Genuine European Portraits

What size will my drawing be?

Your original hand drawn portrait comes in two standard sizes:

  - 16 x 19’’ for the individual framed portrait
  - 19 x 23’’ for the 2-5 face framed portrait

Your portrait is delivered framed and ready to hang. This image will give you an idea of the actual size.

How do I choose a photo?

The easiest rule of thumb is that THE BETTER WE SEE THE COLOUR OF BOTH EYES, the better the drawing will be. The image should be as sharp as possible. Remember that what our Portrait Artists don’t see, they have to imagine or invent. Please only give us one photo per face you want drawn - your choice is undoubtedly better than ours!

Can I order my portrait online?

Of course, and it's really quick and easy! Click HERE and just follow the 3 simple steps.

How can I send Gift Portraits?

Many of our customers have realised that a portrait is a really original, personal and thoughtful gift. You can order and give us the shipping address of the person you'd like to send the gift portrait to. We'll ship it straight to them, without any reference to the price.

You can also pick from eight options if you'd prefer to get a Gift Card and let them choose their own photo for the drawing. It's also a great option if you want to give something personal even at the last minute.

Is it safe to pay online?

We're PayPal verified so your payment is secure. You can use any credit card or even your PayPal account if you prefer.

What are the portrait prices?

You'll find the prices HERE. Please click on the US$ or UK£ link for your prices.

How will I receive my portrait?

After being drawn and framed, your portrait is delivered right to your doorstep. Courier delivery by UPS in the US and Canada (S&H is $29.40) or via Fedex in the UK and European Community (S&H is £19.40).  For shipping and handling charges to other countries, please ask us and we'll get a quote from the courier company.

Can the artists draw a portrait of my pet?

They certainly can! Also portraits of pets with their owners, brides with their cats, graduates with their parrots…  Click on Imagine Your Portrait for portrait ideas but you probably have quite a few of your own!

Can I have a group portrait drawn from separate photos?

Sure, the artist can draw one portrait of various people (or animals!) based on their individual photos.

Do you draw group portraits of more than 5 faces?

Now that's probably the only thing we can't say yes to because we really don't want to disappoint you.  We draw up to 5 faces in a portrait as in our 14 years' experience, larger group portraits don't come out very well. You could try to separate larger groups by, for example, boys/girls, her side of the family/mine, people who sent a birthday card last year/those who didn't, etc.

Can I request the same artist who drew my last portrait?

Yes and in fact, they're always really flattered! Include the Portrait Artist's name in your order.

Will my photograph be returned?

Most definitely! Your photos are always returned with your portrait. However, please don’t mail us your only print of a very special photograph. We do take the utmost care but there's the remote possibility they might be mislaid or bent on the way.

Can I choose from a range of frames?

Your portrait is delivered ready to hang in our standard frame (see picture above). We have to leave the infinite framing options to the experts on framing, we're only experts on drawing! Streamlining our other costs with standard procedures also assures you a great price for your original hand-drawn portrait.

Can you draw from copyrighted photographs (professionally taken)?

Yes we can, but please get verbal authorisation from the owner of the copyright (the photographer) giving us, Genuine European Portraits, permission to draw from the photograph.

What if I'm not totally satisfied with my drawing?

It rarely happens but not to worry, we take our guarantee very seriously and always honour it. Simply e-mail us at customercare@portraits.org

And if I'm thrilled with my drawing?

PLEASE TELL EVERYONE!  Give us a hand by spreading the word to your family, friends and colleagues. And please share your comments HERE, we'd love to hear from you!

Where do I report spelling mistakes? (bonus FAQ for reading all the way to the end!)

Ali (who is British) will no doubt enter into a lively and entertaining discussion with you on American vs. British spelling. If you're a bit pressed for time though, just smile and put it down to European eccentricity. After all, it's a superb quality portrait you're here for and art is a universal language!