FAQ — Rebecca Papillon

I work in mixed media, finishing each painting in oil and working exclusively in lightfast pigments throughout. The specific materials used vary by piece and are detailed in each individual painting description. Every work is varnished and signed before it leaves the studio.

No. Every piece is drawn and painted by hand. All prints are reproduced directly from original artwork that I physically created — no AI generation. Files are processed through the Adobe suite for colour accuracy and print suitability, but the artwork itself is entirely my own. Any merchandise derived from the work is equally based on original painted artwork. The worlds in these paintings exist because I made them, layer by layer, in a studio.

Yes. I was expertly trained to seal paper surfaces before any oil layers are applied. This is a critical step in mixed media work on paper — sealing prevents the oil from breaking down the paper fibres over time, which is what causes untreated oil-on-paper works to deteriorate. Every paper-based painting in my catalogue is properly prepared before oils are introduced.

Lightfastness refers to a pigment's resistance to fading when exposed to light over time. I work exclusively with lightfast-rated pigments throughout every layer of my paintings — from the earliest underpainting to the final oil layer. This means your piece is built to last, not just look good on the day it arrives. A painting made with non-lightfast pigments can fade noticeably within years. One made with lightfast pigments, properly cared for, can remain vibrant for generations.

Even lightfast pigments benefit from sensible care. To protect your painting for the long term: keep it away from direct sunlight and UV light sources, which are the primary cause of fading even in lightfast works. Display in indirect or artificial light where possible. Avoid high humidity, damp walls, and proximity to heat sources. The varnish layer provides an additional protective barrier — do not attempt to clean the surface yourself. If the painting ever requires restoration or re-varnishing, consult a professional conservator. For prints, UV-filtering glass or acrylic is recommended when framing.

Yes. Every original painting ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity documenting the title, medium, dimensions, and edition status of the work. Hand-signed limited edition prints also include a Certificate of Authenticity.

Yes. I can provide additional photographs or video of any piece on request — including close-up detail shots, shots in different lighting conditions, and video showing the texture and surface quality. Please use the contact form and I will send these directly. For the Animarii: Unzipped canvases in particular, video is often the best way to see how the zipper and mixed media surface interact with light.

Open edition prints are produced to order with no limit on quantity. Signed limited edition prints are hand-signed and numbered by me, with a fixed edition size — once they are gone, they are gone. Both are printed on the same heavyweight fine art paper in-studio on a professional Epson printer.

Prints are produced on heavyweight fine art paper. I print in-studio on a professional Epson printer to maintain full colour control over every run.

Yes. All fine art prints include a weighted white border — wider at the bottom than the sides, in the fine art tradition. This border is designed to allow for standard frame sizing and gives the work room to breathe.

Prints are sold unframed. The bordered design makes them compatible with standard frame sizes. A simple float frame or a deep white mat works beautifully and lets the work speak for itself.

Each month, a fine art postcard from the Animarii series arrives at your door — collector-worthy, and part of a 12-piece collection of original paintings featuring animal spirit guides reimagined in other worlds. The subscription is limited to 75 collectors and ships on the 15th of each month.

Subscriptions ship on the 15th of each month. Orders placed by the 11th of the month will be included in that month's shipment. Orders placed after the 11th will begin with the following month's card.

Yes — domestic US shipping is included in your subscription at no extra cost. International shipping is available at an additional charge calculated at checkout.

Monthly subscriptions can be cancelled at any time before the 11th of the month to avoid the next shipment. 6-month and 12-month subscriptions are non-refundable once the first card has shipped, but you can pause or cancel future renewals at any time through your account.

Completing subscribers automatically roll into the next series at their existing price, with a bridge print to mark the transition. You can opt out at any time before the rollover date.

All work is packaged to arrive in the same condition it left the studio. Prints ship flat in a glassine sleeve with a rigid backing board inside a custom branded rigid mailer. Originals are packaged with additional protective layers appropriate to their size and fragility. Every order includes an artist sheet and care instructions.

Yes — custom shipping arrangements and special requests are always considered. If you need expedited shipping, white glove delivery for a large original, delivery to a gallery or institution, or any other specific arrangement, please reach out via the contact form before placing your order and we will work something out.

Yes — I ship worldwide. International shipping rates are calculated at checkout. Please note that import duties and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer and vary by country.

Please photograph the damaged packaging and artwork immediately upon receipt and contact me within 48 hours via the contact form. I will arrange a replacement or resolution depending on the situation.

Oil paintings need to breathe — do not display behind sealed glass. Keep the work away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and heat sources. The varnish layer provides protection and does not require glass. Do not attempt to clean the surface yourself — if the painting ever needs attention, consult a professional conservator.

No — the gallery canvases ship ready to hang with pre-installed hardware. No frame is required. If you prefer a frame, a simple floater frame works well and allows the edges of the canvas to remain visible, which is part of the work's character.

Store prints flat in a clean, dry environment away from direct light. Keep them in their glassine sleeve until display. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture. If stacking multiple prints, place acid-free tissue between each sheet.

Yes — payment plans are available via Shop Pay Installments at checkout, allowing you to spread the cost of your purchase over time. Simply select Shop Pay at checkout and choose the installment option that works for you. Eligibility is determined by Shop Pay and may vary.

Please do — I genuinely love seeing the work in collectors' homes and hands. Feel free to share photos of your piece on any platform. Tagging me at @rebeccapapillonart means I can share your post and celebrate it with you, though tagging is always appreciated rather than required.

High resolution digital reproductions of the artwork itself are not permitted. Scanning or photographing just the artwork at high resolution and sharing or distributing that image file is not allowed, for personal or commercial purposes. This protects both of us from digital art theft. A photograph of the artwork displayed in your home, or held in your hands, is completely fine — the distinction is between sharing your experience of owning the work, and reproducing the work itself digitally.

No. Purchase of an original or print does not transfer copyright. All reproduction rights remain with Rebecca Papillon. If you are interested in a licensing arrangement for commercial use, please get in touch via the contact form.

Commissions open periodically between series work. If you are interested in a commissioned piece, please reach out via the contact form with a brief description of what you have in mind and I will let you know my current availability and timeline.

A brief description of the subject, the animal or creature you have in mind, any colours or worlds you are drawn to, your intended display size, and your approximate budget. I work best when given creative latitude — the more you can tell me about the feeling you want the piece to carry rather than specific visual details, the better the result tends to be.

Yes — collaboration and brand partnership requests are always considered. If you feel there is a genuine alignment between your brand and the world of this work, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out via the contact form with details of your proposal and I will respond personally.