Frequently Asked Questions
Xanthe answers your expected questions in advance:
Q: How do I place an order? A: Customers within New Zealand - either use the checkout or the contact form. Which ever is more convenient for you. International customers - please place an order with contact form. I am not able to customise the shipping rates for products with the checkout and I will need to confirm the shipping with your order. Payment is via PayPal (you do not need a PayPal account). |
Q: Do you ship outside New Zealand?
A: Yes but only small prints A4 and under at the stated shipping prices (unless you are prepared to pay much higher shipping rates).
Q: What are your shipping rates?
A: For packaging and courier:
Within New Zealand = NZ$15 per order (all print sizes).
Australia = NZ$25 per order (small prints A4 and under only).
International (including USA, UK, Canada, Europe) = NZ$45 per order (small prints A4 and under only).
Shipping rates are much higher for anything larger than A4, so please enquire via the contact form if you are keen on a larger print (shipping may cost more than the print for anything over A4 size).
Q: Which countries do you ship to?
A: As a guide, small prints A4 and under can be shipped to countries where PayPal is available and most places internationally (including Australia, USA, UK, Canada). I can confirm if you wish to make an order.
Q: Will you have prints shipped from the USA or UK or Europe for cheaper shipping rates?
A: At this stage no, as I want to quality control check every artwork with a speciality printer within New Zealand that I trust. Plus, I don't want to make a tax nightmare for myself.
Q: Do your prices include GST?
A: I am a sole trader and currently not registered for GST, so the prices listed are what is paid (plus shipping).
Q: How long will it take to get my print?
A: I will place an order with my print supplier as soon as funds transfer through via PayPal.
Depending on how quick PayPal is, I expect your print will arrive within a week within New Zealand. Longer for overseas. There may be seasonal fluctionations with couriers.
Q: How do I pay for my art prints? Is it secure?
A: I use PayPal for secure transactions. You don't need a PayPal account to make payment - just sign in as a guest if you don't want to have a PayPal account by de-selecting the default option. They accept major debit and credit cards.
I do not take or retain any credit card or bank account information. Completing the payment side of the transaction is completely separate from me and this website.
Either use the online checkout option (New Zealand customers only) or send a request for an order with the contact form (New Zealand and international customers).
Q: I had trouble using the checkout. What do I do?
A: Contact me direct with the contact form and I will try sort something for you. If you have issues with the checkout option, or you prefer not to use the checkout, I can send a PayPal invoice via email.
Q: Do you offer a range of sizes and papers?
A: After doing some print tests, I have decided to offer prints on one paper type that complement the original paintings. This is a high quality, archival acid-free paper in 275gsm soft white, textured matte surface. I offer sizes that optimises the painting balanced with keeping things simple and affordable. All paintings will be offered in a small size. Some may be offered in a medium and/or large size (depending on the size of the original).
Q: Do your prints come in standard frame sizes and with a border?
A: I think, a border with textured paper suits most of the paintings best as the border resembles a mat which gives the art some breathing space. The square paintings look good without a border.
Although it comes down to personal preference. Prints for a given paper size costs the same, with a border or without. The image will be smaller with a border.
I choose a paper size that fits readily available standard frames, without cropping the artworks. The customer can have the border trimmed by a professional framer if they choose this option.
I also offer some print sizes without a border, in standard frame sizes. Note that borderless may make professional framing more difficult and some of the image at the edges will be covered by a mat or the frame.
Q: Do you print and package the art prints yourself?
A: No, I have a speciality, premium art printer take care of this, as it requires special equipment and expertise outside of my skillsets of being an artist and preparing the digital files for print. Art prints are shipped directly from my chosen fine art printing service, so there is no double-shipping.
Q: What if my art print gets lost or damaged in transit?
A: I will replace any art prints that get lost or damaged while in transit, so that you get your art print. The same with any prints that arrive with defects (please contact me with contact form ASAP as I will need a photo to be emailed).
Q: How do I care for my art print?
A: Your art print is archival quality with pigment-based inks . This means it will have superior quality and longevity than regular prints done with dye-based inks. To retain the vibrancy in your print, keep away from moisture and do not display in direct sunlight. A print behind glass will last longer than a print exposed to the open air. A fine art print can be treated with the same care as one would care for a watercolour painting.
Professional framers recommend that a mat or spacers are used to keep the glass from touching the art print.
Q: Do you offer prints on stretched canvas?
A: At this stage, no, due to limitations with sizes available plus the extra cost of materials, custom manufacturing and shipping. I may offer this as an option later in an A4 size, depending on the artwork. In my opinion, the premium paper suited my art best, plus there was more detail in the reproduction.
I will still need to test out the stretched canvas option to decide whether to offer it (shipping within New Zealand only).
If you are keen on canvas prints, please give feedback with the contact form. I can do a quote for a stretched canvas print and shipping individually.
Q: Do you do commissions?
A: No, I don't take commissions. When I do a painting, I pour a lot of my heart and soul into it, so am selective with what I choose to paint. This is to try to avoid burnout.
Q: Can I be informed when new art is available?
A: Yes, let me know via my contact form. I can add you to an email list and notify you when I have new art available. Expecting to be no more frequent than a monthly update.
Q: Are you a self-taught artist?
A: I did School Certificate art back in 1988. I have since had tuition from professional artists over the years (including with watercolours, oils, acrylics) but most of my artistic development has been experimental. Most intensively in the last decade, as creating art (even messy art) helped my mental health a lot. I am passionate about creative expression as therapy.
Q: Do you hold exhibitions?
A: I have had two solo exhibitions as part of a mental health project but I don't have plans to have further solo exhibitions at this stage. I occasionally take part in group exhibitions (less pressure and stress). I have been invited by an established, well-known professional artist to take part in an annual group exhibition so I intend to take up her offer, to exhibit in my home town of Taupo.
Q: What do you paint with and on?
A: After experimentation and practice, I prefer to paint with artist-grade acrylics on canvas. Canvas texture is visible in the fine art print reproductions.
Q: What is your painting style?
A: I will let the images of my art speak for themselves but others have described my art as having energy and movement, especially if I have the space and freedom to let loose with a larger piece. I like vibrant colour, even though I've learned to (mostly) tame this a little. From my perspective, I paint metaphor and symbolism. I often take inspiration from nature, especially birds and New Zealand scenery.
Taking risks to experiment with previous paintings, have resulted in much interest. Viewers could tell my paintings expressed mood and told a story. Sometimes, I can be wildly creative with my artistic experimentation.
I feel my upcoming collection (still a work in progress) is more polished and I envisage will focus on inspiration from nature. An established professional artist called my colour choices being a 'jewel painter' (as opposed to preferring earthy colours).
Q: Are your artworks originals?
A: Yes, my artworks are originals, painted by hand with real paint and brushes (not AI generated). The fine art prints are quality reproductions of original physical paintings, from a high-resolution photograph. I have a huge collection of my own photographs for reference pics if I need inspiration. This avoids copyright issues with other photographers and artists.
Q: Do you do digital art?
A: I have dabbled in digital artwork before, for a hobby. I've also previously digitally painted pet portraits when I had a pet care business. With the proliferation of AI these days, it can be hard to tell what is AI generated (with no creative input). Digital doesn't allow the same versality, uniqueness, intuitiveness and expressiveness as real paint. I prefer to paint with real paint rather than to push pixels around on a screen.
When I was discussing with a gallery owner about the possibility of a solo art exhibition, he said he wanted 'real' art, not digital. So, I focussed on creating raw, original art and had two solo exhibitions. There is no 'original' with digital art.
Q: Do you have an art studio?
A: My 'art studio' for the past decade has been my cramped rented bedroom. Hence, I usually paint in smaller to medium sizes.
Q: Will you have originals for sale?
A: Yes, I will have originals available to purchase from time to time. I am very reluctant to ship originals (as they are irreplaceable if get lost or damaged in transit). I am more likely to exhibit some original paintings in group exhibitions than to ship them.
Q: Do you have limited edition prints?
A: Until l am more established and in demand, I am offering open-edition prints. Limited edition prints are more expensive but I will offer them on selected paintings if there is a demand for them. Limited edition prints have only a small number prints, will be hand-signed and come with a certificate of authentity. The open edition prints are still printed with high quality paper and the exact same high quality pigment-based inks.
Q: What are giclee prints?
A: Fine art giclee prints are high-end photographic and print reproductions with large-format wide colour-gamut pigment-based ink-jet printers. A combination of 12 different ink colours can reproduce millions of colours (unattainable by home CMYK printers). With almost as many colours and detail as high end digital cameras can capture.
Using pigment-based inks (rather than dye-based inks) giclee print is achival quality and can last a lifetime (depending on storage/display conditions and paper used).
Q: Why don't you have lots of art on your website? Are you a full-time artist?
A: I have shared lots of my process (unrefined) art in the past on social media and I am now focussing on building a fresh collection of fine art. I have invested in a better camera for fine art prints. It takes me a while to create the originals and the print reproductions. I live with significant impairments from disabilities so don't have as high an output as some other artists.
I am moving from hobby artist to part-time, semi-professional in that I am now presenting art to a more polished standard, hoping to make a regular income from it but without the extra pressure of trying to make art my fulltime income (as I am prone to burnout).
It takes a lot of effort to make original art. I don't paint everyday, as I need time to recover. My intention is to create a sustainable art business so my artwork can be enjoyed in people's homes and perhaps workplaces for generations.
I am aiming to complete one original painting per month.
Q: Do you offer art tuition?
A: At this stage, I don't offer private or small group tuition (mainly due to lack of space and needing to conserve my energy levels). I do have some free demonstrations on my channel Soar Purpose on YouTube from time to time. I don't currently have an ideal set up to film (lack of space, mainly).
I have trademarked Soar Purpose to offer art instruction, so that is something I would like to do in the future (probably online).
Q: Do you have other creative interests?
A: Yes, I like photography and writing. Creative expression gives me purpose. Recently, I invested in a camera that takes sharper reference photos, both for enjoying photography but also for better quality images of my paintings.
In 2024, I was awarded a minor award in an international writing competition for my memoir. More about these interests plus my journey and books are on my international website and blog at www.soarpurpose.com.
I also have an art blog on this website.
If you have any other questions, please ask via the contact form.
A: Yes but only small prints A4 and under at the stated shipping prices (unless you are prepared to pay much higher shipping rates).
Q: What are your shipping rates?
A: For packaging and courier:
Within New Zealand = NZ$15 per order (all print sizes).
Australia = NZ$25 per order (small prints A4 and under only).
International (including USA, UK, Canada, Europe) = NZ$45 per order (small prints A4 and under only).
Shipping rates are much higher for anything larger than A4, so please enquire via the contact form if you are keen on a larger print (shipping may cost more than the print for anything over A4 size).
Q: Which countries do you ship to?
A: As a guide, small prints A4 and under can be shipped to countries where PayPal is available and most places internationally (including Australia, USA, UK, Canada). I can confirm if you wish to make an order.
Q: Will you have prints shipped from the USA or UK or Europe for cheaper shipping rates?
A: At this stage no, as I want to quality control check every artwork with a speciality printer within New Zealand that I trust. Plus, I don't want to make a tax nightmare for myself.
Q: Do your prices include GST?
A: I am a sole trader and currently not registered for GST, so the prices listed are what is paid (plus shipping).
Q: How long will it take to get my print?
A: I will place an order with my print supplier as soon as funds transfer through via PayPal.
Depending on how quick PayPal is, I expect your print will arrive within a week within New Zealand. Longer for overseas. There may be seasonal fluctionations with couriers.
Q: How do I pay for my art prints? Is it secure?
A: I use PayPal for secure transactions. You don't need a PayPal account to make payment - just sign in as a guest if you don't want to have a PayPal account by de-selecting the default option. They accept major debit and credit cards.
I do not take or retain any credit card or bank account information. Completing the payment side of the transaction is completely separate from me and this website.
Either use the online checkout option (New Zealand customers only) or send a request for an order with the contact form (New Zealand and international customers).
Q: I had trouble using the checkout. What do I do?
A: Contact me direct with the contact form and I will try sort something for you. If you have issues with the checkout option, or you prefer not to use the checkout, I can send a PayPal invoice via email.
Q: Do you offer a range of sizes and papers?
A: After doing some print tests, I have decided to offer prints on one paper type that complement the original paintings. This is a high quality, archival acid-free paper in 275gsm soft white, textured matte surface. I offer sizes that optimises the painting balanced with keeping things simple and affordable. All paintings will be offered in a small size. Some may be offered in a medium and/or large size (depending on the size of the original).
Q: Do your prints come in standard frame sizes and with a border?
A: I think, a border with textured paper suits most of the paintings best as the border resembles a mat which gives the art some breathing space. The square paintings look good without a border.
Although it comes down to personal preference. Prints for a given paper size costs the same, with a border or without. The image will be smaller with a border.
I choose a paper size that fits readily available standard frames, without cropping the artworks. The customer can have the border trimmed by a professional framer if they choose this option.
I also offer some print sizes without a border, in standard frame sizes. Note that borderless may make professional framing more difficult and some of the image at the edges will be covered by a mat or the frame.
Q: Do you print and package the art prints yourself?
A: No, I have a speciality, premium art printer take care of this, as it requires special equipment and expertise outside of my skillsets of being an artist and preparing the digital files for print. Art prints are shipped directly from my chosen fine art printing service, so there is no double-shipping.
Q: What if my art print gets lost or damaged in transit?
A: I will replace any art prints that get lost or damaged while in transit, so that you get your art print. The same with any prints that arrive with defects (please contact me with contact form ASAP as I will need a photo to be emailed).
Q: How do I care for my art print?
A: Your art print is archival quality with pigment-based inks . This means it will have superior quality and longevity than regular prints done with dye-based inks. To retain the vibrancy in your print, keep away from moisture and do not display in direct sunlight. A print behind glass will last longer than a print exposed to the open air. A fine art print can be treated with the same care as one would care for a watercolour painting.
Professional framers recommend that a mat or spacers are used to keep the glass from touching the art print.
Q: Do you offer prints on stretched canvas?
A: At this stage, no, due to limitations with sizes available plus the extra cost of materials, custom manufacturing and shipping. I may offer this as an option later in an A4 size, depending on the artwork. In my opinion, the premium paper suited my art best, plus there was more detail in the reproduction.
I will still need to test out the stretched canvas option to decide whether to offer it (shipping within New Zealand only).
If you are keen on canvas prints, please give feedback with the contact form. I can do a quote for a stretched canvas print and shipping individually.
Q: Do you do commissions?
A: No, I don't take commissions. When I do a painting, I pour a lot of my heart and soul into it, so am selective with what I choose to paint. This is to try to avoid burnout.
Q: Can I be informed when new art is available?
A: Yes, let me know via my contact form. I can add you to an email list and notify you when I have new art available. Expecting to be no more frequent than a monthly update.
Q: Are you a self-taught artist?
A: I did School Certificate art back in 1988. I have since had tuition from professional artists over the years (including with watercolours, oils, acrylics) but most of my artistic development has been experimental. Most intensively in the last decade, as creating art (even messy art) helped my mental health a lot. I am passionate about creative expression as therapy.
Q: Do you hold exhibitions?
A: I have had two solo exhibitions as part of a mental health project but I don't have plans to have further solo exhibitions at this stage. I occasionally take part in group exhibitions (less pressure and stress). I have been invited by an established, well-known professional artist to take part in an annual group exhibition so I intend to take up her offer, to exhibit in my home town of Taupo.
Q: What do you paint with and on?
A: After experimentation and practice, I prefer to paint with artist-grade acrylics on canvas. Canvas texture is visible in the fine art print reproductions.
Q: What is your painting style?
A: I will let the images of my art speak for themselves but others have described my art as having energy and movement, especially if I have the space and freedom to let loose with a larger piece. I like vibrant colour, even though I've learned to (mostly) tame this a little. From my perspective, I paint metaphor and symbolism. I often take inspiration from nature, especially birds and New Zealand scenery.
Taking risks to experiment with previous paintings, have resulted in much interest. Viewers could tell my paintings expressed mood and told a story. Sometimes, I can be wildly creative with my artistic experimentation.
I feel my upcoming collection (still a work in progress) is more polished and I envisage will focus on inspiration from nature. An established professional artist called my colour choices being a 'jewel painter' (as opposed to preferring earthy colours).
Q: Are your artworks originals?
A: Yes, my artworks are originals, painted by hand with real paint and brushes (not AI generated). The fine art prints are quality reproductions of original physical paintings, from a high-resolution photograph. I have a huge collection of my own photographs for reference pics if I need inspiration. This avoids copyright issues with other photographers and artists.
Q: Do you do digital art?
A: I have dabbled in digital artwork before, for a hobby. I've also previously digitally painted pet portraits when I had a pet care business. With the proliferation of AI these days, it can be hard to tell what is AI generated (with no creative input). Digital doesn't allow the same versality, uniqueness, intuitiveness and expressiveness as real paint. I prefer to paint with real paint rather than to push pixels around on a screen.
When I was discussing with a gallery owner about the possibility of a solo art exhibition, he said he wanted 'real' art, not digital. So, I focussed on creating raw, original art and had two solo exhibitions. There is no 'original' with digital art.
Q: Do you have an art studio?
A: My 'art studio' for the past decade has been my cramped rented bedroom. Hence, I usually paint in smaller to medium sizes.
Q: Will you have originals for sale?
A: Yes, I will have originals available to purchase from time to time. I am very reluctant to ship originals (as they are irreplaceable if get lost or damaged in transit). I am more likely to exhibit some original paintings in group exhibitions than to ship them.
Q: Do you have limited edition prints?
A: Until l am more established and in demand, I am offering open-edition prints. Limited edition prints are more expensive but I will offer them on selected paintings if there is a demand for them. Limited edition prints have only a small number prints, will be hand-signed and come with a certificate of authentity. The open edition prints are still printed with high quality paper and the exact same high quality pigment-based inks.
Q: What are giclee prints?
A: Fine art giclee prints are high-end photographic and print reproductions with large-format wide colour-gamut pigment-based ink-jet printers. A combination of 12 different ink colours can reproduce millions of colours (unattainable by home CMYK printers). With almost as many colours and detail as high end digital cameras can capture.
Using pigment-based inks (rather than dye-based inks) giclee print is achival quality and can last a lifetime (depending on storage/display conditions and paper used).
Q: Why don't you have lots of art on your website? Are you a full-time artist?
A: I have shared lots of my process (unrefined) art in the past on social media and I am now focussing on building a fresh collection of fine art. I have invested in a better camera for fine art prints. It takes me a while to create the originals and the print reproductions. I live with significant impairments from disabilities so don't have as high an output as some other artists.
I am moving from hobby artist to part-time, semi-professional in that I am now presenting art to a more polished standard, hoping to make a regular income from it but without the extra pressure of trying to make art my fulltime income (as I am prone to burnout).
It takes a lot of effort to make original art. I don't paint everyday, as I need time to recover. My intention is to create a sustainable art business so my artwork can be enjoyed in people's homes and perhaps workplaces for generations.
I am aiming to complete one original painting per month.
Q: Do you offer art tuition?
A: At this stage, I don't offer private or small group tuition (mainly due to lack of space and needing to conserve my energy levels). I do have some free demonstrations on my channel Soar Purpose on YouTube from time to time. I don't currently have an ideal set up to film (lack of space, mainly).
I have trademarked Soar Purpose to offer art instruction, so that is something I would like to do in the future (probably online).
Q: Do you have other creative interests?
A: Yes, I like photography and writing. Creative expression gives me purpose. Recently, I invested in a camera that takes sharper reference photos, both for enjoying photography but also for better quality images of my paintings.
In 2024, I was awarded a minor award in an international writing competition for my memoir. More about these interests plus my journey and books are on my international website and blog at www.soarpurpose.com.
I also have an art blog on this website.
If you have any other questions, please ask via the contact form.