Information and frequently asked questions
General questions
Where do you begin?
I normally begin by sketching out the broad shapes using French Ultramarine.
How do you know what colours to use?
This is by trial and error! The colours in Italy and France require a different palette to the cool one used for British scenes.
How do you choose your subject?
I have to feel a personal empathy with what I see and experience.
Sometimes it may something as simple as the play of light and shadow on various materials.
I love to play about with the patterns within a composition.
What are you looking for in a subject?
Depending on the subject I try to translate into paint the essence of its strength as I see it.
Do you work outdoors or take photographs?
I work outdoors besides in my studio.
In England the weather plays a major role on what I can achieve, whereas in somewhere like Venice, the weather is more conducive to working outdoors.
However because of light changes, you have to work quite quickly!
Besides sketches, I sometimes take photographs if it helps the structural aspect of the composition.
I might work them into the original composition done in situ.
Originals
Can I see the original with a view to purchase?
Originals can be viewed and purchased directly from Shirley. For a private viewing, please telephone and make an appointment.
What if I like a piece of work but cannot travel to Shirley’s studio?
There is no problem with buying an original on line. Costs of packaging and delivery would have to be negotiated.
Is it possible to pay in installments?
Yes, this is possible by arrangement with Shirley. Under these circumstances, the painting would remain in the possession of Shirley Goodsell until the full amount is paid.
Would I get advice on a suitable frame?
Shirley would be only too pleased to give advice on the matter of framing as her originals require the best quality frames.
Do I have to do anything to maintain the condition of the painting?
The paintings, particularly if they are oils, will have been varnished by Shirley herself prior to purchase. However all oil paintings will need a further varnish in the future. Shirley will be able to advise you on this matter.
Do I need to insure an original art work?
This is entirely the responsibility of the buyer.
Prints
Do the measurments include the mount?
Yes, all measurements are to the nearest half centimetre and include the mount.
Does the price include postage and packing?
Yes if delivery is within the UK. If the delivery is in the Cottingham, Hull, Beverley area we will deliver the item(s). If this is not feasible, we will post the item(s) to you and this is included in the stated cost.
How will my print be packaged?
Depending on the size of the print and the number of prints you have ordered, the prints will either be packaged in a hard backed, protective envelope or will be protected by card, bubble wrap and brown paper. Your prints should arrive at the stated destination in perfect condition.
What is the colour of the mount?
All our prints are mounted in cream acid-free mounts to ensure that they keep in good condition and look attractive in any setting.
How long will it take for my print to be delivered?
Orders placed on a Monday will normally take a week to process.
However, although Shirley will endeavour to meet all requests, there may be times when this is not possible e.g. difficulties arising via the Royal Mail; Shirley working away from home, etc.
Once you have placed and paid for your print on line, your print will be delivered to you as soon as possible.
However, overseas orders will vary according to postage rates.
For further information on this contact Shirley at her email address.
Can I pay in instalments?
The price has to be paid in full before the print is delivered.
The prints remain the property of Shirley Goodsell until paid for in full.
Is there any likelihood of the price of the prints changing?
Orders will be accepted on the understanding that prints will be charged on the prices ruling at the time of dispatch.
What happens if I receive a damaged print?
If the goods are found to be damaged prior to delivery to you, Shirley will at her option repair or replace.
However, any damaged goods must be notified and returned to Shirley Goodsell within seven working days of receipt of order.
If I place an order and then change my mind, can I have my money back?
If you cancel the contract you can receive a refund, provided that the delivered goods are complete with all relevant packaging in an unused and re-saleable condition.
You must return the goods to us at your cost and within 7 days of delivery, starting on the day after the day you receive the goods from Shirley.
How do I proceed to buy a print/prints?
Follow the instructions and add to shopping basket.
Commissions
How does Shirley begin a commission?
Depending on the subject I usually do sketches and paint the areas of the canvas thinly and in situ.
I then use fat paint and work up the painting in my studio.
Does the size of the painting affect the price charged?
The overall size of the painting does affect the price.
The price is usually adjusted to a scale of small, medium and large.
Do I have a choice in the size of the painting?
You do have a choice regarding the size of the painting.
However some subjects may require specific measurements but this can be negotiated.
Does the overall price include the cost of materials, transport, etc
The overall price will cover all the costs of artist’s materials.
However, depending if I have to travel beyond the East Riding, obviously transport and accommodation if required will have to be additional.
Again any extras beyond the usual service will have to be negotiated.
How do I pay for the commission?
It will be necessary to pay an initial down payment once the overall price has been agreed upon.
The rest of the money will be expected upon completion of the work.
You can pay in installments but the painting will remain the property of Shirley Goodsell until the final payment has been made.
Can I send photographs?
This is possible particularly if the client lives outside the East Riding.
However, this must be in consultation with the artist.
Sometimes the content of photographs is not what the artist is looking for!
How much notice must I give for the painting to be finished by a certain date?
It is best to contact Shirley well in advance, particularly as her work load is often very heavy.
Cards & Calendars
What are the cards like?
There are three different types of cards - Notelets, Shirley’s annual Christmas Card and mixed packs of previous popular Christmas Cards.
The size of the cards is 6 x 4 inches.
They are laminated in order to bring out the colour pigments in the original oil or watercolour paintings. All three types of cards are sold with envelopes in packs of 5.
What are the calendars like?
The calendar is designed as an appointments calendar with the weekend days highlighted. It measures 14cm x 45cm.
Each month shows a painting of Beverley and its surrounding area including Beverley Minster, depicting the appropriate season A few have a particular detail highlighted from an especially popular painting!
Great care has been taken to ensure the original colours of the paintings are not lost in the transfer from canvas to digital technology. Each calendar has a spiral hanging loop and an accompanying sturdy white envelope and would make an ideal Christmas gift!
How long will it take for my cards or calendars to be delivered?
Orders placed on a Monday will normally take a week to process. However, although Shirley will endeavour to meet all requests, there may be times when this is not possible e.g. difficulties arising via the Royal Mail!
Once you have placed and paid for your print on line, your print will be delivered to you as soon as possible. However, overseas orders will vary according to postage rates. For further information on this contact Shirley at her email address.
Can I pay in instalments?
The price has to be paid in full before the cards or calendars are delivered. The cards and calendars remain the property of Shirley Goodsell until paid for in full.
Is there any likelihood of the price of the cards or calendars changing?
Orders will be accepted on the understanding that the cards and calendars will be charged on the prices ruling at the time of dispatch.
What happens if I receive damaged cards or calendars?
If the goods are found to be damaged prior to delivery to you, Shirley will at her option replace. However, any damaged goods must be notified and returned to Shirley Goodsell within seven working days of receipt of order.
If I place an order then change my mind, can I have my money back?
If you cancel the contract you can receive a refund, provided that the delivered goods are complete with all relevant packaging in an unused and re-saleable condition. You must return the goods to us at your cost and within 7 days of delivery, starting on the day after the day you receive the goods from Shirley.
How do I proceed to buy cards and calendars?
Follow the instructions and add to shopping basket.