General / Shop

• How can I purchase a painting?

  You can purchase available paintings directly through the Shop page on my website. Just choose the piece you love and follow the checkout steps. If you have any questions before buying, feel free to contact me.

• Do I need to create an account to order?

No, you don’t need to create an account to order. You can check out as a guest.
If you’d like to stay in touch, you can always subscribe to my newsletter separately.

• Are the artworks originals?

Yes. All artworks available on my website are original, one-of-a-kind pieces.
I don’t offer prints at the moment.

Payment

• What payment methods do you accept?

You can pay by credit card through Stripe.
I also accept PayPal — and you don’t need a PayPal account to use it. A credit card is enough.

• Is my payment secure?

  Yes. All payments are processed through trusted, secure payment platforms (Stripe and PayPal).
  I never see or store your card details.

• Can I pay in installments?

I don’t currently offer an automated installment system.
However, if paying in installments would help you acquire a painting you love, feel free to reach out to me at helene@helenemaroutian.com and we can discuss possible options.

Shipping & Delivery

• Do you ship internationally?
  Yes, I ship internationally.
  International orders may be subject to customs fees or import taxes, depending on local regulations.

  These are handled by the destination country and are the buyer’s responsibility.
  If you’re unsure or want to double-check before ordering, just send me a message — I’m always happy to chat.

• Do you ship to the USA?
  Yes, but with some limitations.

Due to recent changes in US customs regulations, the Czech postal service has temporarily suspended shipments of goods to the USA.
At the moment, artworks can only be shipped to the USA via international couriers, which are reliable but more expensive.

If you’re based in the US and interested in a piece, feel free to get in touch and we can look at the best option together.

• How much does shipping cost?

  Czech Republic: FREE shipping on all orders.

  Prague: Personal pickup is available for free (by appointment).

  International: Rates are calculated by size, weight and destination.

For specific international rates, please view our full shipping fee chart.
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• How is the artwork packaged? ‍ ‍

  I treat every piece of art with the utmost care to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition.

  Archival protection: Each artwork is first wrapped in acid-free paper to protect the surface from dust and chemical reactions.

  Double-box system: I use a box-within-a-box method with heavy padding to ensure the artwork remains suspended and safe from impact.

• A circular philosophy: My main work is in the film industry, which unfortunately generates a lot of single-use packing material. To reduce waste, I rescue and reuse packaging from film sets.

To date, 100% of my artworks have arrived safely at their new homes.

• How long will delivery take?

  Every order goes through a careful preparation process before it leaves my studio in Prague.

  Processing time: Please allow 3–5 business days for me to securely package your artwork using my double-box system and archival materials.

  Shipping times (estimates):

  • Czech Republic: 1–2 business days (Free)

  • Europe: 3–7 business days

  • UK: 4–10 business days (Includes customs processing)

  • USA & Canada: 7–14 business days

  • Prague personal pickup: Usually ready within 2-3 days; we will coordinate a time that works for you.

Note: You will receive a tracking number as soon as your package is dispatched so you can follow its journey.

• Can I track my order?

  Yes, absolutely. Once your artwork is carefully packed and dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email containing a tracking number and a link to follow its journey in real-time.

Framing & Hanging

• Do the paintings come framed?

  Yes, all paintings currently available in the shop come framed and ready to hang.

  I use wooden tray frames (floating frames) for all my works. This provides a clean, modern aesthetic that allows the painting to "breathe" within the frame while showcasing the entire composition.

  Ready to hang: Every piece is fully wired and prepared for your wall, so no additional assembly or framing is required on your end.

  Material quality: I choose natural wood frames that complement the organic feel of the artwork.

• Can I request custom framing?

  Yes, I am happy to discuss custom framing options if you have a specific vision for your space.

  In-studio options: I keep a wide selection of floating frame samples in my Prague studio that we can choose from.

  Special requests: For other styles, I have access to an extensive professional catalog from my local vendor. If you are looking for a specific material or profile, I can investigate the options for you.

  The process: Please note that custom framing will require additional time for a quote and consultation.

  Additional costs: Since all my current works are already framed, choosing a custom option would involve an additional fee for the new frame and the labor of reframing the piece.

If you’re interested in a custom look, please contact me before purchasing, and we can explore the possibilities together.

Returns & Exchanges

• Can I return a painting?

  I want you to be completely happy with your new artwork. If it isn't the right fit for your space, you can return it within 14 days of delivery.

  Condition: The artwork must be returned in its original condition.

  Packaging: Because of the fragile nature of the art, it must be returned in the original double-box packaging (including the acid-free paper and padding) to ensure it arrives back safely.

  Shipping fees: Return shipping costs and any associated customs duties are the responsibility of the buyer.

  Process: Please contact me before shipping the return so I can provide you with the correct return address and instructions.

• What if my artwork arrives damaged?

  I take every precaution with my double-box packaging system, but I understand that accidents can happen during transit. Every shipment is fully insured for its value.

If you notice your package is visibly damaged upon delivery, please follow these steps:

Inspect immediately: If the outer box is crushed or punctured, please take photos before opening it.

Document everything: Take clear photos of the damaged packaging and the damage to the artwork itself.

Contact me within 24 hours: Send the photos to me as soon as possible. Most couriers require a claim to be filed within a very short window (usually 24–48 hours).

Keep the packaging: Do not throw away the boxes or padding, as the shipping company may need to inspect them to process the insurance claim.

Once I have the documentation, I will work with the carrier to resolve the issue and arrange for a full refund.

Artwork Info

• What mediums do you use?

  I primarily work with professional-quality acrylics on canvas or plywood. My process involves many layers with mixed media, including: oil sticks & wax crayons, collage paper, acrylic markers & soft pastels

All artworks are sealed with a protective fixative and finished with professional varnish to ensure the mixed media remains permanent, stable, and protected from UV light.

• How should I care for my artwork?

  Your artwork doesn’t need much maintenance. Simply dust it gently from time to time with a soft, dry cloth, or a feather duster.

  To keep the colours vibrant over time, avoid hanging it in direct sunlight, even if it is UV-varnished. It’s also best to keep it away from high humidity or heat sources (like radiators).

  Handle with care, and enjoy it 🙂

• Do you offer certificates of authenticity?

  I don’t usually provide certificates of authenticity.
  Each painting is signed on the back and comes with a label including the title, medium, and the name of the collection it’s part of.

  If you would like a certificate, I’m happy to prepare one on request.

Special Requests

• Do you accept commissions?

  I am currently open to commissions! While I primarily focus on my own collections, I would love to collaborate on a custom piece for your space. Since every commission is a unique process, please contact  me to discuss your ideas, sizes, and timeline.

• Can I reserve a painting?

  Yes, I can temporarily hold a painting for you.

  Duration: I can reserve a piece for up to 48 hours to give you time to measure your space or make a final decision.

  How to request: Please contact  me directly with the title of the artwork.

  Confirmation: Once I confirm the hold, the painting will be marked as "Reserved" or hidden from the shop for the agreed duration. If the purchase isn't completed within 48 hours, the piece will return to the shop for other collectors.