Frequently Asked Questions
About Ratcliff Art
Who is Danny Ratcliff?
Danny has studied at institutions including the Cleveland Institute of Art, Kent State University, and the University of Akron. His preferred mediums include oils, pastels, and charcoal.
What type of artwork does Ratcliff Art specialize in?
Ratcliff Art specializes in classical realism and representational artwork, with a particular emphasis on portraiture. Danny creates artwork in several mediums, including oil, pastel, and charcoal.
His work can include individual portraits, family portraits, children and pet portraits, still life, people and social scenes, religious artwork, family reunion paintings, and other custom subjects.
What is classical realism?
Classical realism is an approach to representational art that emphasizes accurate observation, careful drawing, realistic proportions, light, value, color, and detail.
Danny Ratcliff combines traditional realism with his own romantic artistic style to create paintings and drawings that capture the character and personality of the subject.
Custom Portraits & Commissions
Can I commission a custom portrait?
Yes. Ratcliff Art accepts commissions for custom portrait artwork. Depending on the project, a portrait can be created from photographs, live sittings, or a combination of both.
Custom artwork can be created in oil, pastel, or charcoal, depending on the desired result and project requirements.
Can you paint a portrait from a photograph?
Yes. Photographs can be used as reference material for commissioned portraits. For formal portraits, multiple photographs may be helpful, particularly when selecting clothing, poses, backgrounds, and other details.
If you are considering a portrait commission, contact Ratcliff Art to discuss your photographs and the type of artwork you would like created.
Can you create family portraits?
Yes. Family subjects are an important part of Danny Ratcliff's artwork. His portfolio includes family gathering and reunion paintings, as well as individual and group portraits.
A family portrait can be created as a traditional portrait or as a larger scene designed to tell a story about the family.
Can you paint children or pets?
Yes. Portrait projects can include children and pets. The appropriate size, medium, and approach will depend on the subject and the desired finished artwork.
What mediums are available for commissioned portraits?
Ratcliff Art works primarily with:
Oil on canvas
Pastel on paper
Charcoal on paper
The best medium depends on the subject, size, level of detail, and overall style you want for the finished piece.
How much does a commissioned portrait cost?
Portrait prices vary according to the size, medium, complexity, and amount of time required.
Ratcliff Art offers several portrait options, ranging from charcoal and pastel drawings to formal oil paintings. Current portrait pricing is available on the Portrait Price List page.
Because commissioned artwork is individualized, it is recommended that you contact Danny to discuss your project and receive information specific to your requirements.
How long does a portrait commission take?
The time required depends on the size, medium, number of subjects, level of detail, and whether the work requires live sittings or photographic references.
Smaller charcoal and pastel portraits can be completed relatively quickly, while larger formal oil paintings require substantially more time.
A timeframe can be discussed when you contact Ratcliff Art about your commission.
Original Artwork & Fine Art Prints
Does Ratcliff Art sell original paintings?
Yes. Ratcliff Art offers original artwork created by Danny Ratcliff. The collection includes original oil paintings, charcoal artwork, pastel artwork, portraits, family scenes, and other works of classical and representational realism.
Are fine art prints available?
Yes. Ratcliff Art offers fine art prints featuring selected works. The collection includes family reunion scenes, religious subjects, children, and other artwork.
What subjects are available as prints?
Available subjects can include family scenes, reunion artwork, religious artwork, children, and other selected pieces from Danny Ratcliff's portfolio.
Because availability can change, please check the current Prints collection or contact Ratcliff Art for information about a particular artwork.
Do you ship artwork?
Yes. Ratcliff Art ships artwork using Priority Mail or UPS Ground. Shipping charges are based on the weight and destination, and artwork is insured according to its listed value.
Unmatted prints are shipped in tubes, while matted prints, framed artwork, and original artwork are shipped in boxes.
How quickly are orders shipped?
Orders normally ship within 10 days. If an item is unavailable or on backorder, you will be notified by email.
What is the return policy for prints?
Fine art prints carry a 15-day money-back guarantee. If you experience an issue with an original artwork purchase or have a question about a return, please contact Ratcliff Art.
Events & Live Art
Does Danny Ratcliff create portraits at events?
Yes. Danny has experience creating portraits at fundraisers, social events, and other special events.
Depending on the event, guests may have the opportunity to watch portraits being created live. Event portrait options can include charcoal and pastel drawings.
Can I hire Ratcliff Art for a fundraiser?
Yes. Danny can participate in fundraising events by creating portraits for guests while providing an engaging live-art experience.
If you are planning a fundraiser and would like to discuss having a portrait artist at your event, contact Ratcliff Art to discuss the details.
Does Danny offer live art demonstrations?
Yes. Danny has experience creating artwork in front of audiences and participating in demonstrations at special events.
The exact format can be tailored to the event, audience, and type of artwork being demonstrated.
Does Ratcliff Art participate in art shows?
Yes. Danny Ratcliff has exhibited artwork at shows and venues in Ohio and other locations. Check the Shows & Events section of the website for upcoming appearances and exhibitions.
Art Lessons & Education
Does Danny Ratcliff offer art lessons?
Danny has experience teaching drawing and painting, including portrait drawing, figure drawing, foundation drawing and design, illustration, and painting.
Instruction can cover mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and charcoal, with oils, pastels, and charcoal being among his preferred mediums.
What can I learn in private art lessons?
Lessons can cover drawing fundamentals, portrait drawing, figure drawing, painting techniques, composition, value, and the practical methods used to develop realistic artwork.
The specific instruction can be adapted to the student's experience and artistic goals.
Are art lessons available for teenagers?
Ratcliff Art has offered instruction for students age 13 and older who demonstrate a mature interest in art.
If you are interested in private art instruction, contact Ratcliff Art to discuss current availability.
Ordering & Contact
How can I order artwork from Ratcliff Art?
You can browse the available original artwork and fine art prints through the Ratcliff Art website. For questions about a particular artwork, custom commission, or special order, contact Danny Ratcliff directly.
How do I request a custom portrait?
The easiest way is to contact Ratcliff Art and describe what you have in mind. It is helpful to include the type of portrait, number of people or subjects, preferred medium, approximate size, and any photographs or reference material you have available.
Danny can then discuss the project and the appropriate approach with you.
Where is Ratcliff Art located?
Ratcliff Art is based in Akron, Ohio, and serves clients interested in original fine art, commissioned portraits, classical realism, and artwork created in traditional mediums.
How can I contact Danny Ratcliff?
You can contact Danny Ratcliff through the contact information provided on the Ratcliff Art website.
Phone: (330) 564-5185
Email: ratcliffartent@yahoo.com
Looking for a Custom Portrait?
Whether you are interested in a traditional oil portrait, a detailed charcoal drawing, a pastel portrait, or a larger family painting, Ratcliff Art can help you explore the possibilities.
Contact Danny Ratcliff to discuss your idea and create a unique piece of original artwork designed to become a lasting keepsake.