Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Do you offer Payment Plans or can I Pay in Instalments?

Yes! I offer payment plans on everything on my website, from commissions to creative experiences. You can select choose various options from paying a deposit then balance, or using Klarna or Clear Pay at the checkout on any product under £1000. If the piece is over £1000 just email me at hello@gemmalessinger.com and we can discuss and set up a payment plan. If you are thinking about a commissioned piece, again please just Get in touch and I can discuss paying in instalments whilst talking about your special piece.

2. How much is shipping?
I offer FREE shipping within the UK on all items; from collaboration jewellery, postcards, prints and paintings. It doesn’t matter the size of the piece or the value of the order, if your shipping address is within the UK it is included. I do also ship globally, see question 4 for more information.

3. How do you ship orders, particularly larger artworks and commissions?
For all smaller orders (gifting, small prints, mini paintings) I used Royal Mail Tracked delivery - if you need your order urgently I send on the express 24 hour service, if not 48 hour. Any prints or small/medium sized paintings are shipped using a fully insured courier service. Larger paintings or bespoke commissions are shipped using a specialist Art courier who offer a door to door service with live location tracking and delivery updates. You even have full control on when the delivery will be made.

All prints and paintings are wrapped and very carefully packaged in triple walled art shipping boxes with padding for frame protection. I can also gift wrap and add special messages if the piece is for a gift, for no extra charge. Just contact me after you have placed your order and let me know your requirements.

4. Do you ship internationally?
Yes! I ship all my paintings and other products to most destinations across the world. Shipping costs and delivery times vary based on location and will be calculated at checkout. If you’d rather have a bespoke quote ahead of purchasing please just email me at hello@gemmalessinger.com. I have shipped all across the world; from Europe, the USA, Mexico, Japan, Dubai and as far as Australia.

5. Can I visit your studio?
Yes you can, I host private viewings at my home studio which are available to book throughout the year at your convenience. I normally ask for at least 24 hours notice so please get in touch if you're interested in coming over. I also hold various pop up exhibitions, open studio events and residencies throughout the year, so click here to find out where I may be so you can come and say hi!

6. Do you take commissions?
Absolutely! In fact they are my favourite thing to do. I love creating bespoke artwork tailored to your favourite beach, special holiday memories or celebrations. They can be created to work with the size of space and even the decor in your room. As I use fabric in most pieces to create the texture, you can even supply me with a cherished piece of fabric or material that you’d like me to incorporate into the painting. I create bespoke commissions for people wanting to bring their favourite beach to life in their home, to celebrate a special occasion, to bring rhythm and peace into a communal space, I even create wedding day paintings. To find out more visit the commissions page or contact me to discuss your ideas.

7. How can I stay updated on new collections and events?
Sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Instagram for updates on new work, exhibitions, and exclusive experiences.

Art & Paintings

8.What materials do you use in your textural paintings?
I use a combination of acrylic paint, fabric offcuts/upcycled found materials such as surfboard fibreglass offcuts, rope washed up on the beach, even grains of sand from a specific location. All of these work together to create depth and movement in my artwork.

9. How are your paintings framed?
Most of my paintings are framed in a white wood shadow tray frame, with no glass. This type of frame allows the painting to ‘sit’ in the frame and allow the texture to be seen and even touched. I do sometimes select a St Ives style frame (which has a wide white border around the painting) but this still does not include glass, to allow the texture to be fully enjoyed.

All bespoke commissions are framed by hand using a bespoke, artisan framer based in Newquay. Commissions allow you to choose the frame style and colour of your choosing. White wood tray frames are generally always favoured but I have created pieces using natural wood tones, blues even gold. This is all discussed during the commission conversation.

Framing is included in the cost of the painting.

10.Are your paintings on canvas or wood?
I work on various types of surface, mostly premium stretched canvas, but more and more onto birch wood as it allows me to explore further with the texture in my pieces. You will also find I use ‘alternative’ canvases, such as clothing and shoes, old surfboards and wood belly boards. I have even painted onto skate decks before. Each painting listing clearly states what the surface is, but if you have any questions please just ask me.

11. Can I request a specific colour palette for a commissioned piece?
Yes! I love working with clients to ensure their artwork complements their space. We’ll discuss colours, textures, and overall style during the consultation.

12. How do I care for my painting or print?
All paintings are varnished with a UV protective spray which protects them from fading, but I would avoid hanging in a space which has all day long bright sunlight or excessive humidity. All my limited edition prints are printed on museum grade paper or canvas, using archival inks which means they are protected against UV fading and deterioration.

As all my paintings are framed without glass, to clean gently dust with a soft cloth or feather duster - avoid using water or cleaning sprays.

13. What does the Monthly Art Subscription mean? What do I get and how does it work?

This is a regular monthly subscription for a 6-month duration, where I will create and send you a bespoke mini textured painting in the post each month. Each month will be based on a different Cornish beach location, enabling you to build up a unique collection of art that showcases a mix of wave and shoreline scenes, from wintery tones through to warm turquoise hues.

Once you subscribe you don't need to do anything! Payment will automatically be collected each month for Pay Monthly subscriptions (or taken as one upfront payment if you choose Pay in One), and I will send your subscription box to you at the end of each month, straight to your door. Delivery within the UK is included. In the box each month you will receive your unique mini painting, an A6 postcard, and a personalised letter from me. That letter will include a QR code which, when you scan it with your phone, takes you through to a secret video message from me, where I talk about the location I've selected for that month, and a little bit about the painting.

14. Can I order the subscription for a friend/family member as a gift?

Yes! There are two options available for each subscription duration: Pay Monthly, or Pay in One. If you select Pay in One and ensure you include your email and phone number in your order, I will contact you once you've placed your order to triple check it's for a gift. As long as the shipping address is the recipient's, that's everything I need — I'll then send your special person their monthly mini piece of art each month.

15. Can I cancel my Monthly Art Subscription?

If you've chosen the Pay Monthly option, yes — you can cancel at any time before your next month's payment and order confirmation is processed. You'll keep any pieces you've already received, and no further payments will be taken.

If you've chosen the Pay in One option (paying for the full 6 months upfront), the subscription cannot be cancelled and is non-refundable once purchased, including for any months not yet received. This applies whether the subscription was bought for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

Full details are set out in our Terms & Conditions.

Creative Experiences & Workshops

16. Do you offer group workshops?
Yes! I run creative experiences for individuals, groups, and corporate events. Check my website for upcoming workshops or inquire about private bookings.

17. I have no painting experience - can I still join a workshop?
Of course! My workshops are designed for all skill levels. It’s all about creativity, exploration, mindful quiet moments and most importantly having fun!

18. Can I book a private creative experience for a special occasion?
Yes! I offer bespoke creative experiences for birthdays, hen parties, and team-building events. Contact me to discuss a tailored experience.

Orders & Policies

19. What is your return policy?
Original paintings: All original paintings come with a full money-back guarantee. If a piece doesn't work in your home once it arrives, just get in touch — I'll either help you find a better fit from my collection or refund you in full.

Prints, gifting pieces, and other smaller items: These are non-refundable, as they're produced to order. If there's an issue with your order — for example it arrives damaged — please contact me and I'll do my best to help.

Commissions: Due to their bespoke, made-to-order nature, all commissions are non-refundable once work has begun.

Creative Experiences: Non-refundable, except where I (Gemma Lessinger) need to cancel the event. If you're unable to attend an event you've booked, you may be able to swap to another date, depending on your ticket type and availability.

20. How long does it take to receive a commissioned piece?
Commission timelines vary depending on the complexity of the piece, but typically take 4–12 weeks (4 for a mini piece, 12 weeks plus for a larger piece). I’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

21. Do you offer gift cards?
Yes! If you’d like to gift an artwork, creative experience, or mentorship session, digital gift cards are available.