Brenda E. Shook, Artist

Send me an email (besartist@gmail.com or Contact Me page) with the following information:

• your contact information (Full Name, email address, phone number)

• details about the content and background of the artwork--I do portraits (people and/or pets), nature (plants/flowers/insects), narrative illustrations based on text, and abstract maps (based on road maps).

• the type of art you want (drawing, painting, mixed media)

• the medium/media you want me to use (graphite pencil, colored pencil, oil pastel, soft pastel, watercolor, acrylic, or a combination/mixed media)

• the type of surface material do you want (paper, stretched canvas, canvas board, wood panel, other)

• specific colors you would like or need

• the size you think will fit in your space (8" x 10", 18" x 24", 48" x 60", etc.)

• the number of pieces you want (a stand alone artwork or a set)

1. When I am clear about the artwork you are hoping for, I will put together a contract (including the artwork’s details, a payment plan, and a time frame), and we will both sign it.

2. You will send me/give me the first 50% (*nonrefundable*) payment for the artwork through PayPal. (You do not need to have a PayPal account for this.)

3. You will send me (email) reference photographs (taken by you or belonging to you—like an heirloom) and/or other inspirational ideas and images relevant to the artwork. **(It will be extremely helpful if your personal photographs are easily readable, have clearly defined details and object placement, and a good light source.)

4. I will make preliminary thumbnails/sketches (3-5).

5. Remember, I will stay true to my style, and I will not copy or mimic another’s imagery other than for the purpose of gaining referential information.

6. Please be clear on what you want before I start the final artwork--it is often difficult to make changes as the work nears the finish.

7. Throughout the process, I will periodically share how my work is going with you (text and/or email) so that you can be a part of the creation process.

8. When the artwork is complete and fixed/sealed, and the remainder of the payment has been received through PayPal, I will carefully package and ship/deliver your artwork to you.

Copyright law protects my exclusive rights as the original author/creator of the fixed, tangible artwork from the moment I complete the work.

Only I, as the artist, have the right to: make copies of the artwork, distribute copies of the artwork, publicly display the artwork as mine, and make derivatives of the artwork (to adapt, modify, translate into another media, etc.)

No one can infringe upon my rights as the artist without specific, written permission (contract).

As the buyer, you will own the physical artwork (not copies) and have the right to display, sell, and give it away.

The amount of time your artwork will take to make (after design approval and before shipping) depends upon:

• how quickly you complete our work agreement and make the first payment (time and supplies)

• whether you want a small piece or a large one

• whether you want a small amount of detail or a lot of detail

• whether you want a stand alone piece or a series (additional pieces in a series will be discounted 10% each)

• how often you want updates and how quickly you respond to me

• the amount of time it naturally takes to use different media and techniques

• if you have tight or flexible schedule (I am very time conscious.)

• how many other commissions I am currently working on

Example: 4”x 4” abstract map (graphite on paper or wood) = approximately 5-7 days

Example: 22”x 28” realistic (my style) portrait with pet and background (oil pastel on paper) = approximately 5 to 8 weeks

THE TOTAL COST OF THE COMMISSION INCLUDES

• time spent 3-5 preliminary sketches

• the medium/media and supplies (tools and surface materials)

• time spent in communication with the collector(s)

• one (or more) realistic, abstract (or both) finished artwork(s) in my style

• *There is a 5% discount on each additional artwork after the first*.

• TX sales tax (if applicable)

• shipping/handling/insurance (if applicable/requested)

PRICE FORMULA:

Abstract subject matter:

**Length and Width are in inches.**

Length + Width x = _______ + S/H = ______ + sales tax (8.25% in Texas) + insurance (if applicable) = _________ (total)

Realistic subject matter:

Length + Width x = _______ + S/H = ______ + sales tax (8.25% in Texas) + insurance (if applicable) = _________ (total)

Example: Realistic 8" x 10" = 8 + 10 = 18 x 25 = 450 x 0.0825 = 37.13 + 450 = $487.13 + S/H and insurance (if applicable)

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

I accept PayPal and The Square as payment options. You do not need a PayPal account to make a payment using PayPal. I will send you an invoice.

1. 50% total cost of the commission (including Texas sales tax (8.25%) for the first amount, but not including shipping/handling/insurance) is DUE with contract. This first payment is NON-REFUNDABLE and will not be returned to you if you decide to discontinue the commission.

2. 50% total cost of the commission (including Texas sales tax (8.25%) for the balance amount and shipping/handling/insurance--if applicable) is DUE when the artwork is complete.

The artwork will be delivered/shipped once the artwork is complete and paid for in full. No refunds will be given after the artwork is packaged and leaves my studio. I advise getting shipping insurance for your artwork as a protective precaution during delivery.

In Texas, sales tax is collected on the sale of tangible things like art.

I am physically located in Texas, so Texas residents, and anyone who buys art from me while they are in Texas, will pay Texas sales tax on my art.

The Texas sales tax rate for my area is 8.25%.

Shipping and Handling is taxed in Texas as part of the overall product price.

Texas sales tax is not collected when bought from and shipped directly to another state.

Texas sales tax is not collected when bought from and shipped directly to another country.

**If you live in the immediate (north) Fort Worth area, I can meet you at a local coffee shop type place and deliver your work to you myself.**

You are responsible for shipping costs.

The artwork will be well padded/wrapped/insulated and packaged/contained either in a box or a tube for safest travel.

I will use the USPS for shipping smaller art pieces and UPS (or FedEx) for larger pieces. (Shipping price is either determined by actual weight or by dimensional “weight”(cubic inches) depending on the carrier).

I will send art through USPS using either First Class or Priority Mail. You will be able to track your packages.

Extra insurance is available upon request for an additional charge. Contact me and I will upgrade your order.

I will give you a shipping estimate early in the process before a final agreement is made.

Actual delivery time will depend on the method and location of shipping and the delivery schedule of the postal carrier.

Buyers are responsible for any customs or import taxes due for international shipping.

I am not responsible for shipping delays at foreign customs stops, which could take a few weeks.