Commission terms

Plain language, no surprises. Questions about any of it — just ask.

1. What you're ordering

An original watercolor painting, made by hand by Abigail Larsen, of the subject you describe and the reference photos you send. Each painting is unique. Small variations from your photo are part of hand-painted work, not a defect.

2. How a commission works

1. You send a request with your reference photos, the size you want and any deadline.
2. I reply within 3 days with a quote and a Square invoice for a 50% deposit.
3. You pay the deposit. That books your spot — I don't start before it's paid.
4. I send you a sketch to approve. You get two rounds of changes at this stage.
5. I paint it. Changes after the sketch is approved may mean a new quote.
6. I send a photo of the finished painting and the invoice for the rest.
7. You pay the balance and I ship it, usually within 2 business days.

Typical turnaround is about 3 weeks from the day you approve the sketch. Larger or more detailed pieces can take longer, and I'll tell you before you pay anything.

3. Prices

Each price covers one subject — one pet, one person or one building. Prices include free US shipping. I don't offer framing.

4. Payment

All payments go through Square invoices sent to your email, and card details are entered on Square's own secure page. I will never ask for your card number by email, text or message, and you should never send it that way. 50% books your spot, the rest is due before shipping. If a balance goes unpaid for 30 days, the painting stays with me and the deposit is forfeited. That said — if life has gone sideways, tell me. I'd much rather work something out with you than keep your painting.

5. Changing your mind

Before I start the sketch, tell me and I'll refund your deposit in full. Once I've started the sketch the deposit is non-refundable, because the time is already spent. If you cancel after that, you owe nothing further and the painting stays with me. Custom paintings can't be returned once delivered, because they were made for you.

6. Damage, loss and delays

Every painting ships packed flat and protected, with tracking. If it arrives damaged, send me photos within 7 days and I'll repaint it or refund you, whichever you'd rather have. If a carrier loses a package, I'll repaint or refund. If illness or a family emergency delays me, I'll tell you as soon as I know and give you a new date — and you can cancel for a full refund at that point if the new date doesn't work.

7. Your photos

The photos you send need to be yours to use — your own, or ones you have permission to use. Professional photographs are usually owned by the photographer, not by the person in them. If your photo includes someone else, please make sure they're comfortable being painted. I keep your photos only as long as I need them, and delete them once your commission is done.

8. Who owns what

You own the physical painting — hang it, gift it, resell it. I keep the copyright, which is normal for original art, and I may share photos of your painting on Instagram and here. If your piece is a surprise or a gift, just tell me and I'll keep it private. Making prints or products from your painting needs a separate commercial licence — ask me and we'll work something out.

9. What I may decline

I'll happily paint almost anything that matters to you. I reserve the right to turn down a request I'm not the right artist for, or that I'm not comfortable painting. If I decline, you get a full refund of anything you've paid.

10. The boring part

These terms are the whole agreement between us for your commission, and they're governed by the laws of the State of Idaho. If something isn't covered here, email me and we'll sort it out like reasonable people.

Questions: artworkbyabigail20@gmail.com