
How do I take care of my oil painting? Back to top
Please be aware that it will take 1 - 2 months for your oil painting to completely dry out although the surface of the canvas will be dry to the touch.
Following this period of time your oil painting will be ready to be framed. If you take the painting to any Framing shop you will be able to pick out the frame of your choice - oil Paintings should not be covered with glass.
During this time you can still display the painting, preferably stood on a stable surface in a safe place.
Never lean the front or back surface of the painting on a pointed or sharp object, no matter how small as this will cause a permanent dent.
Make sure you put your painting in a place that is well ventilated, away from direct sunlight or heat source. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will fade the colours in your oil painting. Please be aware of this when choosing a location for your painting.
Occasionally you will want to clean your painting, do not spray anything like pledge on the work. A soft cotton cloth is suitable for dusting the frame and a soft brush should be used to dust off the painting itself. Never wash a painting with a moist cloth as this moisture can eventually leave a white film. When dusting an oil painting care should be taken not to flex the canvas or to dislodge paint chips by bumping the painting.
If you need to transport the painting, lay a flat piece of cardboard, mat board or similar firm material over the front and back surfaces, and then wrap it in bubble wrap.
How do I take care of my pastel caricature? Back to top
Your pastel caricature will have been sprayed with fixative however it is still delicate and touching the surface should be avoided.
For protection pastel images are best displayed in a frame with glass as the glass prevents the pastel from smudging.
If you have any questions that are not answered here please don't hesitate to contact me.