Legal & policies

Policies &
terms

Please read these policies before placing a commission or making a purchase. If anything is unclear, the FAQ may help — or feel free to get in touch.

Last updated: June 2026

Commission terms

By placing a commission enquiry and paying a deposit, you agree to the following terms.

Deposit & payment

A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the agreed commission price is required to secure your place in the schedule. Work will not begin until the deposit has been received. The remaining balance is due before the completed painting is dispatched. Accepted payment methods are bank transfer (Australia) and PayPal (international).

Reference photographs

You are responsible for providing clear, high-quality reference photographs. The quality of the finished painting is heavily influenced by the quality of the reference material. If your favourite image isn’t perfect, additional supporting images may be requested to ensure accurate detail and expression.

Revisions

Commission direction is carefully established during consultation before work begins. For interpretive commissions, minor adjustments may be possible during early stages where appropriate. Due to the layered and permanent nature of watercolour, changes to realistic pet portraits are generally not possible once painting has commenced. Significant changes requested after work has begun may incur additional fees. For interpretive commissions, creative trust is an essential part of the process.

Cancellations

The 50% booking deposit is non-refundable once your commission has been confirmed, as this reserves studio time and planning. If you wish to cancel a commission after the deposit has been paid, the deposit is forfeited. If the painting is already complete or substantially complete at the time of cancellation, the full balance remains payable. Completed custom artworks are non-refundable. Refund considerations outside of these terms remain at the artist’s discretion.

Timeframes

Most commissions are completed within 2–6 weeks, depending on the artwork style, size, and current studio workload. Estimated completion timeframes are provided in good faith and are not guaranteed. Delays may occur due to illness, unforeseen circumstances, or the demands of the work itself. I will communicate any significant delays as soon as possible. If a piece is required by a specific date, please mention this when enquiring. Skip the queue fees may be applicable, and subject to availablity.

Creative Interpretation

Interpretive commissions are created through an intuitive artistic process. While consultation establishes overall direction, final composition, mark-making, and artistic interpretation remain at the artist's discretion.

Original Works & Print Availability

Original works and limited edition prints are sold subject to availability. Once sold, original artworks cannot be replicated. Limited edition print quantities will be specified at release.

Refund policy

Because each commission is a unique, handmade work created specifically for you, refunds are not available once work has begun. Please read the following carefully before placing an order.

Commissions

The deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances. Refunds will not be issued for completed commissions that have been dispatched and received.

Original paintings

Original paintings purchased from the shop are non-refundable unless the work arrives damaged. In the event of damage in transit, please contact me within 48 hours of receipt with photographs of the damage and the packaging. I will arrange a replacement or refund at my discretion.

Prints

Prints are non-refundable unless they arrive damaged or there is a production defect. Please contact me within 48 hours of receipt with photographs. I will arrange a replacement print at no additional cost.

Lost or undelivered orders

I am not responsible for orders lost or delayed by postal services once they have been dispatched. I will provide tracking information where available and will assist in lodging a claim with the carrier, but I cannot guarantee outcomes. For high-value commissions, I strongly recommend requesting registered or insured postage.

Shipping policy

All works are dispatched from Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Packaging

Original paintings are packaged flat between acid-free tissue and rigid board, then placed in a reinforced postal box. Prints are shipped flat or rolled in a protective tube depending on size. I take packaging seriously — the work must arrive in the same condition it left the studio.

Domestic shipping (Australia)

Standard shipping within Australia is included in the price for original commissions. For shop purchases, free standard shipping applies to orders over $150 AUD. Orders under $150 AUD incur a flat shipping fee, confirmed at checkout. Express options are available on request.

International shipping

I ship to most countries worldwide. International shipping costs are calculated based on destination and package weight, and are added to the final invoice before dispatch. Estimated delivery times vary by destination — typically one to three weeks for standard international post, though delays can occur.

Customs & import duties

International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or import fees levied by their country. These charges are outside my control and are not included in the shipping cost. I declare all shipments accurately and will not falsify customs documentation.

Tracking

Tracking information is provided where available. I will send you the tracking number as soon as your order has been dispatched.

Privacy

I take your privacy seriously. This section explains what information I collect and how it is used.

Information collected

When you submit a commission enquiry or join the studio list, I collect your name and email address, and any additional information you choose to provide. This information is used solely to communicate with you about your enquiry or to send studio list emails.

Third parties

I do not sell, share, or rent your personal information to third parties. Payment processing is handled by PayPal or direct bank transfer — I do not store payment details.

Studio list

If you join the studio list, you will receive occasional emails about commission openings, new works, and studio notes. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email, or by contacting me directly.

Contact

If you have any questions about how your information is handled, please get in touch via the commission enquiry form.

These policies were last updated in June 2026 and apply to all orders and commissions placed from that date. Victoria Lyn Artist reserves the right to update these policies at any time. Continued use of this website constitutes acceptance of the current policies.

Ready to commission a portrait?

Enquiries are always welcome. I'll be in touch within a few days to discuss your project.