Money Matters: Policies & Practices

The Commission Process

The steps for producing commissioned artwork, whether for sculptures or for paintings, are similar. I will guide you through the process of capturing your ideas, thoughts, and wishes about the subject, size, budget, schedule, colors, edition size, and anything else that might be relevant. We'll include discussion of whether the artwork will be based on photographs (your or mine), live models, or other resources. From our discussion, I'll offer you a bid to produce the work. After we negotiate a final bid, I'll need to receive a downpayment of 30% to produce a study (that is, a small, rough version of the of the proposed project). The study lets us both be sure we're on the same track, and lets us make&agree to any changes that might be needed for the finished artwork. After you approve the (modified) study, the next payment of 30% lets me acquire the materials to produce the actual artwork. The 40% balance due would be payable upon your acceptance of the finished artwork.

Specifically for Paintings: The study is in color and no larger than 8x10. The ground for the study is of similar material to the finished piece (eg. paper, canvas, etc.)

Specifically for Sculptures: The sculpture study, or maquette, is typically about 10-12 inches in its longest dimension, and made of an unfired, oil-based clay. The maquette can be used to create a limited edition bronze sculpture in its own right, if you so choose. (Electing to do so can affect the final cost of your project , ie. it might help you... we can discuss how.)
When the finished work will be a bronze sculpture, you will also have an opportunity to make adjustments to the correct-sized, final clay before it goes through the foundry. At this stage, minor adjustments are free, but major changes can be made only at additional cost.

Refunds for Cancelled Commissions: The 30% downpayment to create the study is non-refundable. The second 30% payment is refundable less a $50 management fee, and the actual cost of any project-related materials or services purchased by the studio prior to project cancellation.

Work For Hire

Mixed-media illustrations, and clay originals (suitable for for stone or aluminum casting), are available as work made for hire. Projects are priced by the estimated amount of labor plus materials. Work begins upon receipt of funds equal to shop minimum + materials, or 30% of estimated project fees, whichever is higher. The balance is due upon delivery of artwork. Art created as work-for-hire is non-returnable.
Current rates: Shop minimum is $30+materials, with an hourly rate of $15

[find definitions of "Work for Hire"]

Original Drawings and Paintings

Original non-comissioned 2D artwork is priced per square inch, based on dimensions of the actual artwork (ie. mat and frame dimensions not included in the calculation). Prices for commissioned paintings are based on the square inch, the number of subjects, and the frame you select. Pricing below covers any of the following media (in any combination) on the appropriate surface (eg. paper, canvas): ink, graphite, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, paper. Other media (eg. gold leaf) may require additional fees.
Current non-commissioned rates: $1.75/sq.in.for unframed artwork, $2.25/sq.in.for framed artwork at or under 480sq.in. (20x24=480); $2.15/sq.in. for framed work over 480sq.in.**
Current commissioned rates: $3.00/sq.in. for first subject + $0.20/sq.in for each additional subject + actual framing costs

**NOTE: I custom frame each piece to enhance the unique qualities of the artwork. Once I have framed a piece, I can only offer a 5% price reduction if you want the artwork without its frame. For safety reasons, I frame with plexiglass whenever the artwork surface requires protection. You may substitute museum glass if you cover the actual, aditional fees for making the change.

Sculptures

Limited Edition Bronze: The price for bronze sculpture depends upon the size and complexity of the work, patina, base material, and size of the edition. Commissions take those factors into account, plus any client-required timing constraints. Due to foundry schedules, the miniumum lead time to produce a completed, commissioned bronze - without paying rush fees - is 90 days.

Unique Works -Wood: The price for wood sculpture depends on the size, estimated time to complete, design complexity, current cost of materials, and type of finish (eg. natual oil, painted realistically, etc). The woods I use most often are basswood, poplar, mahogany and butternut; however, you may request other specific woods.
All commissions are based on the estimated time required and cost of wood and at the time of order.

Prints

Print prices reflect the differences in size, materials, rarity, and expected longevity. Please refer to the Fine Prints Gallery page for details.

Cards

Greeting cards can be purchased singly or in packs of 10. Please refer to the Greeting Cards page for details.

Shipping/Delivery and Installation Fees

Purchased artwork will be delivered via UPS Ground unless you specifically request otherwise, or artwork exceeds UPS-allowed parameters. I will provide you with a shipping estimate for your specific order before billing or shipping items to you. You are responsible for the actual shipping (crating, insurance, transportation) and installation fees, if any. I work with you so you can either pay the shipper/installer directly, or reimburse me for the expense. Shipping and installation fees are non-refundable.

Payments

For pre-existing artwork:
Items priced at or under $200 must be paid for in full. Items over $200 can be purchased on a time payment plan with a minimum deposit of 30%. Terms for the remaining balance can be negotiated to meet your personal needs.

For commissioned artwork:
Please refer to The Commission Process section of this webpage.

Payments can be made by check, money order, or cashier's check. (Cash is also great if you hand-deliver it!) Checks should be made payable to SMCB Studio. Remit payments to the address shown at the bottom of this page.

Texas residents will need to add $8.25% for sales tax.

Returns & Refunds

Call or write for instructions on how and where to ship returned items.

Delivery and installation fees are non-refundable.

Returns due to damage during shipment: If your purchase is damaged during shipment, I will do my best to either repair or replace the damaged item at no cost to you. If repair or replacement is not possible, return the damaged work to me for a refund of the money you paid for the artwork.

Returns for other reasons: For non-commissioned art, you may return it in salable condition for any reason within 30 days for a full refund less any shipping fees. If the returned work needs repair or conditioning before resale, the cost of reconditioning or repair will also be deducted from the refund. Refunds for commissioned work are subject to the guidelines described in The Commission Process section of this webpage. Work-for-hire art is not returnable.

Original & Limited Edition Resale Assistance

I am committed to upholding the value of your investment in my artwork. I also acknowledge that interests and circumstances change throughout our lifetimes. It's therefore possible that at some future date you may find yourself in possession of an original or limited edition artwork created by SMCB Studio, and you are ready for the artwork to find a new home. Whether you are the original owner or not, I would like the chance to help you find a new buyer for the art. Please call or write for assistance!

Maintenance and Repairs

I do my best to create artwork that will bring you pleasure for many years to come. However, nothing lasts forever without maintenance, and sometimes accidents happen and artwork needs repair. For your convenience, some guidelines for and suggestions appear below. In any case, Please feel free to call or write me if you have artwork repair or maintenance questions!

Painting Maintenance: Wall-mounted art should require nothing more than occasional VERY LIGHT dusting with a clean, dry, soft cloth. If simple dusting is not enough, please keep in mind that plexiglass should only be cleaned with non-ammonia based cleaners. (Ammonia creates pits in plexiglass, which over time makes the glass appear cloudy or streaked). Plexiglass is also easily scratched, so never place or lean anything on the surface of the glass without using some kind of thick protective cloth or other non-abrasive layer to act as a cushion.

Sculpture Maintenance: Sculpture only needs LIGHT dusting with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Dust in deep crevices can be removed with gentle application of clean, pure compressed air (eg. NOT flat-fix). Never use solvents of any kind on sculpture - that includes ALL common household dusting and cleaning sprays (eg. Pledge, Windex, 409, etc.) as well as shop solvents (eg. mineral spirits, paint thinner, etc). Remove fingerprints with gentle application of a clean lint-free cloth dampened slightly with clean water, and remove any residual moisture when finished.
For Bronze Sculpture Only: Your bronze has been sealed with a light coat of wax to preserve the finish and protect it from weather and fingerprints. Dusting lightly and then gently buffing the wax finish with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth should restore the shine for routine cleaning. You should also periodically re-apply a VERY LIGHT coat of a Carnauba-based paste wax (do not use a liquid wax). I recommend clear Trewax paste wax (available at most good hardware stores in the section for wood floor care products). Apply the wax 1-2 times/year for indoor sculpture, and 3-4 times/year for outdoor works. Apply the wax with a natural bristle brush, allow to dry, and then buff gently with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. The wax can also protect the stone, wood or metal base of your sculpture.

Framing Repair: The easiest thing to do is contact a reputable framer in your area to handle the replacement or repair. If you don't have a frame shop you like, call or write me to see what we can arrange.
Artwork Repairs: If a painting or sculpture needs repair, by all means call or write me! As an alternative, you may contact a reputable art restoration company in your area. (Look in the yellow pages of the nearest major metropolitan area, or call the nearest art gallery or museum for referrals.)

Top of Page

Commission Process

Work for Hire

Paintings & Drawings

Sculptures

Prints

Cards

Shipping

Payments

Returns & Refunds

Resale Assistance

Maintenance & Repairs