a commissioned painting depicting the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, early 20th century.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. How do I purchase an original oil painting or commission a painting?
The STORE page on my website makes it possible to purchase PRINTS electronically. For purchase of original oil paintings, it is necessary to contact me. There are many factors, such as size, payment, shipping, framing, insurance, etc., that are more effectively handled directly. You may also want to actually view an available painting first in my studio. Commissioned painting require a consultation to discuss size, composition, and other factors (see COMMISSIONS page for a broader explanation and examples of commissioned work).
I can answer questions more effectively via phone or email and can accept secure Credit card payment, Paypal, or personal check. Original paintings can be crated, insured, and shipped but of course price varies depending on size and weight of the painting, and destination. Call me directly at 267-679-7853, email me at cushingcharles59@gmail.com, or send inquiries via the CONTACT page on this site.
an example of a preliminary drawing for a detailed commissioned painting…
2. How can I view original artwork?
My studio in center city Philadelphia (near 12th and Spring garden Streets) is open by appointment and I welcome studio visits! Call me directly at 267-679-7853.
3. Why are the prints different prices?
Several of the prints on the STORE page are "offset lithographs." These are mass-produced in large editions of 2000 units, and the cost is spread across the entire edition, so it is possible to sell them at a lower price point. The "giclee" prints are printed ONE AT A TIME using a different printing process. They are a higher quality print, printed on archival watercolor paper with light-fast permanent ink, using the best printing process and materials available today. This printing process allows for the possibility of printing ANY IMAGE (that has been "captured" with a high-resolution scan) on paper or canvas, in a wide variety of sizes.
4. What about framing?
I offer framing at different price points, however this requires contacting me. The variety of mat and molding styles, and the increased shipping costs, etc., are too complicated to address on this site. It is also difficult to ship a piece framed behind glass, and costs are prohibitive. But for local orders within a 10 mile radius of Philadelphia, I can fill orders for framed prints, with a delivery and installation fee (or you can pick them up at my studio). For ORIGINAL OIL PAINTINGS, I provide a simple but handsome shadow-box-stye 1" wide pine frame of my own construction. Most of my clients keep this frame, but of course it can be replaced by professional framing.
