Drawing Commission FAQs
Please read through the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS below.
I know that commissioning an artwork can be daunting, so I have compiled some information to get you started and guide you on your way.
Click on a heading below to display more info.
Do to hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need clarification.
Ordering Process
STEP 1
Select a suitable reference photo for your portrait. I am a professional photograher too – inquire if you need help.
You can view a few tips and pointers by clicking the button below.
STEP 2
View the Estimate List on my website or request a price list to determine the size and medium (e.g. mini portraits, coloured pencil or graphite pencil) you would like to order.
Click button below.
STEP 3
Then request a formal quote based on your specifications.
When you accept the quote, I will get back to you with the Service Agreement and Invoice for payment of the deposit.
STEP 4
Your completed Service Agreement and Proof of Payment of the deposit secure your spot on the commission waiting list. NO EXCEPTION.
Upload any outstanding Photographs. You are BOOKED!
You will receive a custom, one-of-a-kind piece of art – created especially for you. I offer a friendly, professional service with professional advice and ideas for your artwork. Each artwork is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity as well as care instructions to maximise the life of your portrait.
Depending on the medium you have chosen; you will receive the following:
Coloured Pencil Artwork
Coloured Pencil Portraits are sketched on 100% cotton watercolour paper, pastel mat or drafting film and sold unframed.
(Framing can be arranged at an additional fee.)
I only use the highest-quality drawing surfaces from France and Italy and the finest-quality German and Swiss-made coloured and graphite pencils. If cared for properly, your artwork will withstand the test of time. My coloured and graphite pencil portrait style is highly detailed and realistic to obtain the best possible likeness of my subject.
Graphite Pencil Artwork
Graphite Pencil Portraits are sketched on 100% cotton watercolour paper or specialised dry media paper and sold unframed.
(Framing can be arranged at an additional fee.)
The ideal size for your painting will be determined by the number of subjects and the amount of detail. You can view a paper and portrait size comparison chart via the link below:
Size Comparison
Deposit
YES, I require a 25% non-refundable deposit AND a signed Service Agreement in order to confirm your spot in the commission waiting list. You are welcome to inquire about my interest-free payment terms to pay off your artwork over a longer period of time. (T&C apply)
Standard Payment Terms
A 25% non-refundable deposit AND a signed service agreement is required to reserve your spot on the commission list. A second 25% instalment is due before I begin your portrait. I will only start once at least 50% of the quoted amount is received. You will be notified a few days in advance.
Once the artwork is complete, the remaining balance must be paid in full BEFORE framing (if sold framed) or shipping (if sold unframed).
For sure yes!
Payment Plans
I do offer INTEREST FREE payment plans of up to 5-months. You are welcome to get in touch with me regarding the different payment options. (Payment plans are only available to clients paying via EFT.) I will however only start with your painting once 50% of the quoted amount has been paid. (Studio T&C will apply.)
The lead time will largely depend on the length of my commission list at the time of your booking, as I normally have a waiting list in place. A target completion date will be discussed at the time of making your booking. My waiting list typically spans a few weeks to a few months. Due to the above, I might not be able to start with your artwork immediately upon booking. So if you need the portrait completed urgently or by a certain date, please communicate that early during the inquiry process; I will do my best to accommodate.
The actual production time usually takes 1-5 days for smaller artworks and up to 4 weeks for large artworks. This will depend on the size of the artwork, the amount of detail and the art medium; e.g. a large, detailed coloured pencil sketch can easily take 100 hours or more to complete. I take pride in what I do, and I do not rush artwork – I want to give your artwork the love and attention it needs and deserves.
The above-mentioned time frame does not include framing and shipping times.
PLEASE NOTE: Framing (Standard Frame) Requires an additional two weeks from completion for framing and the Artisan frame an additional 3 working days.
Coloured pencil work are VERY time consuming and rush orders are not always possible. If you need the artwork urgently, e.g. as a gift by a specific date, please let me know before booking, so that I can confirm if I will be able to assist within a short time frame. I am more than happy to try and squeeze you in if possible. In case of a tight deadline and the fact that I often have a commission waiting list, a gift voucher is a wonderful way to meet your tight deadline while giving the recipient the joy of choosing their favourite pet photo for their portrait.
When you purchase a voucher, it automatically secures a spot for the recipient on my commission list.
RUSH ORDER FEE: If you need your portrait sooner than my current turnaround time, a rush order fee will apply. The cost will depend on the complexity of the piece and the urgency. Please get in touch to discuss timeframes and fees.
PLEASE NOTE: Framing (Classic Frame) Requires an additional two weeks from completion for framing.
Most definitely!
I offer a few different framing options for coloured pencil and graphite pencil artworks to my clients. Framing is outsourced to a professional framer to ensure the best presentation and longevity of the artwork. Please be advised that framing can take up to 14 days.
The Client has the option to choose between standard portrait glass or investing in Artglass (Gallery Standard) glass for incredible clarity (no reflections) and UV protection.
Check out the framing options via the link below:
Professional Framing Options
Yes, I do paint from photographs.
Yes, I can combine multiple photographs into a painting IF PRACTICALLY POSSIBLE. You are welcome to EMAIL me the photographs together with an explanation of what you have in mind. If I have to combine a few photos to create a multisubject composition, please choose photos that ‘fits’ naturally together. These photos should be taken from the same angle, height, etc., so that they look realistic when combined.
You can read more below about the quality and type of photographs required and view more examples:
Photo Quality & Tips
I need good quality photographs to work from. Preferably high resolution that will enable me to ‘zoom in’ to see finer detail. Try to obtain the clearest images you can. I can only paint the detail that I can see, so the more detail I can see, the more detail will be in your portrait! The better the quality of the photo, the more realistic I can make your drawing. It is very difficult to work from blurry, dark or grainy photos – that means that I do not have a proper reference and have to guess what I think I see.
I know it is not always possible, especially if the subject is deceased – in that case, please email me whatever you have.
Please note that compiling a painting from multiple photos or working from poor-quality photos might incur an additional cost.
If photographs need to be combined in a painting, kindly send me individual photos where everyone is in the same pose e.g. either all standing or sitting, photograph from the same height and angle. Please provide me with photos where I can see the actual height and size differences between subjects.
PLEASE NOTE: I may have to turn down the commission if a useable quality photo cannot be provided.
You can read more below about the quality of the photographs required:
Photo Quality & Tips
I know that sometimes the photo options might be limited, e.g. if you want a surprise gift made or a commemorative portrait of a deceased pet.
If your photos do not comply with the above, do not stress! Please email me the best quality photographs that you do have (before placing your order) and we will discuss the options from there. Please note that compiling an artwork from multiple photos or working from poor-quality photos might incur an additional cost.
If you prefer your pet portrait in soft pastels rather than coloured pencil, it can be arranged. Please get in touch to obtain a quote.
OIL PAINTINGS: I am not taking on any oil painting orders. My apologies for any inconvenience caused.
WATERCOLOUR PAINTINGS: From August 2025, I am not taking on any new Watercolour Clients.
What this means for you: If you’ve been issued a voucher for a watercolour portrait, please don’t worry—you’re still most welcome to get in touch to redeem it. If you’re a previous client who’s had a watercolour portrait created and would like to add to your collection, I’d love to hear from you too.
My sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused. This wasn’t an easy decision—my watercolours and people portraits have been close to my heart—but I feel drawn to invest more time and love into capturing the soulful charm of pets through pencil work.
Most definitely YES, Gift Vouchers/Gift Certificates are available for purchase.
Because I often have a commission waiting list, a gift voucher is a wonderful way to meet a tight deadline while giving the recipient the joy of choosing their favourite pet photo for their portrait.
When you purchase a voucher, it automatically secures a spot for the recipient on my commission list. Vouchers can be sent to you by email, couriered in a simple envelope, or beautifully presented in a gift-wrapped box. All you need to do is choose the portrait size you’d like to gift and let me know how you’d like the voucher delivered: once you’ve decided, simply send me the details, and I’ll handle everything from there.
Full payment is required on all Gift Vouchers. Courier delivery fees will apply to delivering a physical Gift Voucher. Vouchers are available to the value of any amount from R1500 upwards. The recipient of the Voucher has the option of paying for a larger size portrait when they book their portrait. My Gift Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash or any other service or products. Vouchers are non-refundable or transferable.
YES, most definitely! Currently, I do not ship to the EU due to packaging and registration laws. Shipping of unframed artwork to the USA, UK, UAE, Canada & Australia can be arranged. International shipping needs to be quoted based on the size of your artwork.
International card payments via Payfast or Yoco with a card/credit card if you do not have a South African bank account. Please request a link when making your booking. Card Payments require FULL payment due to the high service charges.
The artwork charge will be quoted in South African Rands (ZAR). The currency conversion will be done at your bank’s currency conversion rate at the time of making your payment.
The Client will be responsible for import duties, taxes, or any additional charges that might be levied by your country. It is advised that you check your country’s regulations.
Yes, you do.
Once I have received your deposit and signed the commission agreement, you will be put on my commission list. When you reach the top of the commission list I will start by sketching out your painting/drawing and send you a photo for approval. Once approved, I will start the coloured pencil/graphite pencil work and notify you upon completion with a photo of the completed painting(s).
Once you are on the waiting list, please do not be alarmed if you do not hear from me on a daily or weekly basis – I am motoring through the commission queue to start with your artwork as soon as possible. You will be informed 48 hours prior to when I am ready to start working on your commission.
I do NOT send progress photos to clients during the drawing and painting process: all artworks go through “ugly stages” where it would not make sense to anybody except the artist. Therefore I do not send progress photos, I prefer to ‘WOW” a client with the completed artwork. I do often record ‘behind the scenes’ videos and photos of the creation process and to share on social media after the artwork has been gifted.
I aim to capture your pet’s likeness and personality as best as possible and mos accurate way. If you’re not entirely satisfied, minor adjustments can be made. Requesting a complete redraw of a new piece will be charged accordingly. Watercolour paper (which I use for coloured pencil work) is very fragile and cannot handle heavy erasing. Since coloured pencil work is not easily erased, please share any ideas or changes you’d like before I begin. Once the colours and details are added, making adjustments can be very difficult….in most cases, I would need to start over, from scratch. I work meticulously carefully to ensure accuracy; therefore only one (1) MINOR adjustments can be requested, but due to the nature of the medium it is not always possible. The Artist however reserves the right to deny any changes if not practically possible to apply the requested change, if it will change the aesthetics of the painting, will negatively impact the style of the Artist, etc. Any additional changes, Major redraws (subject to the Artist’s discretion) or bigger changes will be charged separately and according to the complexity. Changes will be quoted accordingly. Any additional changes requested (apart from the above-mentioned one (1) MINOR change) will extend the lead time of the artwork if the artist agrees to the changes.
For sure, I can! Nation wide delivery available. I have a selection of courier partners that I use regularly.
Collection can be arranged in person or via your own courier/Uber in Nigel, East Rand during office hours. Alternatively, I would be happy to send your painting to you afterwards. The courier fees will be added to your final invoice once the painting is completed. Courier fees are to be quoted. Your artwork will be packaged securely.
Courier delivery takes 1-5 business days within the borders of South Africa, depending on the delivery destination.
Please view the Refund & Return Policy via the link below.
Yes, I can. Kindly Request a bespoke Quotation. The price will depend on the size of the artwork, the amount of detail, the number of subjects, etc.
Once your final payment is made, the physical artwork becomes your property to keep or gift as you wish. However, copyright and reproduction rights remain with me unless agreed otherwise in writing.
The artist, Celia van Niekerk, retains all copyright of the finished artwork. The finished artwork may be used by the client (you) for display and personal enjoyment only. No prints or copies shall be made, or profit gained in any way, from the finished artwork by the Client (you), without the express written permission of the artist (Celia van Niekerk). The artist retains the right to use the image for advertising artistic services, through printed adverts (e.g. flyers, portfolio books) and digital media or social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Website, etc.) The Client is not permitted to make any changes to the original artwork, e.g. drawing or painting on the artwork. Digital artwork (photos of your completed artwork) can be used for personal use only and not for reselling purposes. You may not create prints or copies without my written consent. When posting artwork on Social Media, the Client is obligated to tag or mention the Artist.
If you require Artwork for commercial use, kindly contact the Artist for Art Licensing options.
If the portrait is a gift, I will not share images publicly until the gift has been received.