FAQs

Yes. As long as you are able to provide one or more images of adequate quality so that I can ensure the final product faithfully represents the beloved animal.

Yes – And it really helps me if you do!
Please ensure you provide originals where able instead of screenshots.

I only offer realism style as seen in my previous artworks visible in my gallery.
If you have a specific request, please reach out to me via Email or Facebook.

I prefer to work from photographs as this allows me to provide commissions for clients around the globe.
By using reference photographs, you can specify the exact pose and lighting you would like to receive in your commission – it’s a win-win.

Once you have received your commission, the care and maintenance is your responsibility.
Please refer to my guide for Caring for Your Commission.

Currently, the best way is to message me on Facebook or send me an email.
In the near future I am planning to have an online Commission Request tool to improve this process.

I only use high quality lightfast pencils - these premium pencils are able to retain ther brilliance and colour variety for decades.
For the canvas, I use only premium archival-grade paper which prevents discoloration or deteriation.
This ensures your commissioned piece will stay bright and contrasted for many decades to come!

The most requested pet portraits I receive are dogs, cats and horses but I am always keen to try something different and would love to draw your own pet.

Absolutely! But let me know the date you will be presenting it to them so I do not post anything until the following day.

Yes – I do not draw people, but am more than willing to draw creatures.

Yes – Reach out to me with your request and I will see what I am able to do.

I do not provide digital copies of commissioned pieces.
The images provided for progress shots, and those seen on my website and social profiles are just average quality photographs of the artwork.
You are free to use a professional scanner to create your own digital copy.

No. Not at this time.
I do recommend you read my page on caring for your commission to ensure you select the right frame, or reach out to a professional framing service.

Yes – Please reach out to me directly to organise this.

It depends entirely on the size and number of subjects, but generally 2-3 weeks.

I create most commissions around A5-A3 standard paper sizing.

Additional subjects have a defined additional cost.
Non-subject additional elements are covered by the charge for a custom/specific background.

Yes – Please refer to my Commissions page for more information.

Alternate payment arrangements can be made in direct discussion with me.
Please reach out and I will see what can be arranged.

Yes – I minimum 25% deposit is required on all commissioned works.

Currently, I only accept Bank transfer.
Soon, I will be accepting card payments and BNPL (buy now, pay later).

I am frequently booked out ahead of time so it will depend on my current availability and the size/complexity of your commission. Please reach out to me as soon as you can to ensure there is adequate time to complete your commission.

In the initial sketching phase, I can quickly make changes to posture and size.
Once the colour layering has begun, I will only be able to make minor changes to areas not already filled in.

Please ensure your provided reference photos adequately show these markings so that I can make the final piece as accurate as possible.

Yes – Pricing will vary depending on the size of the commission and the country it is being sent to.

Your portrait will be placed between protective sheets and bubble-wrapped against a piece of 4mm medium density fiberboard to ensure it stays flat and protected during shipping.

Commissions over $600 will receive free shipping.Please refer to the shipping details on my XXXXX page.
For all other commissions, please refer to the Pricing page.

New Zealand: via PassTheParcel (PosteHaste) courier
Overseas: via NZ Post and its international network of shipping providers.

As per our Returns and Refunds Policy, the initial deposit is non-refundable but we can arrange for a partial refund of the remaining balance.
If your commissioned piece is already completed, then there is no guarantee of a refund.
Please reach out to me directly to discuss this further.

Please read our Returns and Refunds Policy for more information.

Sure! Some people prefer the surprise, but I can send you progress shots as I work through your piece.

I will always get in touch with you before starting a commission to ensure we’re both thinking the same way.

You can comment on the postings I make about it 😊.

I retain the copyright to all my artwork, even if you purchase a print or an original.
It is illegal to use images of my art for commercial purposes or monetary gain without written permission from myself. Please DO feel free to blog about it, Pin or Instagram photos of my art and give credit to Maree Hassall Art when doing so. The universe (and I) will thank you for it!.

I reserve the right to post images of commissioned pieces to my website and social feeds. Original photographs will not be posted unless are already publicly available or you specifically have granted permission to do so.
To ensure commissions purchased as a gift or prize are kept secret, please let me know when it will be safe to post imagery - don’t want to ruin a birthday surprise!.