1. What is the concept of Peak Experience Imagery's 'Paintings 
    from Your Photographs'?

'Paintings from Your Photographs' uses your photograph as a base for me to create an original  painting for you in the style of your choice.  Because the process is digital, commissioning a painting is inexpensive, reprints are of the same high quality as the original and I can offer a money back satisfaction guarantee.

2. The sample paintings in the Galleries are great.  Will my photo make 
     a nice painting?

Usually, Yes.  I can create very acceptable paintings from mediocre photos.  However, you should always try and get the best photo possible and it may be well worthwhile to shoot a number of photos of the subject or to have someone with good photographic and composing skills to take the pictures.  

Sometimes I will combine elements from multiple photos (extra charge) but don't encourage this. Often the variance in lighting, scale and perspective between two or more photos will not allow me to create a satisfactory commissioned painting. I will inform you of this before starting a commission. 

Pay attention to the background, light direction and light quality and keep the subject of interest as large as possible in the photo.  If in doubt, email or mail me a number of photos (extra prints) and I can discuss which is most suitable.  Occasionally I have to refuse a commission because of the poor quality of the photo (especially dark ones).

3.  I have seen a few companies offering similar services but even the 
      samples that represent their best work look artificial and 'Computer
      Generated'.  How do you make your paintings look so natural?

If I told you, I  would have to ...   Kidding aside, my most important artistic goal is to create paintings that are virtually indistinguishable from a 'traditional' painting.  I have spent years developing custom tools and techniques that set my paintings apart. 

The primary difference is that I craft each brush stroke with my digital paint brush to best bring out the character and substance of the subject.  Overused digital special effects and 'cut-and-paste' techniques found in many off-the-shelf graphics software are seldom used for my paintings.

4. Art is very subjective.  What if I don't like my painting?

Hopefully I can address your concerns at the proofing stage before printing.  Worst-case is that edits or a complete redo are unacceptable to you.  I will make a complete refund in these cases. 

It is best if you tell me what sample paintings in the Galleries appeal to you, even if the painting subject is quite different from yours,  i.e. a style used for a scenic painting can be applied to a pet portrait and vice versa.  If the style of a painting in a magazine captures your interest, send a clipping or a color copy of it.

5. How do I care for my painting?

Recent advances in paper, inks and printing technologies means that, with proper care, your painting will be enjoyed for many years to come.  These  guidelines will help you to preserve your original painting.

6. Reprints are very inexpensive.  Will copies really look as good as the original?

Yes.  There is no loss of quality since copies are printed from the same master digital image file as the original on the same paper stock.  Our color control and intimate knowledge of our equipment and media means that what I see on the computer screen translates almost perfectly to ink and paper (or canvas).  Reprints can be the same size or smaller than the 'original'.  A larger copy than the original can be ordered.  Call to discuss this, extra charges apply.

7. Do you offer framing services?

I offer complete framing services through my association with a professional wholesale framing company.  Services range from simple plaque mounting up to hand-carved exotic wood frames.  We also offer custom framing services for our Custom Art Cards and Custom Limited Editions services.  All framed pieces are "Ready to Ship". 

Our framing services are provided primarily for larger orders and corporate art.  Individual paintings are best framed locally because of the difficulty of shipping single framed pieces.  Multiple framed paintings can be packed properly and shipped in protective crates.  Contact us for details.

8. What about copyright issues with the photograph?

Generally the rights to the photograph belong to the photographer.  For a family snapshot or a photo from a friend, creating a painting from the photo is seldom an issue.  You may want to order an additional copy of the painting for the photographer. 

If the photograph was taken by a professional photographer, permission is to be obtained for its use as a painting.  If the painting is for personal enjoyment and is not for resale, most photographers have no problem with giving permission for its one time use.  Many will be quite interested in seeing the final results.

If the painting will be used for resale, advertising or other commercial venture, rights for the use of the photograph must be obtained.  Peak Experience Imagery's undertaking of any painting assumes that you have obtained the appropriate copyrights.

9. What about copyright issues with the painting?

All paintings remain copyright of Peak Experience Imagery. However high quality, inexpensive reproductions identical to the original are only a phone call or email away. 

The painting is intended for your non-commercial enjoyment, please contact me if you wish to use the painting (or copies) for commercial uses.  Paintings commissioned for restaurants, hotels and resorts, golf courses, ski resorts, bed and breakfasts, etc. are perfect for inclusion into advertising pieces, trade shows, brochures, etc.  We can supply the digital file for these purposes.  Cost will vary dependent on usage.  Call to discuss.

Occasionally I feel that a painting commissioned by a client may have value for commercial work or as an art piece that would be reproduced and enjoyed by others.  I would contact you to see if you are interested.  If yes, I would then negotiate an appropriate contract.

Often I like to display my client's paintings in the Commissioned Paintings Gallery.  I would seek your permission for its use and also ask you if you would like to give us a customer testimonial.  I send a complementary second print or a set of custom gift cards (with the painting on them) to clients whose paintings are displayed.

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