Frequently Asked Questions
A little help with choosing, ordering and caring for your Lily Clare artwork and gifts.
Whether you're choosing an original painting, a limited edition print, a thoughtful gift or a bespoke pet portrait, I want your experience with Lily Clare to be as enjoyable as the artwork itself.
Here you'll find answers to some of the questions I’m most often asked. If there's anything else you'd like to know, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Original Art
Are all Lily Clare paintings and drawings original?
Yes. Every original Lily Clare painting and drawing is created entirely by hand, using traditional art materials including watercolour, pencil and pen and ink.
Each original is a unique piece of artwork, with its own individual marks, textures and character. When you purchase an original, you're buying the only one of that particular painting or drawing.
One painting. One owner. Made once, yours for keeps.
Will my original artwork look exactly like the photograph?
I take care to photograph my artwork as accurately as possible. However, colours can appear slightly different depending on your screen settings.
Original artwork may also have subtle variations in paper texture, brushwork and pencil marks that are part of its individual character.
Does original artwork come framed?
Framing and mounting options vary between artworks.
Each product description will explain what's included, along with the artwork's dimensions and any available presentation options.
If you're unsure whether a particular piece is framed or mounted, please get in touch before ordering.
Can I reserve an original painting?
Original artworks are one of a kind, so availability can change.
If you've seen something you love and would like to ask about reserving it, please contact me to discuss availability and whether a reservation is possible.
Limited Edition Fine Art Prints
What is a limited edition print?
A limited edition print is produced in a predetermined quantity, rather than being reproduced indefinitely.
Once an edition has sold out, no further prints are produced as part of that edition.
This makes limited edition prints a lovely way to own or give a piece of an artist's work while retaining the special quality of a finite collection.
What is a giclée print?
Giclée is a fine art printing process that uses specialist inkjet technology to reproduce original artwork with exceptional detail and subtle colour variation.
It's particularly suited to watercolours and drawings, where delicate washes, fine lines and tonal differences are an important part of the artwork.
You can discover more in my Journal article, What Makes a Giclée Print Special?
Are Lily Clare limited edition prints signed?
Yes, all limited edition prints are signed and numbered. The number of prints varies for each piece but never goes above 50.
Do prints come framed or mounted?
Presentation options vary depending on the print.
Some artworks are available with mounting or framing options. Please refer to the individual product listing to see what's available and what's included in the price.
How should I care for my fine art print?
To help preserve your artwork, keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture and extreme changes in temperature.
Handle unframed prints carefully, ideally by their edges, and refrain from using harsh chemical cleaning products.
With a little care, your fine art print can be enjoyed for many years.
Gifts & Homeware
Are Lily Clare gifts made from your original artwork?
Yes. Every Lily Clare design begins with my own original painting or drawing.
Selected artworks are then carefully reproduced across a collection of gifts and homeware, including bone china mugs, ceramic coasters, kitchen towels, notebooks, tote bags and other pieces.
It's my way of bringing original art into everyday life.
Original art. Beautifully reproduced. Made to be enjoyed.
Do you offer gifts for particular animal lovers?
Absolutely.
Many Lily Clare collections are organised around individual animals and subjects, making it easier to find something for someone with a particular favourite.
You'll find artwork and gifts inspired by penguins, puffins, robins, elephants, hares, geese and other wildlife, alongside coastal and seashell collections.
Visit the Shop by Animal collection to explore.
Can I buy a ready-made gift box?
Yes. Lily Clare Gift Boxes bring together coordinating artist-designed pieces around a particular animal or theme.
Current collections include Penguin Duet, Robin, Puffin and Coastal gift boxes.
They're thoughtfully presented and make lovely gifts for birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions.
Do you offer gifts at different price points?
Yes. Whether you're looking for a small thoughtful present or something particularly special, there's a range of options available.
You can explore the Gifts Under £15 and Gifts Under £25 collections, or discover original artwork and limited edition prints for a more lasting gift.
Are your mugs and homeware dishwasher safe?
Care instructions depend on the individual product and its materials.
Please follow any care guidance provided on the product page or with your purchase. If you're unsure, contact me before washing or using the item.
Bespoke Pet Portraits & Commissions
Do you create bespoke pet portraits?
Yes. I create bespoke pet portraits from photographs, capturing the individual character and expression of much-loved animals.
Each commission is created by hand, making it a personal piece of artwork to treasure or give as a gift.
How do I commission a pet portrait?
Visit the Pet Portrait Commissions page to find out more about the process and how to enquire.
I'll be happy to discuss your requirements, preferred size and the photographs you have available before confirming the details of your commission.
What kind of photograph do you need?
Clear, well-lit photographs are usually the best starting point.
Ideally, the photograph should show your pet's face, eyes and distinctive markings clearly, without heavy filters or excessive shadows.
Natural light often works particularly well.
If you're unsure whether your photograph is suitable, you're welcome to send it to me for consideration.
Can you include more than one pet in a portrait?
Please get in touch with your requirements and the photographs you'd like me to work from.
I'll be happy to discuss what's possible and provide information about the available options.
How long does a pet portrait take?
Every portrait is created individually by hand, so timescales depend on the artwork, size and current commission availability.
I'll discuss the expected completion time with you before your commission is confirmed.
If you're hoping to give a portrait for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas, please enquire as early as possible.
Can I commission a portrait as a surprise gift?
Of course. A bespoke portrait can make a particularly meaningful present.
If you're planning a surprise, please let me know when you enquire so we can discuss the photographs, timing and any special requirements.
Ordering, Delivery & Returns
Where do you deliver?
Delivery destinations and available shipping options are shown at checkout.
If you're ordering from outside the UK or have a particular delivery question, please contact me before placing your order.
How much is delivery?
Shipping charges are calculated according to the available delivery options and are shown before you complete your purchase.
Please check the checkout for the cost applicable to your order.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Delivery times depend on the items ordered and the destination.
Some products may require additional preparation time, while bespoke commissions have their own agreed timescales.
Please refer to the delivery information provided at checkout and on the Shipping Policy page for further details.
Can I send a Lily Clare gift directly to someone?
You can enter the recipient's delivery address at checkout.
If you have particular presentation or gifting requirements, please contact me before ordering so I can confirm what's possible.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Please contact me as soon as possible, providing your order number and photographs of the item and packaging.
I'll review the issue and help arrange an appropriate resolution in accordance with your consumer rights.
Can I return or exchange an item?
Please refer to the Returns & Refunds Policy for full details of eligibility, timescales and how to request a return.
Different rules may apply to personalised or commissioned artwork. Your statutory consumer rights remain unaffected.
If you're unsure about a particular item, please contact me before ordering.
Can I cancel an order?
If you need to cancel an order, please contact me as soon as possible.
Whether a cancellation can be made before dispatch or production depends on the type of order and its progress. Your applicable statutory cancellation rights are unaffected.
About Lily Clare
Who creates Lily Clare artwork?
I'm Lily, the artist and designer behind Lily Clare Art & Design.
After many years working in design, I returned to creating artwork by hand, inspired by animals, nature and the little expressions and moments that give each subject its own personality.
Every original painting and drawing begins with me, and it's that artwork that forms the heart of the Lily Clare collection.
You can read more about my story on the About Lily Clare page.
Is your artwork created using AI?
No. My original paintings and drawings are created by hand using traditional art materials.
I believe there's something special about the individuality of original artwork — the pencil marks, watercolour washes and small details that come from the artist's own hand.
Does every purchase support a charity?
Yes. Giving something back is an important part of Lily Clare.
Every purchase helps support a wildlife charity, connecting the artwork inspired by animals and nature with a small contribution towards protecting the natural world.
It's all part of The Art of Giving.
Still Have a Question?
I'm always happy to help.
Whether you'd like advice about choosing an artwork, have a question about a gift or want to discuss a commission, please get in touch.