Commission Process Prices, Gift Vouchers FAQ's
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My Work and My Philosophy:
I am a pencil artist specializing in black and white art. I use a combination of carbon, charcoal, and graphite, as the subject requires, on a pale cream-toned art paper. The use of carbon pencil and cream-toned paper give my drawings a "warmth" not usually associated with black and white art.
My drawings represent a celebration of the subject`s existence...I see what others fail to see, what the camera fails to capture, and interpret this in my drawings. I believe that a successful drawing needs to be more than just the replication of a photo...but should convey the feelings and atmosphere of the moment. My goal is to capture my subject`s essence and emotions on paper, presenting my feelings of this person to the world in my own unique style.
I am available for "Commissioned Works" of most any subject...From your grandchild to your grandmother, your antique car or your daughter`s first ballet slippers, your son`s baseball uniform, or even "Gretchen," your ten-year old basset hound.
I am honored that you have considered me for a commissioned drawing. This is the largest section on my website and it contains a considerable amount of information. Take your time...read it, digest it, and contact me if you have questions.
Thank you,
Marsha L. Robinett
The Commission Process:
Step 1...Selecting a photograph:
This can sometimes be a daunting process. Whether you are planning to take photos specifically for your commissioned portrait or plan on using a favorite photo you already have...The following links are provided to assist you in the process. If you have more than one photo and would like some help choosing the one most suitable, I am more than happy to give you some guidance...in fact it is good to do some consulting prior to selecting your photos.
Choosing and Sending Reference Photos: The accuracy of your finished drawing is dependent on the quality of your reference photo.
Guidelines for Taking Photos: Indoor and Outdoor Photography Hints
Step 2 ...Consultation:
Once you have selected a group of reference photos, contact me and we can discuss the basic parameters of the drawing, such as...subject(s), head or head and shoulders, 3/4 or full figure, size, etc. Once we have agreed on the basic vision for the drawing I can give you an estimate for the commission. We can do this by phone or by email. At this time I will also need a copy of the photo(s) you would like me to use as the basis of your portrait.
Having established the basic idea for the portrait I will more closely view the images you have sent and develop a final composition for the drawing. Once I am happy with the composition, I will email you a black and white photo showing what I will be drawing along with a contract. The contract will contain the specifications we discussed, copies of the reference photos to be used, a guaranteed price quote for your portrait and an expected completion date.
Step 3 ...Confirm your order with a deposit:
Upon approval of the photo reference and compositional plan and assuming the information on the contract is correct...you will need to sign and return my copy of the contract along with your 50% down payment.
*You can send a personal check with your signed contract.
*I also accept Master Card or Visa
After receiving your down payment and signed contract...your Portrait Commission will be included on my work schedule. The turn around time for your finished portrait at this point is usually not more than thirty days. If you should desire Fine Art Prints made of your commissioned portrait, you need to allow another week or two.
Step 4 ...Work in progress preview:
You will be notified when I begin the drawing. There are a variety of ways through which we can stay in touch. A common choice, and my favorite, is to provide a link to a web page where you can view updates and scans of the work in progress...allowing you to see daily how your commissioned piece is developing. You are encouraged to provide feedback at each stage of the drawing process.
Step 5 ...Final payment and delivery:
Once I have completed your portrait I will contact you. I can photograph or scan your finished portrait and post it on The Drawing Board section of my website for your final approval...or if you desire a more private approval process I can email a copy to you. I will not ship your Commissioned Portrait without your expressed permission, at which time any balance due must be paid in full.
In the unlikely event that you are not fully satisfied with the proof and I cannot develop the Portrait Drawing to your satisfaction, I will refund your deposit in full, in which case the Original Portrait Drawing will remain in my possession.
This is not a complicated process...Your Commissioned Portrait will someday become a family heirloom, to be passed down through the generations. It isn't something to be rushed by either of us. I will work with you in choosing a photo, and help you decide on a size and format best fitted to your needs...it is important to me that my portrait work be acquirable for all those who desire it.
Remember, no question is too small and no question is unimportant. I check my email daily unless I am out of town. The more we communicate, the better your commissioned piece will be. I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your photos.
PS...If you really want a Commissioned Portrait, we can make it happen.
BASIC PORTRAIT PRICES...Valid through December 2008
Currency Converter.... www.xe.com/ucc/
Commission Prices...are based on the approximate number of hours required to finish the drawing. The following prices are valid through December, 2008, and include shipping and tax for the artwork, which comes mounted in a 3" double mat...ready to be framed. You will notice that a range of sizes are offered in each price category. This allows me the opportunity to develop the best possible composition for your portrait, and enables you to customize it's size. If you have a particular size in mind, I will do my best to develop the composition of the drawing within those parameters.
Fine Art Prints...are offered at the time of the commission, enabling you to share a copy of your commissioned piece with family and friends. The fine art print retains the same high quality characteristics as the original, can be purchased with or without a mat, and shipped at no extra charge with your commissioned piece. (w/double mat $52.....unmated $45)
**a print order will add approximately two weeks to your delivery date.
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Image Size
and Maximum sq. in.
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Formal Portrait
Head or Head
and Shoulder
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Formal Portrait
Three Quarter
or Full Figure
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6x6 to 6x9
Maximum of 63 Sq. in.
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$250
Shaded Background only
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*Not Available
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8x8 to 8x10
Maximum of 80 sq. in.
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$300
Shaded Background Only
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*Not Available
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9x9 to 9x12
Maximum of 108 sq. in.
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$400
Shaded Background
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$425 to $450
Detailed Background
*Single Subject Only
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$475 *3/4 View only
Shaded Background
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$500 to $525
Detailed Background
*Single Subject Only
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11x10 to 11x14
Maximum of 154 sq. in.
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$500
Shaded Background
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$550 to $600
Detailed Background
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$200
Each Additional Subject
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$600
Shaded Background
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$650 to $700
Detailed Background
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$225
Each Additional Subject
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12 x13 to 12x16
Maximum of 192 sq. in.
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$650
Shaded Background
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$700 to $750
Detailed Background
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$225
Each Additional Subject
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$750
Shaded Background
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$800 to $850
Detailed Background
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$275
Each Additional Subject
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14x14 to 16x20
Maximum of 320 sq. in.
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$800
Shaded Background
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$850 to $900
Detailed Background
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$275
Each Additional Subject
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$1000
Shaded Background
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$1100 to $1200
Detailed Background
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$350
Each Additional Subject
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Illustrated Gift Voucher
Gift Vouchers...illustrated gift vouchers are available in any $$ amount...they are unique and personal, making them an ideal gift choice for both friends and family. Your gift voucher will be printed on high quality card stock and includes an illustration of your choice, (from my portfolio), the gift amount, and a "personal message" from you.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT DOES THE BASIC PORTRAIT INCLUDE?
My basic Portrait prices are for a head or head and shoulder drawing of one subject or "person" with a shaded background. This includes...your consultation, the preview and proofing of the final portrait, and a three inch ivory colored double mat with a backing board. Your commissioned portrait will be ready to frame.
DO YOU GUARANTEE YOUR WORK?
Absolutley! I always strive to ensure that I meet or, better still exceed your expectations with the finished artwork. All portraits are guaranteed to be a likeness. If you are not entirely satisfied with the finished portrait you will be under no obligation to buy it. I offer a 100% money back guarantee on all my artwork...if you are not completely satisfied, simply return the unwanted portrait to me within 14 days of receiving it and I will refund you in full.
WHAT IS A "FINE ART PRINT"?
The short definition is this...A "Fine Art Print" first and foremost is a reproduction created from an original piece of art and is printed on acid free paper, using archival inks. When properly cared for they will last a life time and then some.
WHAT ABOUT A MORE DETAILED BACKGROUND?
The addition of extra detail into the background or foreground of your Portrait such as...landscape elements, architecture, furniture, cars, or children`s toys, will be considered on an individual basis, along with any clothing which exhibits intricate patterns such as a plaid shirt or floral dress.
CAN YOU DO A "STILL LIFE" COMMISSION?
Certainly...one of my first commissions was for a lady who requested a "still life" drawing of her son`s baseball uniform, glove, shoes and hat. She took several photos herself of the "pile" that her son always left them in! She then packaged the items in a box and mailed them to me along with her photos and ideas.
I "piled" the equipment up in a similar fashion...making a few small changes for compositional purposes. She was so pleased with the drawing I did for her son, that the next year she commissioned another drawing for her daughter...using her tap costume, tap shoes, and hair ribbons. What a special way to preserve childhood memories.
We have talked sense then of doing a drawing for her husband...using his gardening tools, some seed packets, and the knee pads that he wears "which belonged to his father." So you see, the subjects are endless.
WILL A SMALL PORTRAIT HAVE A "PRESENCE"?
Most certainly...just look at the portraits of Andrew or Hallie. You don`t have to choose a large size for your Commissioned Portrait to be outstanding! Because of the way I position the face in my smaller portraits, it almost "pops out of the mat"...making for quite a dramatic statement.
Some of my favorites are actually the smaller ones. I believe the 6x7 or 7x9 size that are seen frequently in my Portrait Collections are just the right size for a small child`s or young adult`s "head" or "head and shoulders" Portrait. These smaller sizes are perfect for a wall grouping, and they make wonderful grandparents gifts.
When considering size, remember that a 10x10 portrait will be 16x16 when using a three inch mat...plus the width of the frame. Check out The Drawing Board, and look at the G. Denton Commission Preview section. All nine portraits posted here are either 6x9, 6x7 or 7x7...and are only $250 each.
CAN YOU DO A PORTRAIT OF MY HOUSE?
Yes...as with any drawing, the reference photos need to show lots of detail...not just of the "house", but the texture of the brick or siding, a close up of the roof, windows, doors, and any other special architectural features. It is good also to include photos of any landscaping that is to be included.
The best angle is usually from the front, showing a little side wall. Take lots of photos, choosing the time of day when the sunlight is the most complimentary to your home. This is usually mid-morning or late afternoon when shadows are long.
CAN I MAKE COPIES OF MY PORTRAIT?
No you cannot. As the artist, I retain all rights to the use of this image. You can however, order Fine Art Prints and Note Cards at the time of your commission.
Again, I thank you for your interest.
If you have concerns or questions about anything...please don`t hesitate to contact me.
Marsha Robinett
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