FAQs
Paintings
What medium are your original paintings?
I work in both water-based and oil-based mediums but most of my paintings are finished in oil. Some may have an underpainting in acrylic as a base layer. This will be described as mixed media and further details will usually be listed alongside each piece. I also use inks and watercolour for works on paper.
Are your paintings framed?
Most of my work is framed. Paintings on cradled wood usually have a contemporary handpainted wooden frame in a neutral colour. Details will be with each work. Paintings on canvas are framed in a contemporary wood frame in either limed wood or painted off-white.
Some paintings are unframed; many people prefer this more modern look and it means it can be shipped without costing you more. If you like the look of a frame you can choose your own when you have the painting in front of you – it’s easier to decide that way! A slimline box frame looks great on a board or canvas.
Please contact me if you would like bespoke advice or have any further questions – framing can be an art in itself!
Will my painting be ready to hang?
Yes, all paintings will come ready to hang. (with cord, wire or hanging straps) You just need to decide where!
Purchasing with a deposit
As the value of my work grows, I understand spreading the cost can be a helpful option. Please contact me to arrange. You can hold the painting with a 50% deposit. The balance can be paid in one further payments or 2 monthly payments of 25% each. This is an informal agreement made with trust; you understand that a deposit will secure your artwork and you will be required to pay the remaining balance.
This is not a credit scheme, but an arrangement on trust, at no extra cost to you. Usual shipping costs and return policy will apply.
Can I purchase your work with a different payment plan?
Yes, that can be arranged. For any work over £500 you can pay in instalments. Please send me a message and we can work out an arrangement that suits you. As soon as the final payment is made, your work will be shipped to you.
My favourite painting has sold – how can I be sure to know about new work?
Some pieces sell very quickly. Make sure you join my mailing list to find out about new work before it is added to the Shop. But, as I try not to bombard you with emails, you can also follow studio progress on Instagram or Facebook to see what work is coming up.
How will my painting be wrapped?
It depends on size, but paintings will be carefully packed using corner protection, bubble wrap and cardboard. Each one is unique so I take care that is well protected to arrive in perfect condition. For further details about delivery please see the Shipping details.
Do you do special commissions?
Currently I’m not taking on any new commissions, as I’m working on a new body of work. If you like my style, then one of those may be the one for you!
Prints
What is a monotype and how does this differ from a monoprint?
A monotype is a unique, one-off artist print made by painting or drawing directly onto a smooth surface, such as metal or plastic and then transferring the image to paper using pressure, typically through a printing press. This process cannot be repeated, so a monotype is a unique, original piece of art. A monoprint, on the other hand, involves a matrix (like an etched plate, woodblock or linocut) that can be inked and printed multiple times, but each print in the series will have variations due to differences in inking, pressure, or other manipulation.
What is a reproduction print and how is this made?
A high resolution photograph of the original artwork is taken and carefully colour adjusted to ensure the optimum colour match. These digitally reproduced giclee prints are made at a specialist printer using archival quality inks on a 100% cotton rag acid free paper. The print quality is so fine you can’t see the printed dots with the naked eye.
Why use the word ‘reproduction’ when most artists simply call them prints?
Because I also do hand-made fine art printmaking using traditional techniques such as monoprint, monotype and etching. I use the word reproduction to make the distinction – otherwise it could get confusing!
Do you make reproduction prints of many of your paintings?
No, I don’t in fact have any available at present but plan to make some available in the very near future. Certain monotype prints or paintings which I feel would work particularly well as reproductions will be selected to be made available as reproductions in autumn 2025.
Will my monoprint or reproduction be framed?
Because of the difficulty of shipping glass I don’t usually sell framed prints. If you are happy to collect from my studio in Cambridge I can arrange framing for you. Please email me at jill@jillogilvy.co.uk or add a message to your order. You could also look at eframe for ordering mounts and frames online.
How will my monoprint or reproduction be wrapped?
Pieces under 20 x 30 cm will be carefully packed flat. Larger artwork will be rolled and sent in an extra strong cardboard tube to make sure it reaches you in best condition. For further details about delivery please see the Shipping details.
