MY BRAND PROMISE I am a US-based painter. (Most sellers use artists in Eastern Europe or China) Every portrait is painted by me, A.J. Alper (Some sellers farm out the work) Each portrait is produced in oils by hand. No digital processing or printing is used in my work (Not true with most sellers) Every portrait comes with a 100% money-back guarantee (I stand behind my work) I use quality archival materials in my portraits (The work is intended to last centuries) 100% GENUINE HAND-PAINTED PORTRAIT Every one of my paintings is produced with oil paint, painted on a blank surface. No printing, digital painting, or photocopying process is used. Watch the video in this listing and see for yourself. If you are looking for a 100% Genuine Hand Painted Portrait, you have come to the right place. Unfortunately, most portrait artists on Etsy are just printing digitized photos, with a filter applied to look like a watercolor or oil painting. Etsy allows them to advertise as handmade. They are neither paintings or handmade. HOW I PAINT I use a traditional oil painting technique called "alla prima" which captures the sense of spontaneity of the oil painting process. Simply, it means that the brushwork and the process of painting is evident in the finished product. It looks like a painting because you can see the paint and brushstrokes I paint on gesso primed archival panels, using time-honored materials and techniques. I don’t use photomechanical techniques to create something that looks like a painting. I draw and paint from the photo resource, which is a refined skill that takes decades to develop and is slow to produce the finished work. What you receive is a product that is produced in the same manner as portraits that you would find in a museum, thus having lasting value. WHICH PHOTOS CAN WORK I can work from all types of photos, including selfies and family photos. Photos need to be at least well-lit and clear enough to see small facial features. If you aren't sure, just send it to me, and I will let you know. CHOOSING THE SIZE I paint at life-size so please see the size scale on the second slide for size considerations. The smallest size is just the face and the largest size is the head, neck, shoulders, and torso. Contact me and I will show you a mock-up of different sizes. HOW LONG DOES A PORTRAIT TAKE? It takes about a month between receiving reference photography till shipping the finished artwork. I am often overbooked and I am a one-artist shop, so please let me know if your request is time sensitive and I will let you know what is possible. FRAMING SERVICE If you would like to have your portrait framed and ready to hang, please let me know. I have a wide range of styles to choose from. I would be happy to give you a quote for the size of your portrait. QUALITY SERVICE I develop a relationship with my clients so that what I am creating meets your needs. If you have any questions regarding a commission, please ask me. I will be happy to clarify any information. ADDITIONAL NOTE: Some countries charge additional tariffs and taxes in customs. Please be aware of those additional costs when purchasing.