Commissions:
I’m thinking of commissioning a painting as a gift what do you think?
I think this is a great idea. So far people have been thrilled to get one of my paintings as a gift.
I am interested in a commission what steps do I need to take to commission a painting?
Thank you for your interest in my work? I’m so glad you like my style of painting and would like to commission a painting from me.
First you will need to determine what size and subject matter you would like. Most of my clients prefer 18×24 inches, 24×30 inches, and 30×40 inches. I think the larger sizes turn out better as they allow me more room to work, however the smaller paintings turn out well. I don’t usually accept commissions smaller that 16×20 inches.
Please inform me of any special requests and preferences you may have; whether you would like the painting to be vertical or horizontal, or if you have a specific view of your subject matter in mind. The better you are able to communicate your expectations the better I will be able to match them. Sometimes this has involved multiple emails back and forth between myself and the client. That said, it is usually best to let me make the artistic decisions. After all, I am the expert.
In order for me to accept a commission I will need 50% of the total cost up front. I have several products in my shop that allow you to commission a painting of my most popular subject matters.
After I have received the first payment and have a clear idea of what you are looking for in your painting I will begin work on the painting and will contact you when I have finished.
Do I need to send you photos?
In most cases I think my paintings actually turn out better when I take my own photos, however if that isn’t possible or is too inconvenient I can work from yours. If I work from your photos try not to over think them. I have found that for whatever reason really good photos don’t usually translate into really good paintings.
I want to commission a painting but I’d like you to put my dog on the porch can you do this?
Yes. No Problem! Just send me a reference photo of your dog. I can also make your landscaping look nicer, and take out political signs and street repair, and add clouds where there weren’t any.
How long does it take you to finish a painting once I have commissioned it?
Currently my estimated time is two to four weeks. Sometimes I can finish a painting in as little time as one week. If I am working on several paintings or your painting is larger and more involved it might take me longer.
Shipping and Delivery:
How will you ship my Artwork?
Artworks will be shipped USPS First Class Mail or Priority Mail. It will be packaged to avoid damage to the best of my ability. In the horrible event it arrives damaged you will be offered a full refund. Please see my Return Policy for more details.
When will you ship my artwork?
That depends. I will not ship wet paintings. Oil paintings can take over a week to dry, though in most cases the painting will be dry within three to four days. Most paintings available in my shop have already dried and can be shipped as soon as payment clears.
Artwork that is made on demand (e.g. commissions, and certain prints) may not be ready for shipping for two to four weeks.
I will send you an email notification with your USPS tracking number when I ship your artwork
I live locally or will be in Richmond in the near future can I pick up the artwork myself?
Absolutely. I can also usually offer to deliver the artwork myself free of charge, you just won’t be able to see all the paintings in my studio. Just email me at nataliecolleengates@gmail.com to arrange a time.
Do you offer quicker shipping options?
I can ship your artwork anyway you prefer provided you pay full shipping and packaging charges in advance.
Miscellaneous:
I’m thinking of buying/commissioning a painting but I’d like to see some of your work first, is this possible?
Absolutely! I’d love it if you came to my studio to take a look at my work. Depending on where you live I’m also happy to put a few paintings in my car and meet you at your home or a nearby coffee shop.
I love your work but I’m out of space on my walls, do you ever make small paintings?
Yes, occasionally I do work smaller. I recently sold a painting that was only 4×4 inches, and currently I have a 9×12 inch painting for sale in my shop. However I don’t make small paintings often; they just aren’t as satisfying as the larger paintings.
What is the largest size painting you can make?
Recently I completed a commission for a 36×60 Inch painting. In my current studio I could probably work as large as 48×72 inches.
What is your favorite thing to paint and why?
I think I’m definitely drawn to architecture and cities. I’m not sure why exactly. Maybe because I grew up in the country and didn’t see much of it until I was an adult. I fell in love with Richmond when I first moved here for college. I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities.