I have tried to put together information that will be helpful. If there are other questions, please feel free to drop me an email and I will be happy to answer your question.

1. How do I buy a painting?
I accept checks, cash, and credit cards through PayPal. One does not need to be a PayPal user in order to submit a payment using a credit card with PayPal. One can buy a painting off of my website, from my studio in Cambridge or by sending me an email. When you send me an email, I will send you a PayPal invoice with the details of the sale.

One can also notify me by email or phone and mail me a check. I will mark the painting as sold. Checks can be sent to:
MaryAnn Cleary
Spirit River Studio
PO Box 551
Cambridge, MN  55008

phone: 763.552.8650
email: maryann@maryanncleary.com

I also have a ten day guarantee! If for any reason after receiving the painting, you are not happy with it I will fully refund the purchase price less any shipping costs associated with it. The painting will need to be returned in the original condition.

2. Does the price include shipping? And is there a handling charge?
Shipping is typically not included in the selling price listed on my website (unless specified). The charges for shipping are extra and when a painting is purchased from my website and through PayPal  the shipping cost will be added to the selling price to cover shipping and insurance. The painting will be securely wrapped and packaged. Insurance and delivery confirmation are used when shipping by USPS.

If you email or phone me for a painting, I will mark it as unavailable on my website. I will then email you an Invoice from PayPal. This will include the selling price, approximate shipping charges and the cost of insurance. The cost to insure the painting will be paid by me and deducted from the invoice.

3. Does the selling price include a framed painting?
Unless specified, the painting is not framed. For an additional and nominal cost, a frame can be added to the painting. Let me know if you would like the painting framed, and I can send you the options that I have available. Typically, I will add a frame for whatever my actual costs are. The shipping costs of a framed painting may also increase depending on the size of the painting. For a small painting, I can usually frame it for ten dollars and the cost to ship it will remain the same.

4. What materials do you use in your paintings?
I use the best materials available. My oil paints are professional grade (no student grade). I prefer Gamblin, Rembrandt or Windsor and Newton oil paints. I am currently switching to an oil primed linen canvas. Some paintings currently available may be on a double-primed cotton canvas that is excellent with a few on linen panels.

For my drawings, I use either a Reeves BFK high quality, acid-free, heavy-weight paper or a toned, acid-free Canson MiTienes. I use high quality conte and charcoal. Sometimes I may apply a light fixative to the final drawing, but my preferences is not to do so. The drawing is then matted with an acid-free mat board and backed with foam board and either framed or put into a protective plastic sleeve for shipping.

5. Can I visit your artstudio?
Of course. I prefer to have an appointment made so that we can schedule a time when I will actually be there. You are welcome to visit and watch me work as well as check out what paintings I have available. There will never be any pressure for a sale!

I am also considering having A Studio Day for patrons. This would be a fun time to visit, ask questions and have a look at my latest artwork. No pressure to buy - ever. This could be an educational visit for a small group of folks with light refreshments and snacks served. All free of charge. These types of visits would definitely need to be scheduled though.

6. Do you do commissions?
Yes. I require a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the agreed upon price. I also have a contract form that lays out all the details so that there are no surprises for either of us. We would have several conversations regarding the commission piece. I prefer to work from life, but I know that is not always possible. The 25% includes the supplies needed, the initial sketch work or photographs required, and my time.

7. Do you do layaway?
Yes. I actually will be happy to do layaway. A contract agreement is worked out that is beneficial to both of us. I prefer to have layaway no longer than a year with monthly payments.

8. Do you accept trades for a painting?
This is something that I definitely would consider. It could be a win-win situation for both of us.