FAQ
Do you accept commissions and what are your prices?
Yes I do accept commissions! The details for each type of commission have to be evaluated individually, so please send me an email at bluefernarts@gmail.com with your request, and we can discuss the options. Please provide details about size, style, materials, deadline and purpose of the image.
Pricing will be evaluated on a case by case basis. A detailed page for private commission pricing will be coming soon!
Which materials do you use to make your artwork?
Most of my paintings are mixed-media. They are usually a combination of watercolors, colored pencil and/or gouache on heavy grain paper. I also occasionally make large format oil paintings. All materials used are artist quality and archival to ensure maximum preservation of the artwork. Lower quality materials can deteriorate over time or quickly lose color intensity when exposed to sunlight. Good artist grade materials are always a good investment in my opinion!
How do I frame your artwork safely?
The safest way to frame a print or original is in a sturdy frame with glass front to protect against moisture and dust. Ideal circumstances are a dry, room temperature location away from direct sunlight. UV-filtering glass can provide extra protection from potential color fading. For all products, I advise you to buy a frame after you receive your order. Most products are cut by hand so sizes may vary.
Original artwork is sent in a white ‘mat’ or ‘passe-partout’. This is an archival quality card stock from that protects the artwork during handling and provide an extra barrier when framed. This will make sure the surface of the artwork does not touch the glass, preventing damage from condensation. The width of the border is approximately 4 cm. Please contact me at bluefernarts@gmail.com for custom matting options.
Which shipping method should I choose?
All orders are sent with the national Belgian post office, Bpost. For most types of orders there are two available options: economy shipping or tracked & insured shipping. When the latter option is chosen, you will receive a notification shortly after the order is sent out with your tracking code to follow your package. The contents of the package is insured up to €500. Please be aware that economy shipping does not include tracking information, nor does it include a warranty for loss or damage, which means there can be no compensation in such cases. Therefore I highly recommend choosing the tracked and insured option, especially when purchasing originals or high value items.
How are orders packaged?
All orders are packed with the greatest care to ensure safe shipping. All items are shipped flat and with 100% paper packaging materials unless stated otherwise in the product description. I try my best to incorporate used materials wherever possible, so please reuse or recycle the packaging materials if you can!
To protect against moisture, the items are first packed in a glassine bag (glassine is a smooth, water resistant paper). The items are then sandwiched inbetween corrugated cardboard sheets (the bigger the dimensions, the more cardboard used) to strengthen the package and prevent creasing. Finally everything is combined in a flat envelope of thick cardboard and sealed with paper tape. Extra ‘handle with care’ warnings and stickers are added to larger packages.
How do you make your prints?
Open edition prints are (unless stated otherwise) professionally printed on 300 gsm Munken Pure Rough paper. This thick paper has a light cream hue and a slightly rough texture, like artists’ drawing paper.
Limited edition prints are archival grade giclée prints. They are printed with Epson UltraChrome HDX Wide Gamut Inks on 310 gsm Hahnemühle German Etching paper. This heavy paper has a warm tone and rough texture that feels like watercolor paper. These prints most closely resemble the original artwork. They are of exquisite print quality and have an archival lifespan of up to 200 years!
All products in my store are made in Europe. These are the printing companies that I have used the most and I can highly recommend them:
https://www.theprintspace.com/de/
https://www.zwartopwit.be/
Both companies state that they are a climate neutral business.
What should I do when my order is damaged, lost or stolen?
In all cases of damage or loss, please notify me as soon as possible by sending an e-mail to: bluefernarts@gmail.com In case of damage, be sure to include detailed and quality photos of the package before opening, after opening and the contents.
If the package was sent with tracked & insured shipping you will receive a full refund (up to a maximum of €500) or a full replacement if so desired.
If the package was sent with economy shipping, there is unfortunately no possibility for a refund or replacement. The Belgian post office does not provide any compensation for packages sent using this shipping method and as an artist and very small business owner, I cannot be held responsible for global shipping practices or give the same conditions as big retailers. I hope for your understanding and highly recommend using the tracked & insured shipping option when in doubt. However, I am not a heartless person and a polite e-mail can go a long way in finding a solution together! ;)
P.S.: Please be aware that even though all orders are shipped with sturdy packaging, severe mishandling by delivery services does occur and international packages are often opened and taken apart by customs. I have no control over this and no amount of packaging can prevent it.
Contact
For all business and purchasing inquiries:
bluefernarts@gmail.com
