Frequently Asked Questions

Every Maelin portrait is painted entirely by hand in oil by a real artist — never a print, never AI, never a filter. From the first pencil line to the final brushstroke, a person is at the easel.

Genuine oil paint on artist-grade canvas, finished with a protective varnish. Painted in layers and cured naturally, an oil portrait is built to last for generations.

We specialise in cats and dogs — it's all we paint, and it's part of why we paint them so well. If you'd like more than one pet in a single piece, we can do that too.

Your portrait is created by a small circle of academy-trained artists, each fluent in classical and modern techniques and matched to the style you choose.

A clear, well-lit photo where your pet's eyes are sharp and in focus. Natural daylight beats flash, and a shot taken at their eye level captures the most character. Not sure which to use? Send a few and we'll help you choose.

Please do. We paint from one main photo and use the others as reference for colour, markings and personality.

Often it's perfectly workable. If an image is a little soft or older, we'll tell you honestly what we can achieve before you commit, and guide you toward the best possible result.

They're used only to create your portrait and are never shared with anyone else.

Four sizes: 12×16, 16×20, 18×24 and 24×36 inches. A larger canvas gives the artist more room for fine detail — and more presence on your wall.

That's your choice. Every portrait is available as canvas only, or hand-framed for an additional cost — you select your option right on the product page.

If you choose a frame, your canvas is stretched, framed and ships ready to hang. Canvas-only orders arrive hand-stretched over wooden bars too — ready to hang as-is, or to frame locally whenever you like.

Think about the wall and the number of pets. A single pet looks wonderful at any size; for two or more, or for a real statement piece, we'd point you toward 18×24 or 24×36.

Your hand-drawn sketch arrives within 2–3 days of ordering. From order to your door, please allow 4–6 weeks in total — hand-painting, drying, framing and delivery included. We try not to interrupt the artist at work — but if you'd like to see how your painting is coming along, just email neo@maelinstudio.com and we'll send you the latest progress. There's usually no waiting list; if that ever changes, we'll say so clearly on the product page.

If you're working toward a specific date, contact us before you order and we'll see what's possible on a case-by-case basis.

We ship right across the United States, and shipping is completely free.

We pack every piece to travel safely, but if your portrait arrives damaged in transit, just email us a few photos within 30 days of delivery and we'll repaint and reship it at no cost to you.

You upload your photo and preferences, your artist sends a hand-drawn sketch for approval, and only once you're happy does the oil painting begin. We then varnish, finish and ship your piece.

Yes — a hand-drawn line sketch. Not a drop of oil touches the canvas until you approve it.

At the sketch stage, revise as many times as you like — we keep refining the drawing until you're ready to approve, and most customers are happy within one or two rounds. Once painting begins, adjustments stay free and uncapped — we keep going until the finished piece matches the sketch you approved.

Absolutely. Choose the number of pets on the product page, and make sure every pet appears in the photos you upload. Additional pets are priced as an add-on.

Pricing is shown on each product page and depends on the size you choose, the number of pets and whether you add a frame — no surprises at checkout.

All major payment methods are accepted, securely, at checkout.

Before painting begins, you can cancel anytime for a full refund — no questions asked. Once painting starts, the sketch you approved is the standard we work to — we keep adjusting at no charge, with no cap on rounds, until the finished piece matches what you signed off. If it matches and you're still not happy, we'll refund your order minus a 50% materials & labor fee — that part covers the canvas, the oils and your artist's hours at the easel. And if your portrait arrives damaged in transit, send us photos within 30 days of delivery and we'll repaint and reship it free of charge.