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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to the questions people ask most often about Tom Chapman, his artwork, purchasing original paintings, limited edition prints, custom commissions, shipping and returns.

01 ABOUT TOM CHAPMAN & HIS WORK
Tom Chapman is an oil painter and former professional thoroughbred jockey based in San Carlos, California. He rode his first race in 1977 and competed on the California circuit for nearly twenty years before retiring from racing in 1996. He began painting during his riding career and became a full-time painter after retiring from the track. His work covers equestrian subjects, wildlife, birds, tropical reef paintings, and commissioned portraits of horses and pets.
Tom's primary subject is horses, including thoroughbred racing scenes, portraits of legendary horses and custom horse commissions. He also paints dogs, cats, birds, wildlife, tropical reef and sea life, landscapes and Christian themes.
Tom works primarily in classical realism, painting in oil on canvas. He has also worked in impressionism, particularly using light to carry emotional weight within a composition.
Chapman Fine Arts is Tom Chapman's studio in San Carlos, California.

Address: 1700 Industrial Rd. #201, San Carlos, CA 94070
Email: tomchapmanart@gmail.com
02 ORIGINAL OIL PAINTINGS
Yes. Tom's original oil paintings are available for purchase through the site. These are the actual painted canvases, not reproductions. When an original sells, it is gone.
Prices vary by subject, size and complexity. Wildlife originals include the Grizzly Bear at $1,400 and the Black Panther at $2,500. Tropical fish paintings range from $800 to $1,200. Horse racing originals are priced individually.
Yes. Shipping on original paintings is free within the continental United States. International shipping is available but charged separately.
03 SIGNED & NUMBERED CANVAS PRINTS
Tom's canvas prints are produced from his original oil paintings using archival inks on canvas. Each print is personally signed and numbered by Tom and comes with a certificate of authenticity. They are limited editions with a fixed number of prints.
Sizes vary by painting. Most prints are available in at least two sizes, with some paintings offering additional size options.
Canvas prints typically ship within one to three weeks. Holiday cards and greeting cards ship within one day unless purchased on a weekend.
Some do, but not all prints offer framing at this time. If a print does not include a framing option, email Tom to discuss available options.
Yes. Tom offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on canvas prints and greeting cards.
04 CUSTOM COMMISSIONS
Yes. Tom takes custom commissions for horses, dogs, cats, racing silks and other subjects. The process starts with an email describing what you want, the subject, approximate size and any composition or background details.
All commissions require a 50 percent down payment of the total painting cost upfront. The remaining 50 percent is due when the painting is finished, before it ships.

Tom's minimum for a pet commission is $600. Horse commissions are priced based on canvas size, portrait type, racing scene requirements and background complexity.
Once a design is agreed and the painting is completed, Tom will correct anything that needs correcting. He cannot issue a refund on a finished commission because the painting was created specifically for you.
Clear photographs taken at eye level in natural light work best. For horses, photos showing specific markings, musculature and posture are ideal. Multiple photographs from different angles can also help.
Yes. Tom takes commissions for racing silks paintings featuring an owner's specific colors and silks. These are original commission pieces, not prints. A 50 percent deposit is required to begin.
05 SHIPPING & RETURNS
Yes. Free shipping is offered on all orders within the continental United States. International orders are shipped at cost.
Yes. Tom can ship to virtually any address in the world. Some products may have international shipping restrictions.
Tom offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on canvas prints and standard products. Custom commissions are not refundable once the design has been agreed and the painting has been completed.
06 GREETING CARDS
Yes. Tom produces two types of greeting cards: Christmas and Holiday Cards, and Horse Racing Greeting Cards.

Christmas and Holiday Cards are sold in boxes of 10 for $20 per box. Horse Racing Greeting Cards are sold individually at $10 each.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Let's Talk About Your Artwork

For commissions or questions about Tom's artwork, get in touch directly.

tomchapmanart@gmail.com