These terms apply when you browse this website or commission a portrait from Jerry Smith Fine Arts, the portrait studio of Jerry Smith in California. By booking a commission, you agree to them.
Commissions and booking
Each commission is an original portrait in oil on canvas, painted by hand from your photographs. You book by choosing a size and paying a 50% deposit. Your booking is confirmed when payment is approved and you receive a confirmation email; I’ll then be in touch to talk through the details.
Prices are for one subject; framing is not included. Portraits with more people, or other special requests, are quoted separately, and if anything changes the price I’ll confirm it with you before work begins. I reserve the right to decline or cancel a commission, with a full refund, if it isn’t something I can paint or a pricing error appears on the site.
Reference photographs
You provide the photographs I paint from. By sending them, you confirm you have the right to use them for this purpose. The clearer and better lit the photograph, the better the portrait; I’m glad to advise on choosing or taking one.
Timing
Please allow at least 30 days from when we’ve agreed the details and I have your photographs. Completion dates are estimates; I’ll keep you informed if anything changes.
Prices and payment
- Prices are listed in US dollars.
- A 50% deposit is paid when you book. The remaining 50% is due when the portrait is finished, before delivery, and I’ll send you a secure payment link.
- Payments are processed securely by Stripe; your full card details are handled by Stripe and are never stored on this website.
Delivery
We’ll arrange delivery or collection together when the portrait is finished. Any shipping cost is agreed with you beforehand. Oil paint needs time to cure, so I’ll include care instructions with your painting.
Changes, cancellations and refunds
I’ll share the painting with you before it’s finished so small adjustments can be made. If you cancel before I begin painting, your deposit is refunded in full. Once painting has begun, the deposit is non-refundable, because it covers the time and materials already committed. If I’m unable to complete your portrait, I’ll refund your deposit in full.
Because each portrait is made for you, finished and approved portraits can’t be returned for a change of mind. If your portrait arrives damaged, please reach me through the contact form within 30 days of delivery, with a photo, and I’ll make it right.
Copyright
All paintings, photographs and text on this site are © Jerry Smith. Commissioning a portrait gives you the original painting; it doesn’t transfer copyright or permission to reproduce or sell the image. I may photograph finished portraits to show on this site and elsewhere; just let me know if you’d prefer yours kept private.
Changes to these terms
I may update these terms from time to time. The version posted here when you book applies to your commission.
Questions
If you have any questions about a commission or these terms, please use the contact form. These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California.
Last updated: October 22, 2026