Frequently Asked Questions

I’m here to answer em’

The Artist
Who is Monika?

Hi! It’s me. I’m Monika. I’m a Canadian artist and registered nurse living in Montréal, where I live in a small home by the lake with my fiancé, dog and cat. I started painting as a way to get back in touch with my creative side and immediately felt a fiery passion. ❤️‍🔥 

When I’m not working in healthcare, doing life stuff like everybody else, painting, thinking about painting or planning a painting…I’m probably chilling, or trying to.

As someone with autoimmune and chronic health issues, making time for rest is so important (I’ve been learning that the hard way!!). I like to watch movies or binge a series and hang out with my lil fam. I’m a firm believer that life doesn’t always have to be so serious. So, chill, have a treat and savour the moment! 

I’m really proud of the art I create, and I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’ve been following along for a while or you’re new here, welcome, and thank you for being here ♥️ 
What inspires you?

Food is the main subject of my art, but the real inspiration is the feeling and the memories attached to it: nostalgia, comfort and joy. A familiar treat can take you back to childhood, remind you of a family tradition, or simply make you feel at home. 

Through vibrant colours and expressive brushwork, I aim to capture those feelings and turn them into art that you can keep as little reminders of those moments and memories. 
Did you go to art school?

Nope. 

I graduated from an all-girls high school in 2012. I went straight to college and studied psychology for a while before I decided I wanted to be a nurse. I spent 3 years getting my nursing degree and graduated in 2017. I became licensed and then went on to pursue my bachelor degree to further my education. But, due to health and mental health struggles, I made the hard decision to cut my studies short before graduating. Oh well! 🤗 I currently work in the ophthalmology (eyeballs) specialty. Eyeballs are cool.
Do you accept commissions?

I haven’t formally opened up commissions. If you think I’d be a great fit for a vision you have, feel free to reach out. 
How can I get in touch with you?

You can reach me by emailing me at monikamooreart@gmail.com, filling out the contact form on my website or by sending me a message on Instagram: @artbymonika.jpg

The Art

Are your paintings made by you and fully by hand?

Yup!

I plan, I prime, I sand, I paint, I varnish, and I photograph every painting completely by hand. 
Do original paintings come signed and with a certificate of authenticity?

Each painting is signed on the back with my signature, year of creation and artwork title. 

Each painting also comes with a certificate of authenticity that declares my name, artwork title, year of creation, materials used, dimensions and is signed and dated by yours truly!
What materials do you use for your original paintings?

The materials I use to create my paintings are high-quality oil paints and mediums on canvas or wood panel. All of my canvases or panels are primed 3 times and sanded in between. I take preparation seriously because it affects the longevity of a painting. All of my paintings have a colourful acrylic layer underneath the oil paints. It’s fun to see it peak through and adds vibrancy to my work! 🤩
Will my original painting look exactly like the photos?

I do my absolute best to photograph each original painting accurately. Colours and details may look slightly different in person due to different screen displays. 

If you have any questions about a specific piece, feel free to reach out before purchasing. I’m always happy to provide additional photos or details!
What's the difference between an original and a print?

An original painting is the one-of-a-kind artwork created by hand. It has its own unique brushwork, colours, texture and details that make it unlike any other piece. 

An art print is a reproduction of an original painting creating by photographing and printing the artwork on archival fine art paper. 
Will my print look exactly like the original painting?

my fine art prints are beautiful reproductions of my original paintings, but they won’t be identical in every way. 

The overall feel, image, and colours are closely matched to the original work. However, they don’t have the tactile, raised and textured brushwork. 

Each print is made to capture the beauty and character of the original painting while also being a more accessible way to enjoy the work! 
Are your prints signed?

Yes! 

On the back of each art print you’ll find my signature, year of creation of the original painting and the artwork title.

Shipping

Where do you ship from?

Every item on my website is shipped by me in Montreal. 
Where do you ship to?

I currently ship to Canada, the US, Mexico, UK, New Zealand and Australia. 

If I don’t currently ship to your region and you would like to make a purchase, reach out! I’m more than happy to help art find its way to a new home. 
How much does shipping cost?

Each location has a flat rate shipping cost and is calculated at checkout.

I provide free shipping across Canada when you spend $50 CAD or more on fine art prints and stickers. 

I also provide free shipping across the US when you spend $85 CAD (about $53 USD) or more on fine art prints and stickers.
How long will it take to receive my order?

This depends on your location. 

Canada: orders typically arrive within 2-4 business days once shipped.

United States: orders typically arrive within 4-7 business days once shipped. However there are reports of slowdowns at the border in recent months, so don't panic too quickly!

All other international orders may take up to 12 business days.

Please allow me up to 7 business days to ship out original artwork. This time allows me to prepare the painting for shipment!

Prints and stickers can be expected to be shipped within 1-3 business days.
Will my order have a tracking number?

Original artwork shipments will always contain a tracking number and be fully insured.

I aim to provide the most affordable shipping rate in order to keep costs down for the customer. Occasionally, this means your art prints and stickers may not contain tracking information. When tracking is available, an email containing your tracking information will be sent.
Do I have to pay customs fees or import taxes?

Customs fees or import taxes depend on your region. Please note that the buyer is responsible for any fees due when receiving the order.
I'm from the US, will there be a tariff for me to pay when I receive my order?

To simplify things for US customers and not have any additional surprise costs, the price of an original painting listed on my website includes the cost of a 50% tariff currently imposed on original artworks exported from Canada. I thank you for your understanding and for your support!

Returns & Refunds

Can I return or exchange my order?

All sales are final. Prints are made to order. Original artwork is created by hand and completely unique. I put a lot of care into safely packaging the artwork to prevent any damages during shipping. In the case of returning artwork, I cannot guarantee the same care is taken. Therefore, all original artwork cannot be refunded, returned or exchanged.
What do I do if my order arrived damaged or is incorrect?

If your order is damaged or incorrect, please contact me within 24-48 hours of receiving your package. Send me an email at monikamooreart@gmail.com with your name, order number and photos of the damage or incorrect item. Photos of damage will be needed for insurance claims. Since all original artwork shipments are fully insured, you will receive a full refund in the case of damage.

I am happy to assist with any other order issues on a case by case basis. I am completely understanding of the fact that there are unique situations that may not fit a rigid policy. Please contact me for help!