FAQ’s

What is soft pastel?

Soft pastel is a dry medium that has a high pigment concentration with very little binder, and this is the reason for their rich, soft texture. It is one of the longest lasting mediums when cared for properly. In my artwork, I use professional grade soft and hard pastel sticks, PanPastels, and pastel pencils.

What kind of surface do you use for your pastel artwork?

I use a variety of archival fine art pastel papers and art board. Among my favorites are Clairefontaine Pastelmat, UArt Premium Sanded Pastel Paper, and Canson Mi-Teintes Velvet Pastel Paper.

How do I commission a custom pet portrait?

First, go to my custom pet portrait page on this website for information about commissioning a custom pet portrait. You will see sizes and options as well as pricing for you to choose from. Click “Contact Me”, and enter the following information: Portrait size, number and type of pets, and type of background. I will correspond with you via email and give you a timeline for completing your portrait. I will also request photos of your pet(s) to use as reference.

How long does it take to finish a custom pet portrait?

This depends on the complexity of the portrait—number of pets, type of background, and size of portrait. When you commission a custom pet portrait, I will give you an estimated timeline for completion.

How do I pay for my custom pet portrait?

After you provide all the information I need for your pet portrait, I will email you with an invoice containing a link for payment. A 50% deposit is required before I begin working on your pet portrait. This deposit is nonrefundable once I have begun to work on it due to the customization and materials required for this artwork. After your custom pet portrait has been completed, I will email you a final invoice with a link to pay the remaining balance. Once payment has been received, your pet portrait will be shipped or delivered per our agreement.

Do you sell any of your soft pastel artwork framed?

I can have your soft pastel artwork framed for you for an additional cost of frame and framing, but you must be close enough for local pickup or delivery (near Wayne County, Georgia). This includes custom pet portraits. If your original soft pastel artwork has to be shipped, it will be UNFRAMED. I make every effort to insure that your artwork is protected for transit. However, if it is framed, there is the possibility of loose pastel dust coming off and falling onto the inside of the glass during shipping.

How can I request that my soft pastel artwork be framed?

Contact me BEFORE making your purchase. Go to my Contact page here on my website and let me know which artwork you are interested in. I will respond and we can discuss what type of framing you would like, and I will send you a link with an invoice and link for payment. I will communicate with you about a time for local pickup or delivery when framing is complete.

Do you only paint dogs and cats for your custom pet portraits?

No. I am open to painting other animals as well.

Can I frame my soft pastel artwork myself?

I strongly recommend that you have someone to frame your pastel artwork professionally due to the delicate nature of the pastel and the need to protect it from being damaged. It’s very important that you choose a framer who is familiar with handling and framing soft pastel artwork. I also recommend that you tell your framer NOT to apply any fixative to the painting before framing. This often causes a darkening or altering of the colors.

—First, your artwork MUST be protected with glass. If the surface of your pastel artwork is touched, it will smear the pastel pigment and come off on anything that touches it. There are different types of glass you can use, but I always choose a glass that reduces glare and often has UV protectant for pastel artwork that I have framed.

—Secondly, spacers or matting will be needed to separate your artwork from the glass. This will prevent smearing.

—Backing on the frame is typically used to seal it in order to prevent dust and moisture from entering the frame.

Can you recommend a cost efficient way to have my soft pastel artwork framed?

There are many wonderful independent framers, but if you are looking for a more cost efficient path, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby offer both custom frames and frames already made. They both usually offer framing services, including a variety of mat board and frame materials. They also offer different types of glass. If possible, I recommend the museum, or Masterpiece, quality glass because it can provide UV protectant and minimizes glare so you can enjoy a clear view of your artwork.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure that the framer you choose is experienced with handling and framing pastel art. I also recommend that you tell them NOT to use spray fixative on your artwork before framing because it can alter the colors and darken your artwork.

Other Notes:

Avoid hanging your artwork in direct sunlight or a room that has a lot of moisture, like a bathroom. Pastel art can last a lifetime and longer, but moisture will cause buckling in the surface and like any medium, direct sunlight will eventually cause your artwork to fade.

Please contact me with any other questions you have. I am happy to help. You may visit my Contact page on this website or email me at LKICKART@GMAIL.COM.