FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Original Paintings
What kind of paints do you use?
I love working with acrylics to blend, layer, and create incredible colours and texture in my paintings. On occasion, I’ll work with different mediums such as, ink, watercolour, paper fibres and crushed glass. Every original painting I create is finished with a clear removable UV varnish, to help protect it from dust, dirt, and harmful ultraviolet light.
Do original paintings and prints come framed?
Original paintings do not come framed on purpose, so that you may decide whether a frame is right for your room, decor, style and budget.
The painted image wraps onto the sides of the canvas giving it a modern, contemporary look therefore, framing isn’t necessary but is certainly possible.
The frames you see in my product listings are for display and inspiration only, and are not included with your order. If you’d like to frame one of my paintings, I’m happy to give you advice on framing options Contact me here for guidance on best framing practices.
What is the cost of shipping on original paintings?
The cost of shipping on original paintings is calculated during checkout, and is based on a variety of factors, such as the quantity purchased, dimensions, weight, and destination.
By default, paintings and prints are shipped pre-stretched on wooden stretcher bars and will arrive ready to hang straight out of the box. It’s also possible to have your painting shipped rolled securely in a tube which is a more economical method of shipping internationally. Once it arrives, you may have it re-streched your local frame shop.
If you live outside of Canada or would like a quote to have your painting shipped rolled securely in a tube, please contact me here.
Periodically, I offer free shipping for customers who are subscribed to my email newsletter. Click here to get on the list and be the first to hear about new paintings and special offers.
How do I determine shipping costs based on my location?
Once items are added to your cart, select your location from the list. From there, you’ll be able to preview the calculated shipping total before you actually checkout. Note that all shipping charges include Tracking and Registered Post (signature required upon delivery).
Technology isn’t perfect and sometimes errors occur. If the shipping quote provided at checkout seems incorrect, please contact me and I’ll personally send you an accurate quote.
Express Shipping and Insurance may be added, contact me here for a quote.
International customers in the UK and EU, please also note that customs and import duties may also be applied to your order once it reaches your destination. These charges are set at the discretion of your home country and payment for import fees are your buyers’ responsibility.
If you have questions about shipping costs specific to your location, please contact me here.
How soon will my order arrive?
Paintings that are in stock are hand-packed and personally shipped from my Calgary-based studio within 3-5 days of receiving your order. Delivery time is dependent on your location and the shipping option you select at checkout. Standard (5-7 business days) and 3-day shipping options are available.
How do I care for my painting once it arrives?
Original paintings should be looked after with tender loving care. Keep out of direct sunlight and never use cleaning agents, sprays, or chemical treatments directly on your painting. Instead, periodically dust with a dry cloth. Be careful to use a light touch; too much pressure on a piece can dent or puncture the surface and cause damage.
Prints
What are Prints With Purpose?
I’m on a mission to use my art for good and make a lasting, positive difference in the world. That’s why proceeds from every purchase of a Melissa McKinnon Print are donated to a charity I’m passionate about.
Right now, with every purchase of a Melissa McKinnon Print With Purpose a child in foster care receives the gift of art supplies. This gift of art unleashes their natural creativity and provides a joyful, positive outlet for them to express themselves and work through trauma.
Together, we can make a difference!
Read more about this initiative and my personal connection with Prints With Purpose here.
I’d like to contribute to Prints With Purpose, what are my options?
A huge thank you for wanting to support Prints With Purpose! There are several ways you can make a positive difference:
– Purchase a print for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Proceeds from every print sold helps a child in foster care.
– Donations-in-kind are gladly accepted and deeply appreciated.
Monetary donations and art supplies for ages 2-18 including but not limited to: sketchbooks, journals, paper, crayons, coloured pencils, washable markers, finger paints, watercolour and acrylic paints, paint brushes and other craft supplies are always in high demand.
Corporate sponsorship. If your company is interested in making a donation or working with me on a long term basis, contact me here.
If you own an art supply store and can assist with donations or buying in bulk at a discount, please contact me here.
– Spread the word! Another fantastic way to support Prints With Purpose is to tell at least two friends who might be interested. It’s free, easy to do and makes a HUGE difference!
Head on over to my Prints With Purpose Page or Print Gallery and share your favourite image on social media.
What is a ‘giclée' print?
Giclée (pronounced ‘zhee-KLAY’) printing is a process that uses fade-resistant, archival inks and substrates to create Fine Art Giclée Prints of superior archival quality, light fastness and stability.
Vivid artwork should belong to everyone, which is why I’m extremely proud to now offer my paintings to customers seeking more affordable and flexible print options. After a tireless search for the right printing partner, I found one who is an expert at museum-quality printing processes, and the delicate nature of turning an original piece of art into an incredibly convincing reproduction.
Through high quality printing that preserves the rich colours and beautiful detail of each brush stroke of the original painting, giclee prints are created by transferring a high definition image to a large format printing system that retains all the details of the original painting. All products used in the giclee printing process, including inks, canvasses and papers, are acid free and archival for over 100 years.
All of my giclee prints use a finishing coat that protects against UV light and airborne contaminants. Giclee prints are found in the world’s finest museums, art galleries and private art collections and should be treasured and looked after just the same as an original piece of art.
Do prints come framed?
Prints do not come framed on purpose, so that you may decide whether a frame is right for your room, decor, style and budget.
The painted image wraps onto the sides of the canvas giving it a modern, contemporary look therefore, framing isn’t necessary but is certainly possible.
The frames you see in my product listings are for display and inspiration only, and are not included with your order. If you’d like to frame one of my prints, I’m happy to give you advice on framing options Contact me here for guidance on best framing practices.
I want to order a print, but don’t see the size I’m looking for. Do you offer custom sizes?
Yes, I’m happy to offer custom sizes to fit the specific dimensions of your desired display wall. Contact me here for next steps on ordering custom size prints to fit your space. Please note that additional charges may apply, depending on the ability of my printing partner to meet your needs.
How soon will my print order arrive?
The printing process begins right after your purchase is complete!
All prints are made-to-order using a professional printer who specialises in giclee printing. Processing time for this usually takes between 7-14 business days. All orders are packed by hand and shipped via UPS or FedEx. Delivery times vary depending on your location, so please allow up to 5-7 business days a for delivery. Please note that international shipments may encounter extra delays and import taxes at customs.
How much is shipping for prints?
Good news! Shipping within Canada and the United States is FREE! International shipping is available upon request. If you’re interested in having a print shipped internationally, please contact me directly for a quote.
International customers in the UK and EU, please also note that customs and import duties may also be applied to you order once it reaches your destination. These charges are set at the discretion of your home country and payment for import fees are your buyers’ responsibility.
How do I care for my print once it arrives?
Giclee prints should be looked after with tender loving care, just like any original piece of art. Hang out of direct sunlight and never use cleaning agents, sprays, or chemical treatments on your print. Instead, periodically dust with a dry cloth. Be careful to use a light touch; too much pressure on a print can dent or puncture the surface and cause damage.
Custom Paintings
Do you offer custom painting commissions?
I certainly do! Translating a vision from your mind’s eye through my painter’s brush is one of my greatest joys as an artist, and one of the most luxurious gifts you can give yourself or someone you love. Most commissioned paintings begin with a conversation by phone, email, or in person to discuss your inspiration for your custom art, like a favourite destination or the colours and texture from one of the paintings in my collection.
I often sketch out the general direction of the piece with you during this conversation – including desired dimensions and budget – and explain how we’ll keep in contact to share progress and feedback with one another until your piece is ready to bring home.
To learn more about how to design your own custom painting with me and join the waitlist, head to the Custom Paintings Page here.
What is the pricing and payment structure for custom paintings?
Once you’ve decided on the size and subject matter for your painting, I’ll send you a quote, along with an invoice for a 50% non-refundable deposit that acts as a booking fee to reserve my time over the next 4-6 weeks. The remaining 50% is due upon approval of your custom painting and prior to shipping. Due to the intricate nature and time invested in creating custom paintings, I cannot give refunds; however, in the unlikely case that you are unhappy with your finished artwork, I can offer you store credit to shop my original paintings or prints.
General Shipping
Yikes – I’m in a rush and need my order ASAP. Do you offer express shipping?
Yes! Express shipping is available, and can be arranged through the checkout process. Click through your shipping options at checkout to calculate the time and cost of having your painting or print expedited.
Contact me here for additional shipping options.
Will you let me know when my order has shipped?
Absolutely! It’s important to me that I keep in contact with you from our first meeting to final delivery, which is why you can expect to hear from me via a confirmation email as soon as your order is on the way.
For original paintings, I offer complimentary tracking, as well as Registered Post (signature required upon delivery). Within 24 hours of shipping, you’ll receive a tracking number via email from UPS, which will allow you to track your painting’s progress as it makes its way to your doorstep. If, at any point, you see that your shipping information hasn’t been updated within 48 hours within receiving your tracking number, please feel free to contact me here.
General Payments and Orders
What types of payment methods do you accept?
I accept major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal. Simply, select the items you wish to purchase and checkout online easily and securely.
If you’d prefer to pay by check or email money transfer instead, please contact me here and we’ll make alternate arrangements to purchase offline.
If you’re a local Calgary customer that would prefer to pay in cash upon delivery, please contact me here.
Is my payment information protected?
Your payment information is thoroughly protected and never stored on my site. The security of this website is closely monitored to prevent any unauthorized disclosure or use of credit card numbers and to protect the confidentiality of your personal information. I use the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) industry standard, the highest level of security available today for web-secured applications.
Why do you collect my contact details?
When you make a purchase from me, I may ask you to provide contact information such as name, email, telephone number and postal address for billing purposes, and to ship your order. In cases where I need to reach you directly during the payment processing or shipping stage, I always prefer to pick up the phone instead of relying on automation – therefore, your contact details are only for one-on-one conversations, if they become necessary.
I will never share or sell your contact information to third parties.
Can I change or cancel my order after checkout?
If you make an error during the checkout process, please contact me here immediately or by emailing melissa@melissamckinnonart.com
Because I’m a small operation of one that prefers to get things done by hand, I use processes that are equally bespoke, like made-to-order printing, packing and shipping by hand. Unfortunately, once your order has finished drying, made its run through the printer, or has left my studio, it cannot be changed or canceled.
Can I return or exchange my order?
ORIGINAL PAINTINGS
Putting stunning, vivid beauty into your world is my utmost priority, evidenced by the amount of time and care I spend with each painting, to the love I dedicate to each carefully packaged shipment. To preserve my time and the pristine quality of my paintings, I cannot accept returns or make refunds for original artwork.
If you are unsure about the size or how your preferred painting will look in your home, please contact me. If you send me a photo of the room where you wish to hang your new work of art, I’ll digitally insert the painting onto the wall, giving you an accurate idea of how it’ll look hanging on your wall.
FINE ART PRINTS
In the extremely rare case of prints that arrive flawed or damaged during shipping, please provide documentation upon arrival, so that I may submit those to my printing and shipping partners. I’ll be happy replace your print at no additional charge.
MEDIA AND COLLABORATION INQUIRIES
Do you offer trade or wholesale prices?
I welcome all trade inquiries from interior designers, store owners, and art galleries. Please contact me here to have a one-on-one conversation about how we can work together.
Can I use details from your website for my own blog or social media profile?
I’m happy for you to share the specific paintings and products that you love on your website, blog, or social media profile. I ask that when you do share, please send me an email and tag me in your post, so that I may return the favour and share your post on my own blog and social media.
Credit for all images and information shared must be given to me “Melissa McKinnon, courtesy of www.melissamckinnonart.com”.
Images of my paintings or product images may never be altered, printed, or sold without my express written permission. All photos, images, artwork, and written content on this site is copyright protected, and belongs to Melissa McKinnon and will be legally enforced.
I enjoy being interviewed in person, print or via podcast.
Please contact me here with any questions you may have about sharing or posting about my artwork.
Do you offer licensing rights?
I’m happy to discuss licensing my artwork with you. Please contact me here to inquire further.
Please note that all artwork and images featured on this website are protected under Canadian and International Copyright Laws and cannot be copied, reproduced, sold or used without my express written permission.
Process
How do you create such wild colour and texture in your paintings?
My paintings are known for their signature style, vibrant colours and thick layers of tangible texture, sometimes applied onto the canvas up to an inch thick! This creates stunning, three dimensional effects at every viewing angle, especially under different lighting conditions when natural and artificial light plays with shadows and light on the surface of the painting.
Up close, dramatic layers tell a story that the eyes travel from edge to edge; from a distance, each layer ’speaks’ to one another to create a detailed tapestry that directs the entire mood of a room.
To achieve such a layered and textured look in my landscape paintings, I start by mixing my paints by hand until they reach the perfect colour I’m looking for, then I’ll use a brush to begin adding the first few layers of blended colour.
Next, I’ll use palette knives to scoop paint from piles on my work surface and apply it directly to the canvas in thick, heavy-handed motions until the look and feel are just right. This process continues back and forth, like a dance on canvas, until the painting is complete.
What type of materials do you use in your paintings?
The majority of my paintings are created with acrylic paint. Acrylics are polymer based and allow me to build multiple thick layers of textured paint without the risk of separation or cracking.
I also like to incorporate mediums and natural materials (like paper fibres and crushed glass) into my artwork to create expressive and varied effects.
Whenever I create a new work of art, I start by preparing the finest professional quality acrylic colours to ensure deep colour saturation and permanence. I mix each paint color by hand, and apply layer upon layer until I’ve created the desired textured effect I’m looking for.
Where do you get your materials?
Whenever possible I like to shop local and I source the majority of my art supplies from a locally owned, independent art supply store here in Calgary, AB. The wonderful people who work there are also the ones who build and stretch all of my custom size canvases.
What brand of paint do you prefer?
How could I choose just one?! I use a variety of professional quality, heavy body paints. I select individual colours based on thickness, pigment load, transparency and how well they mix with other colours on my palette.
Some of my favourite brands of acrylic paint are Golden, Utrecht, and Liquitex.
There are so many to choose from! If you’re a painter, I recommend trying as many as you can to discover your own personal favourites.
Do you finish your paintings with any protective sealants?
Once the painting is completely dry, I apply several coats of clear removable varnish to protect the surface of the painting from dust, minor scratches and fading due to ultraviolet light to increase the longevity of the artwork.
Last but not least, why should I sign up for your newsletter?
If you love bold art, bursts of bright color, and looking at things that fill you with joy, then I promise you’ll love my newsletter. I email with intention and enthusiasm to subscribers, inviting them on a virtual tour inside my studio for behind-the-scenes peeks at my process and recent paintings, new collections I’m about to release, and special events such as promotions and sales.
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