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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much are your paintings and how are they priced?

My paintings currently range in price from around NZ$500 for very small paintings (around 30cm square) to around NZ$1200-$1500 for a painting of about one metre square. Bigger paintings incur higher costs.

Paintings are priced according to a number of factors:

1. The quality of the materials used: I use exhibition quality canvases and professional artist materials only. This is important, as it ensures you have an artwork you can expect to last for many years.
2. The size: The bigger the canvas, the more materials used and the longer the time needed to paint it.
3. The complexity: Some paintings are more complex than others, thereby using more materials and more time to complete it.
4. My experience: I have spent years studying, creating and developing my craft, spending thousands of dollars in the process. This level of professionalism is reflected in what you pay.

How long does it take you to create a painting?

A small painting may take as little as 6 hours to complete, while a more complex and larger painting may take dozens of hours. Number of hours spent on a piece of art is not always a good indication of the painting's worth, however, as some artists work slowly while others, like myself, work relatively quickly.

How are your paintings presented and are they ready to hang?

My paintings are generally done on stretched canvas, which means the canvas (cotton or linen) is stretched over wooden stretcher bars - this creates a three-dimensional appearance where the canvas sits 40mm from the wall (see first photograph). This kind of canvas is commonly used by contemporary artists worldwide. No frame is required, although you can frame stretched canvases if you prefer - they can look great 'floating' within a wooden or metal frame (see a professional framer for options).

The painting is threaded at the back with strong, tightly knotted nylon, designed to hang from commercial picture hooks or nails.

Occasionally I paint directly onto unstretched canvas (see second photograph). This practice is becoming more common amongst contemporary painters - it presents paintings in a way that feels more immediate and 'raw'. While there are various ways to present unstretched canvas, I like to have the canvas looped and stitched at the top, through which a length of aluminium piping is threaded. The edges of the pipe can be left as is for a plain, contemporary look or fitted with finials (which I can arrange in a style of your choice). The artwork can then be hung, resting on a couple of nails or large hooks.

Another alternative, if you prefer a more traditional look, is to simply have the unstretched canvas framed by your professional framer.

All paintings are finished with several coats of varnish to ensure that the paint is protected for the duration of its lifetime.

How do I care for my painting?

It's always best to place the painting out of direct sunlight - fading can occur over a period of many years if the painting is constantly subjected to sunlight. Always handle your painting carefully - even slight knocks can chip the paint. Feel free to lightly dust the painting when it's needed or, on occasion, give it a very light clean with a soft, clean damp cloth using water only - no detergents or abrasives!

Isn't it risky buying an artwork online?

I understand how difficult it is to assess a painting via a computer. You can't be completely certain that even if a painting is represented accurately on the computer, that it will look good in your home. It is important to me that you are happy with your purchased artwork. As such, I am happy for you to take an artwork 'on approval' for a few days. You simply pay for the painting beforehand and if you don't like it once you have received it, send the painting back to me at your own cost and, provided it is in good order, I will refund you the total payment. In general, however, most purchasers think the original painting is far superior to the online version - this is because taking a photo of the artwork and then posting it online guarantees you lose a certain degree of subtlety in colour and texture.

How much do I pay for freight?

If you live in New Zealand, I will freight your painting to you at no extra cost. If you live overseas, I will obtain a quote for professional shipping on your behalf.

Can I commission a painting from you?

I am happy to paint commission work, so long as the requested art aligns with my personal style and subject matter. The commission process I work to protects you as the purchaser - there is no obligation to take the completed work if you are not entirely happy with it. If you would like to discuss the possibility of commissioning a painting, I am happy to give you further details.

Where can I view your paintings in person?

My artwork is displayed, from time to time, at a number of galleries within New Zealand. Please contact me for an updated listing.

©  2002 Susan Knaap. All rights reserved.