Abstract Painting V Line

FAQ's

Below are some common questions and answers. If you still have questions please "contact"us.


General Information:

What is the difference between "Stretched Canvas" and "Unstretched Canvas"?
Are the paintings originals or prints?
What is an "Oversized" Painting?
What is the difference between "Gloss Varnish" and "Matte Varnish"?
Do canvas prints have texture?
Why do some Paintings have a link: "Contact Us"?
What mediums and chemicals do you use to create your original paintings?
Is a Certificate of Authenticity included?
Are the staples on the side or the back?
Are the borders of the canvas painted?
Will you make a custom Painting for me?
What unit of measure do you use for your artwork dimensions?
How do I ensure that my paintings will last?
Is the image the exact artwork I will receive?
Will the colors match what I see on my monitor?
If I need more Information or I have a question, how can I contact you?


Buying:

What do you include with the purchase of an Original Painting?
What happens when I click "Pay Now"?
What are my payment options?
How safe is the information I give you?
How do I change quantities or cancel my order?
How do I track my order?
What does it mean to "Make an Offer"?
Why does the "Make an Offer" button not work for some paintings?
What is the difference between buying prints directly from carmenguedez.com versus buying from your partners?


Coupons / Gift Certificates:

Why the Coupon Code is not working?
How do I redeem a Gift Certificate?
How do you deliver Gift Certificates?


Giveaways / Contests:

Are the giveaways/contests only open to United States residents?


Shipping / Taxes / Duties:

How is the Painting packaged?
How is the Print packaged?
Do you ship to my country?
How much is the Shipping and how will my order be shipped?
Will you notify me when my order has been shipped?
Will multiple items be shipped together?
Who is responsible for taxes and duties costs?


Returns / Refunds:

What if I am not happy with the art when I receive it?
What if the Painting was damaged during the shipping process?




What is the difference between "Stretched Canvas" and "Unstretched Canvas"?

"Stretched Canvas" is where the canvas wraps around the sides, stretcher bar or strainer bars, and decorative frame is not needed.
"Unstretched Canvas" is where the stretcher bar or strainer bars are missing and the artwork needs to either be stretched or framed in other to be hung.




What do you include with the purchase of an Original Painting?

We include the Certificate of Authenticity, general information about the artwork, tips to display, preserve, handle and hang paintings. Stretched paintings are wired and supplied with the appropriate hardware (hanger hook). Lightweight stretched paintings (under 16") come with a d-ring or sawtooh hanger instead of a wire.




Why the Coupon Code is not working?

Original Paintings with item #/SKU that start with "PR" may not be eligible for discounts and coupons (ex. "Old Country" painting, item #PR00050). Also, if a product is already on "sale", any other discount or coupon will not apply. These promotional codes usually apply to original paintings only and not to printing products, unless it is otherwise stated. Only one code may be used per transaction. If you still have problems with the coupon, please "contact" us and we will try to fix it as soon as possible.




What happens when I click "Pay Now"?

You will be directed to a secure PayPal check out site. PayPal uses SSL technology which guarantees a safe purchase transaction. You do not need to have a PayPal account to purchase, you only need your credit / debit card or bank information to purchase the artwork. PayPal protects the Buyer's information with industry-leading security and fraud prevention systems, and the Buyer's financial information is not shared with the Seller. Once your payment is complete, you will be emailed a receipt for the transaction.




How do I change quantities or cancel my order?

Click on "View Cart" at the top of our website. You will be able to change the quantity or remove your item(s). Please note that once an order has begun processing or has shipped, the order is no longer editable. You can always contact us for additional help.




How do I track my order?

After your order has been processed. We will send you an email with your order and shipping information. You will be able to track your item visiting the carrierweb site (USPS, UPS, Fed Ex, etc) and check your status.




How do I redeem a Gift Certificate?

Select your favorite original painting, print or any other merchandise, click on "Add to Cart" enter the certificate number under "Promotions & Discounts" and click on "Update Cart". Gift Certificates are non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash. Gift certificates are valid for one year after date of purchase. Only one code may be used per transaction. Promotional discounts or coupons cannot be used to purchase Gift Certificates. Gift certificates do not accrue maintenance fees and can be cancelled within 7 (seven) days of the purchase date. Your purchase or use of a Gift Certificate constitutes acceptance of www.carmenguedez.com Terms of Use.




How do you deliver Gift Certificates?

We can only mail gift certificates to a physical address. We cannot email the code. Each gift certificate includes a doble layered printed gift card, a satin ribbon wrapped elegantly around a brown envelope and a modern decoration, perfect for the occasion.




What does it mean to "Make an Offer"?

It means that you can name your best price, negotiate, or make an offer to us on any artwork available. The offer is a legally binding commitment stating that you will buy the artwork for an agreed-upon price. You just need to fill out the form with your best price. If your offer is accepted, we will send you an email with the link to purchase the artwork that has to be paid within three days. After the third day, your offer will be canceled unless you contact us to let us know when you expect to make the payment. In most cases, we will accept your offer or, if not, you may receive a counteroffer. From there you can either accept it or place another counteroffer of your own.




Why does the "Make an Offer" button not work for some paintings?

You can "Make an Offer" only on the retail price of an item. The "Make an Offer" button won't work on paintings with promotional prices. For more information visit "Make an Offer".




What is an "Oversized" Painting?

A painting larger than 40"x30" on one single panel, that if shipped flat, carriers would usually charge an adittional fee for shipping.




What is the difference between "Gloss Varnish" and "Matte Varnish"?

Glossy Varnish tends to richen the colors, is very shiny, and has the highest reflectivity. Matte Varnish has no sheen, creates less glare, and colors are dull. I usually add one or two coats of glossy varnish to all original paintings and one coat to canvas prints. However, if you prefer a matte finish look, please contact me before purchasing the artwork and I’ll be glad to add matte varnish for you.




Do canvas prints have texture?

No, canvas prints don't have any texture. However, I can add few paint strokes to the canvas (embellishment) upon request.




Are the giveaways/contests only open to United States residents?

No, however, international participants are responsible for the shipping and handling.




Why do some Paintings have a link: "Contact Us"?

Because they are on hold for an upcoming event or they are being exhibited in a show or gallery. If you are interested, please contact me and I will provide you with information about the painting, and how to buy it.




Are the paintings originals or prints?

All my paintings are originals. Prints of some original paintings are available as Fine Art Poster Paper Prints and Giclee Canvas Prints. For more information, please visit "print information".




What mediums and chemicals do you use to create your paintings?

I mostly use acrylics and sometimes pastels and oils (professional grade). Other mediums like molding or modeling pastes and gels are also applied to some of my artwork. I use high gloss varnish to protect the paintings for years. Some amount of mineral spirits, turpentine or turpenoid can be found on most of my paintings. If you are allergic to any of these mediums and/or solvents, please contact us before purchasing the artwork.




Is a Certificate of Authenticity included?

Yes, every Original Painting includes its Certificate of Authenticity signed by me and embossed with my logo and includes a Fine Arts Registered Number.




Are the staples on the side or the back?

The staples are on the back and the borders of the canvas are painted. They do not need frame. However, if you prefer, you can have them framed.




Are the borders of the canvas painted?

All Original Paintings have painted borders. Sometimes the painting continues on the sides of the canvas and in other cases the borders are painted with a specific color like black or dark brown, depending on the artwork. If you need information about the borders of a particular painting, please contact us.




What are my payment options?

Master Card, Visa, American Express, Discover, Bank Withdrawal - Secure Online Shopping through PayPal and Google Checkout. For more information, you can visit www.paypal.com.




How safe is the information I give you?

We do not rent, trade or share your personal information with any third party. Your privacy and satisfaction is very important to us. We do not collect any debit, credit card, bank account or any other payment information due to the purchase process is made through PayPal. The only information we receive from PayPal is the Buyer’s name, email and shipping address for contact and delivery purposes. PayPal protects the Buyer's information with industry-leading security and fraud prevention systems. For more information, visit www.paypal.com.




Will you make a custom Painting for me?

Yes, I accept commissions for custom Paintings. You may select a previous Painting and colors you are interested in. I will paint an original from scratch based on your request. Remember, each original is unique, and never an exact duplicate of another. For information about how to order, click on "commissions".




How is the Painting packaged?

Each Artwork is carefully packaged in a custom size corrugated box with additional protective material such as polyfoam and/or bubble wrap depending on the painting. Some oversize paintings (for example 48" x 36" - one single panel) will be shipped rolled in a sturdy tube. For international shipping: Paintings larger than 20" x 24 will be shipped rolled in a sturdy tube.




How is the Print packaged?


All Prints are shipped rolled in a sturdy tube.




What is the difference between buying prints directly from carmenguedez.com versus buying from your partners?


Every canvas and poster print ordered directly from carmenguedez.com is carefully inspected, includes a Certificate of Authenticity (signed and embossed by Carmen Guedez), and is more affordable compare to our partners (including free shipping). However, we can only ship these prints rolled in tubes. Through our partners, you can purchase a wider variety of ready to hang - prints, framed, metallic prints, greeting cards, etc. As far as we know, our partners provides excellent quality products using our high resolution images. If for some reason, you have a bad experience with a product purchased from any of our partners, please let us know and we will take actions immediately.




What unit of Measure do you use for your artwork dimensions?

We use Inches (ex. 40"). To convert to a different unit, for example, inches to centimeters, click on the "length converter".




Do you ship to my country?

We ship worldwide. In few cases we cannot ship to certain countries due to customs regulations. In those cases we will email you and refund you 100% of your money. It takes aprox. 5-15 days plus your local custom's time for international shipping depending on destination. We are not responsible for shipping delays or omissions caused by the carrier or your country's customs. For more information, click on "International Shipping Info".




How much is the Shipping and how will my order be shipped?

Shipping is free within the USA. For other countries, you can click on "Add to Cart" and select Shipping Destination; or contact us for a Shipping rate before buying. Insurance, Tracking number and Signature confimation is included with most shipments. PO Boxes, APO, FPO or DPO are not accepted. Handling time is usually 2 - 3 business days for original paintings. Domestic shipping time takes usually 5-7 days depending on carrier and destination. Please note that during Holidays, your order may take slightly longer to process due to busy season.




Will you notify me when my order has been shipped?

Yes, I will email you with the tracking number after the painting has been shipped.




Will multiple items be shipped together?

Yes, they will if possible.




How do I ensure that my paintings will last?

Original paintings have one or two coats of varnish to protect against dust, UV light, etc. As long as you treat your painting as fine art, avoiding extreme temperatures, humidity, etc., your painting will last for years in its original condition.




Who is responsible for taxes and duties costs?

- Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. Buyer accepts responsibility for all taxes and duties costs - for the US and Canada "Original Artwork" is duty FREE. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering shipping company or when you pick the item up. We do not mark the merchandise value below value or mark items as 'gifts' as it is illegal according to US and International Government regulations.
- North Carolina Residents pay Sales Tax.




Is the image the exact artwork I will receive?

- Yes, for Original Paintings.
- No, for Printing Products (canvas, posters, cards, accessories, etc). Images are for reference only. In order to assure the highest quality, I only print on demand and carefully inspect it.




Will the colors match what I see on my monitor?

Photos are taken with a high resolution digital camera to ensure accuracy. However, colors vary from monitor to monitor. If you need an exact color match, you can purchase a small poster print or "contact" us.




What if I am not happy with the artwork when I receive it?

If you are not happy with your work of art and would like to return it, please visit our "Return Policy".




What if the Painting was damaged during the shipping process?

If your work of art is damaged during the shipping process, please retain the box/tube and all documents and packaging materials, as they will be needed to process the insurance claim with the shipping company. Claims must be properly filed with the delivering carrier online or at your local post office. If the outside box/tube looks severely damaged, if possible refuse the shipment, take pictures of the box/tube and content to record any damage, and request the driver to note all the details. Damage or loss incurred during shipping is the delivery company's responsibility. In the event that damage does occur to your artwork, contact us as soon as possible. For more information, please visit please visit our "Return Policy".




If I need more information or I have a question, how can I contact you?

For further information read the Terms of Use. For questions, you can contact me through the “contact” button.