Terms and Conditions for a Commission

Paintings by Lucia - Lucia Lovatt, sole trader. Chippenham, Wiltshire, lucia@lucialovatt.com

These terms govern any commission agreed between Lucia Lovatt, trading as "Paintings by Lucia" ("I/me"), and the person commissioning the work ("you/the Client"). By paying the deposit, you confirm you accept these terms in full.

1. Agreement & Specification

Before work begins, we will agree in writing (email or message) the subject, size, medium, price, and approximate timeline. Where relevant, I may provide a digital mock-up for your approval before painting starts. Work will not commence until you have confirmed the final specification in writing and the deposit has been received.

2. Payment

A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your commission slot and is required before work begins.
The remaining balance is due on completion, before the finished piece is dispatched or handed over.
Instalment plans can be agreed in advance; in this case, the artwork will be sent once the final instalment clears.
All prices are in GBP. Payment is accepted via bank transfer.

3. Your Right to Cancel

Because this is a bespoke item made to your specification, the standard 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply once I have begun work. If you cancel before work begins, the deposit is retained to cover the reserved slot.

4. Photographs (Portrait/Pet Commissions)

You must supply photographs you own or have explicit permission to use, and which do not infringe anyone else's copyright. I reserve the right to decline unsuitable images (poor quality, unclear subject, etc.) and request replacements before starting.

5. Progress & Approval

I will send one photo before final details are added, unless you request otherwise.
You may request reasonable alterations at this stage. Up to two rounds of revisions are included; further changes beyond this may incur an additional charge, agreed in advance.
Progress photos may be shared on my social media/marketing unless you tell me in advance that you'd prefer this kept private.

6. Completion & Final Approval

A photograph of the finished artwork will be sent for your approval before dispatch. Payment of the final balance confirms you're happy for the piece to be sent. This does not affect your statutory rights - see Section 9.

7. Postage & Delivery

Artwork is sent via second class tracked and insured post as standard. If you request an untracked or lower-cost service instead, this is at your own risk and any loss/damage in transit is not my responsibility.
Local pickup or hand delivery can be arranged by agreement.
Any customs fees, taxes, or import charges for international delivery are the Client's responsibility.

8. Copyright & Usage

I retain copyright and reproduction rights to all artwork I create, including commissions.
You're welcome to share images of your commission on social media, with credit to Paintings by Lucia or Lucia Lovatt.
You may not reproduce, print, resell, or use the artwork commercially without my prior written agreement.

9. Your Statutory Rights

Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If the finished artwork is faulty, significantly not as described, or not of satisfactory quality, you remain entitled to a repair, redo, or refund as appropriate. The "no refunds after receipt" clause below applies to change of mind or subjective taste, not to your legal rights.

10. If You Cancel Part-Way Through

If you cancel a commission after work has started, the deposit and any instalments paid to that point are non-refundable, to cover time, materials, and the reserved commission slot.

11. If I Need to Cancel

If I'm unable to complete a commission (illness, unforeseen circumstances, etc.), you will be offered a full refund of any payments made, or the option to wait for a revised timeline - your choice.

12. Communication Breakdown

If I'm unable to reach you for 30 days despite reasonable attempts to contact you, I may pause or terminate the commission after sending a written warning. Any deposit paid is retained in this case.

13. Refunds (Change of Mind)

Once you've approved and received the finished commission, no refund will be given for change of mind or subjective dissatisfaction with style, provided the artwork matches the agreed specification. This does not affect your rights under Section 9.

14. Your Data

Photos and personal details you provide are used only to complete your commission and are not shared beyond what's needed for production (e.g. printing) or, where agreed, my marketing. You can request I delete your photos after completion.

Updated July 2026