Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can I Purchase Artwork on this Site?
Simply add the artwork or homeware gifts to your basket and add your delivery and payment details.
The online shop is powered by Woocommerce. Paypal or Woocommerce process payments using their secure servers. You can pay by debit and credit cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay. You can use Paypal without a Paypal account. I will not have access to your account or payment card details. You must pay in full before artwork is released for delivery or collection.
Why do you donate some of the art price to animal welfare charities?
This reflects my concern for animal welfare issues. I am pleased to support valuable wildlife conservation and animal care projects through sales of my animal art and homeware gifts. You get some original and colourful artwork at an affordable price, the relevant charity gets a donation – win, win!
In 2022/23 I will donate 10% of every sale to Wildlife Vets International via Work for Good.
How can I commission an Animal Painting?
The Artist and Buyer will agree on issues such as number of pets to be included, size, colours, format (e.g. artist quality watercolour paper/box canvas), delivery/collection, timescales and price. The Buyer will provide good quality photos of their favourite animal(s) or pet(s) and pay a 50% non-returnable deposit through my website. The Artist will email regular progress updates and photos to the Buyer.
Once the Buyer has approved the completed painting, the outstanding balance will be paid. The painting will then be delivered to the Buyer or collected from the Artist at a mutually convenient time. No refunds are due on these custom items, unless damage occurs during delivery.
How much are Delivery charges?
UK delivery is free.
Delivery charges for USA, Canada and Australia are shown on the Delivery Information page and will be added to your online purchase.
For higher value items, the Artist uses tracked postal services. You will be expected to accept delivery of the artwork and sign for it if required.
European Customers – From 1st July 2021 changes to the VAT and Customs collection systems for the EU mean that unfortunately I will no longer be able to ship orders to EU countries from this website. However, you can still place orders from my exclusive ranges in my Redbubble shop and my Contrado shop . Please let me know if you need any assistance with this.
Some countries may be excluded from International delivery from time to time due to external factors. Please enquire if your country isn’t listed.
Can I collect my artwork?
You may collect your artwork from the Artist instead of paying for delivery, but you must pre-arrange a suitable date and time as the studio is not open to the public. Please ask about this BEFORE you pay. If you decide after payment that you would like to collect from the Artist, delivery charges will be refunded, less any Paypal and Credit Card charges incurred by the Artist, unless there was no delivery charge to you.
I will advise you about Covid-secure measures that will be in place.
How will my artwork be packaged?
All artwork is carefully packaged to avoid damage in transit. Recycled packaging materials are used wherever possible. Original paintings are sent by insured services that include tracking and a signature on arrival. Prints will usually only be sent by this method where the cost exceeds £20.00, but a Certificate of Posting will be obtained.
When will I receive my art or gifts?
Original artworks and prints ordered from this website will usually be sent within 3 working days (often more quickly). Art commissions and pet portraits will generally take 4 to 6 weeks to complete, but a shorter timescale may be agreed. Please advise if you need the items more urgently and I will try to assist.
Homeware gifts will be made to order by my talented UK printer and sent to you within 3 to 5 days.
The Artist is not responsible for postage delays once the artwork has been posted but will hold insurance or Certificates of Posting as indicated above.
Can I order art and gifts from outside the UK?
International Orders from outside of the UK may be liable for import duties, which the Buyer is personally responsible for paying. You should check with the relevant customs authorities in your country if you are unsure about import duties for artworks arriving in your country. The Artist may remove glass from frames to prevent the risk of damage and injury. You may find it more cost-effective to request unframed works, particularly for larger paintings (the price will be adjusted, so please ask before you order).
What is your Refund Policy?
You must inspect your purchase immediately upon receipt. You must notify me within 48 hours of delivery if the Goods are damaged or faulty, and provide photos of any damage as appropriate. You will be deemed to have fully accepted the order if you fail to notify me or return the Goods within 14 days of receipt.
If your purchase is damaged or defective on receipt, the Buyer can return it to the Artist for a full refund. Your refund will include original delivery costs, plus the postal cost of returning it by insured delivery.
Changing Your Mind – In addition to any other statutory rights, you have the right as a Consumer to change your mind about your purchase and receive a refund by informing me in writing or by email within 14 days of receipt of the items (this does not apply to custom orders e.g. pet portraits).
When any items are returned you must inform me that you are returning them and return the goods within a further 14 days. In this instance, items must be returned to the Artist at the Buyer’s own expense. They should be carefully packaged in the original packaging or similar and sent by insured delivery. You will receive a full refund of all monies paid for the items (less the return delivery charges) within 30 days of cancellation. If the item is not returned in its original saleable condition, Buyers are responsible for any loss in value.
Gifts – Please note that refunds are usually only made to the person who originally purchased the item(s).
However, if an item was marked as a gift and sent directly to you, you will be issued with a gift credit for the value of the purchase, once the items(s) have been returned.
Extended Refund Policy for Christmas period – when you buy original paintings through this website in November and December each year, the refund period for changing your mind is extended to 15th January of the following year. Simply inform the Artist in writing by 5th January, and return the goods by 15th January, packaged as outlined in “Changing Your Mind” above.
Is VAT added to purchases?
Caroline Skinner Art is a one-woman art business in the UK, and not VAT-registered. No VAT is therefore payable. I am however registered with the HMRC for income tax purposes.
Who holds the Copyright to purchased artwork?
When you buy a piece of artwork, you purchase the painting, print, gift etc itself. The Artist retains Copyright ownership and all reproduction rights for all artworks. You may not reproduce or copy art images in any format without the express written permission of the Artist.
This can increase the value of original paintings – whilst others may have prints, there will only ever be one original!
If you would like to purchase the Copyright for an original painting, please ask for details.
Where can I see more of your artwork?
My online shops are open 24 hours a day, including this website.
Some of my animal art can be bought on tote bags, t-shirts, stationery, phone and tablet cases at Redbubble.
Accent chairs, footstools, designer director’s chairs, folding stools, lamps and lampshades, leather handbags and jigsaws featuring my colourful animal art can be found in my Contrado shop.
Some small artworks and passport covers can be found in my Etsy shop.
See each of these websites for terms and delivery information.
Check the Exhibitions page for details of where to see my animal art in the real world. If you are making a special journey to see a specific painting, please let me know so that I can make sure it is on display.
Sign up for news of the latest animal art and gift collections, plus special offers for my followers.
Delivery Times
I usually send out paintings and prints within 3 working days. Paintings will be sent by courier and will require a signature on arrival.
My specialist UK printer is not currently experiencing any delays in producing items to order. When you order coasters, mugs, placemats, chopping boards and cushions, your order will be made especially for you and usually sent within 3 – 5 business days.
I will inform you of any delays to the postal situation when you order from me, and give you the option of cancelling your order if you would prefer not to wait.
Do you have other questions?
I’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here, but if you would like more information on anything, please ask.