Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, my books are open for commissions.  Please get in touch in the contact form or send me an email directly to marlaksart@gmail.com .  You can also view my prices on the PRICE LIST page.  I am known by painting mostly dogs and cats, but I also paint people, horses, and birds.  All projects are considered.

After you’ve paid your deposit, I need some photos of the subject you wish to have a portrait of.  High quality photos are appreciated, but not absolutely necessary.  I have worked using low quality photos many times. Many “memorial” portraits are created by me using a lower quality photo., especially if the photo was taken a long time ago.  If you don’t have many photos of the subject, or you are not sure what to send just send what you have and I will find a way to work with the photos we have.  I also need a description of the subject, something about their personality, story, anything you wish to share with me.

i usually have a waiting list of a couple months long.  A 50% deposit upfront is necessary for booking your place on the waiting list.  The deposit is non refundable as you are booking a space in my calendar that could be used by someone else.  After booking, you can provide me with the photos and description necessary for the creation of the portrait.  When your turn on the list arrives I will present a mock up of your portrait so you get an idea of how the original will look.  When you confirm the mock up you will go ahead and do the final payment of the resting balance.  After final payment is complete, I will proceed to create the original.  I accept PayPal, Venmo, and all major credit cards.

Yes!  Most of the multiple subject portraits you see in my gallery and social media have been created using different individual photos combined together in a mock up.  Before creating the original I will create a mock up combining the different individual photos you provide, so you will get an idea of how the subjects will look together.  I will try different compositions and perspectives for you to choose from.

Yes, the price of the portrait includes a gradient background of one or two colors.  Before creating the original I will present a mock up with different background tonalities.  If you wish to have a complex background the price would be increased.  For example, if you wish to have your pet portrayed laying on a sofa or chair, or in a grassy field.  Maybe you wish to have a portrait of your child sitting in a field of flowers, or sitting in a chair.  Anything is possible.  The price increase will depend on what you have in mind.

When you open your portrait you will find a detailed “Art Care Instructions” sheet, which will indicate exactly how to handle and care for your portrait.  Your portrait must be framed under glass if you choose to have a pastel painted portrait.  You should frame your portrait not long after receiving it to avoid accidents, humidity, or dust affecting your art piece.

I have been painting since I was a child.  I was the type of child that could spend hours filling up sketchpads with my drawings and then put them to canvas.  I took art lessons, and went to art camps during the summers up until high school.  Once in high school I had two wonderful teachers who encouraged me to pursue a career in art.  They taught me the essentials I needed and from there I challenged myself to learn many different mediums from sculpture to stained glass, but I always circled back to my true love of painting.  I have been painting professionally since 1999.

It depends on the size and the complexity.  Small portraits can take 30 to 40 hours.  Larger portraits can take 80 to 100 hours or even more if they are really large and very complex.  Every subject is different and each portrait gets my undivided attention from start to finish.