Contemporary Drawings
by Michelle Flanagan

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[Drawings]

::Expressive

- Tondos

- Exercises

- Small Works

- James Dean

- MFA Show

::Realistic

1. Briana
2. Christina Aguilera
3. G.W. Bush w Flag
4. G.W. Bush w Hat
5. Willie Nelson

Commissions Procedure >

[Sculpture]

::'Flamingos!'

      

Commission a Portrait Drawing by Michelle Flanagan

A. Choose a Photograph

I work from photographs provided by the client; however, due to copyright requirements, I do not work from professional photos without the permission of the photographer. I suggest that clients provide more than one photo so that I can evaluate them for composition, sharpness or clarity of the image, expressions of the person, color vs. black and white, etc. If the submitted photos are scanned and e-mailed, the quality may be affected. The quality of the photograph is important because what I cannot see will not be in the drawing. If requested, I will attempt minimum 'clean up' of images with computer graphics software.

B. Estimate the Costs

1. The Portrait Drawing:

Expect to pay $100 for a basic, signed 8 x 10 inch portrait drawing ($150 for 11 x 14 inch). A basic portrait is a photo-realistic, original drawing of a single figure, with simple clothing and a plain background. Usually a portrait drawing includes the person's head, face and upper body/shoulder area. For a very complicated background, clothing, interior, toys, etc., the price of the drawing may increase. Adding another person or a pet to the same drawing increases the price by $75. The portrait will be drawn using graphite/pencils on acid-free 100% cotton rag heavyweight paper. Each finished portrait is protected with a spray fixative to help prevent smudging and wrinkling.
(Note: Different sizes, subject matter, or mediums can be accomodated and a price negotiated. Before any artwork is begun I will provide the client with my final charge for each commission after I see and review the photograph(s).)

2. The Portrait Frame:

The client's choice of frame type and method will affect their final cost. Standard frame sizes (in inches) usually are: 5x7, 8x10, 9x12, 11x14, 12x16, etc. If the finished portrait is a standard size, a standard ready-made frame is likely to be less costly than custom framing. Most clients prefer to frame a standard 8 x 10 inch original portrait with at least a 1-inch mat. Adding a l-inch mat increases the size of what is framed to 10 x 12 inches, because 1 inch is added to each side. If a 2-inch mat is used, the size of the frame required increases to 12 x 14 inches, etc. A client should expect the cost of framing to increase with the increased size of the portrait. The wall space available for hanging is an important consideration when making decisions about portrait size.

C. Payment and Delivery

I accept cash, personal checks, cashier's checks and money orders payments. When a client and I have agreed about price and content of a commissioned drawing, I require payment of l/2 of the agreed price as a deposit. Usually a basic portrait drawing can be completed within 2 weeks. Upon completion, I will notify the client and provide a preview of the finished artwork for approval. Upon receipt of final payment, including shipping fees, I will confirm the client's correct address and ship the artwork as prearranged with the client.
Drawings are packed in a cardboard portfolio, which is flat-packed and inserted into a large envelope. Unless otherwise requested by the client, I generally use UPS ground services, and have found them to be economical and reliable. The client bears all risk of loss or damage while the artwork is in transit. UPS shipping charges include $100 minimum insurance for packages. Additional insurance is available. Please allow 2-3 business days for shipment.
My goal is to provide a portrait that very much pleases my client and is virtually identical to the photograph provided. In the event a client is unhappy after receiving the completed portrait (and immediately returns it to me), some part of the payment may be refunded, at my option. I retain all copyrights to the artwork I create. That means the artwork may not be reproduced for any commercial reason without my written consent.

PLEASE NOTE: Only a few weeks remain to commission an original drawing for holiday giving. Remember to allow enough time for framing!

Contact Information
Michelle Flanagan
email: mflaniam@hotmail.com
URL: www.drawingself.com; or www.michelleflanaganart.com