SAMANTHA BARNES STUDIO

Fine Art Dog Commissions & Dog Painting Collections · Studio Agreement

Every commission undertaken by Samantha Barnes is an original, expressive fine-art interpretation celebrating the presence, character, and domestic rhythm of your companion.

These terms set out the studio's working process, payment schedules, and mutual commitments clearly and transparently.

1. THE CREATIVE PROCESS & WORKING MATERIALS

Reference Materials & Character Studies: Samantha creates each portrait by exploring your dog's unique personality and form. Work is typically developed from a synthesis of materials—casual photographs showing natural expressions, lighting, and postures, often supported by studio sketches and breed studies. Where a client has one standout, beloved photograph, this can also serve as the primary inspiration while still being translated through Samantha's distinctive painterly eye.

Compositional Drawing & Agreed Pose: Following review of reference materials and initial studies, Samantha prepares preliminary line drawings establishing the composition, character posture, and layout. This agreed drawn composition serves as the confirmed artistic foundation before canvas work begins.

In-Progress Communication: Samantha maintains contact with you across the development of the canvas, sharing studio updates at a minimum of two distinct painting stages prior to final completion to keep you closely connected to the artwork's evolution.

2. BOOKING, DEPOSITS & CASHFLOW STRUCTURE

50% Non-Refundable Booking Deposit: Once the drawn composition and pose are agreed between client and artist, the non-refundable 50% booking deposit becomes due. Receipt of this deposit formally secures your allocated seasonal cohort slot and initiates dedicated canvas production.

Allocation of Funds: The deposit compensates the studio for reserved easel time, bespoke canvas preparation, preliminary charcoal studies, reference analysis, and administrative consultation. It guarantees that other commissions are turned away during your allocated window.

Final 50% Balance: The remaining balance (including any agreed framing or tracked, insured delivery costs)is invoiced upon final completion and visual sign-off, prior to collection or dispatch.

3. REVIEW, REFINEMENTS & NON-APPROVAL

Completion Preview: Upon completion, plenty of clear studio photographs in natural daylight, along with video footage, are shared with you for your review.

Included Refinements: One round of subtle character refinements (such as glints of light in the eyes, soft shifts in tone, or minor distinctive markings) is included to ensure the piece reflects your dog faithfully.

Non-Approval Protocol: In the rare circumstance that a client chooses not to approve the completed piece, the 50% booking deposit remains non-refundable to cover studio labour and materials. Samantha Barnes retains full physical ownership and title to the canvas(es), retaining the right to exhibit, rework, or release the artwork for public acquisition.

DELIVERY, COPYRIGHT & REPRODUCTION RIGHTS

Dispatch & Packaging: Finished artworks are cured, varnished, and securely packaged by the artist before dispatch via a tracked and insured delivery service, or prepared for studio collection by prior arrangement.

Copyright Law: In accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Samantha Barnes retains all copyright and reproduction rights to the artwork. The client owns the physical piece for private residential enjoyment. No commercial reproduction, resale as prints, or digital monetisation is permitted without written consent.

Acceptance of Terms: Formal electronic signatures are not required. Payment of the 50% booking deposit invoice constitutes full and binding acceptance of these Studio Terms & Conditions.

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If you have any questions about the commission process, framing advice, or special delivery requests, please feel free to reach out anytime at info@samanthabarnes.co.uk