Any communication relating to the sale and purchase of my artwork must be given in writing via email. I will communicate with you via the email address you provide when you submit a contact form from my website.

Payment must be received in full before an artwork is shipped. I will organise the (secure) packing and shipping of the artwork to an address specified by you, the buyer. The cost of this shipping and insurance will be added to the invoice. Depending on the destination address, I might be able to deliver the artwork personally. Alternatively, you are welcome to pick up the artwork from my studio in Pirongia once full payment has been made.  

Presently, I am not shipping outside of New Zealand. This may change in the future. 

All prices shown are in New Zealand Dollars and are inclusive of GST. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card. Upon receiving your purchase inquiry I will email you an invoice with payment details. Payment must be made in full before the purchased artworks are delivered, shipped, or collected. Full payment is required within 7 days of receiving the invoice, otherwise the artwork will be released for sale again.

Please be aware that as soon as the purchase price is paid in full, you will become the legal owner of the artwork and, upon such payment, you will be responsible for the artwork and the risk of damage to or loss of the artwork will pass to you. I will do my utmost to ensure that the artwork reaches you in perfect condition (please see also "Returns and Refunds" below).

Please choose carefully, as I reserve the right to refuse a refund if you have simply changed your mind (this is in accordance with Consumer Law in New Zealand). However, I will assist with insurance claims in case of damage during shipping.  If the artwork is damaged in any way during shipping, please contact me right away (and send along photos so that I can file an insurance claim). Please retain all packaging; this is important if the courier has caused the damage. You may be able to choose a new piece or I can issue you a refund (less shipping charges).

Your submission of personal information through this website is governed by my Privacy Policy.

All paintings are original artworks by Esther Laaper.  Please note that sole copyright is fully retained by the artist and that purchase of an original artwork DOES NOT transfer the copyright. The artwork may not be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the artist. This is in accordance with New Zealand copyright law.

My paintings have been varnished with Gamvar gloss varnish to protect them from dust and colour fade. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will fade the colours in your oil painting. Please be aware of this when choosing a location for it. Never expose your painting to extreme heat, extreme cold, or to extreme humidity. Never hang in direct sunlight. Never hang directly over fires, radiators, heaters, in bathrooms or in kitchens. Do not keep in a damp room as it encourages mould and mildew. Check your painting regularly (at the back) for any pests or insects.

You might want to dust your painting regularly, so that a thick layer of dust does not build up which will dry out the paint and possibly result in cracking and peeling. Do not spray anything (like Pledge) on the work. Never clean it yourself. Only dust with a light brush. Cloths and feather dusters might catch so it is better not to use those. Do not use chemicals or household cleaning products. Do not use water or damp cloths. Avoid touching the painted surface with your fingers/hands.

Oil paintings need breathing room and therefore do not need to be framed behind glass. Direct contact between the painted and glass surfaces can cause serious damage to the painting, as can condensation, so if you still choose to frame your painting behind glass be sure to leave sufficient room between the two surfaces.

Never lean the front or back surface of a stretched canvas on a pointed or sharp object, no matter how small. Corners of chairs and tables must be avoided. If you lean the canvas against it, it will leave a dent that will disfigure your work. If you must lean it against something, lean it on the wood of its stretcher bars or the frame, so that nothing presses against the canvas.

If you must transport the artwork, lay a sheet/sheets of acid-free tissue paper against the painted surfaces, and then wrap it in bubble wrap and cardboard. Keep bubble wrap away from the painting surface as it could leave marks. Always keep a painting upright and never lay it flat. Be careful of the frame corners as they are easily damaged. Carry a painting with two hands from the sides of the frame, never just by the top.

Make sure the painting is hanging securely and safely. Self-adhesive picture hooks are not secure enough. Make note of the weight of the painting and use suitably heavy screws and hooks. Ask a framer for advice if you are not sure. I am not responsible for damage to an artwork or its frame that occurs due to incorrect hanging.