Marilyn Ines Rodriguez

                  
                     Commissioned Portrait Artist since 1996
                                                        Free Shipping in the USA

            PHOTO                                                                  PORTRAIT DRAWING IN PENCIL 

"Sydney", champion agility dog for Purina. She was in a Marshalls, Ford, and Publix commercial. She was on the Tonight Show doing dog diving back in 2002. Pencil, Size 16" x 12")

"Today's Art, Tomorrow's Heirloom"

The above prices will give you a general idea of what  to expect to pay in most cases.  However, to receive a specific price quote is best if you please send me the photo first, and I will be glad to give you various options based on how much you want to include of the subject, the background and the size of the drawing.  We should  also discuss which style do you prefer, a more traditional pencil drawing such as  "Sydney" above, or a more free flowing and artistic portrait such as "Shadow" below. I am also flexible with the sizes. 

I am also very generous with my prices and size of the print, and I will go out of my way to give you more than you expect. Just send me a photo and lets get started without any obigation. 

I like to use a heavy, acid-free, archival museum  quality paper, and  I coat each portrait with an UV Artist's Varnish protection to help prevent the portrait from fading. For the pastel drawings II suggest you frame it as soon as possible, as pastels are bright, beautiful but delicate in nature.

Paper  for Pastels / Color Chart 

I like to offer you several choices of papers. If you need my help I  will be glad to help you select the best color after I see the photo.  Please understand, this is just an approximation of the colors.

Paper for Graphite Pencil  / Color Chart 

FAQ

How do I get started?
1-  Easy, just send me your photo via email (300 resolution) or by regular mail. My email is mirstudio@comcast.net
2-  Once I receive your photo I will do the necessary cropping and send the image back to you for your approval of what will be included in the portrait.  If by chance the photo you send is not clear or focused enough I will let you know right away. The better the photo, the better the portrait!
3-  Chose the color paper you prefer
4-  I will start as soon as I receive 50% deposit. Personal check or paypal.com accepted
5-  Once I am done, I will send you a photo of the portrait for your critique
6-  I will make all the changes as per your request, and resend it to you for final approval
7-  After your final approval, I will ship it to you upon final payment
  

Can I see more examples or your work?
Click on "Gallery", then on "Portraits". Please know that it is nearly impossible for a photo to do justice to a drawing. In a photo the drawings always appear slightly muddy, and the delicate pencil marks and subtle details are unfortunately lost. On the bright side, if you like the photo of the drawing you will most likely like the real drawing even better.

       

                             "Darja"       Pencil       Size 16" x 12"       


How long does it take you to draw a portrait?
Longer than you think!  It takes hours and years of practice. I do it because I love drawing. Drawing is fun and relaxing to me. I make a living as a sculptor, a draw for fun and relaxation.  My prices are very fair and competitive.

Why should I consider a portrait?
A portrait focuses only on the subject eliminating all the distracting background.  My aim is not only to capture the physical likeness but most importantly, the spirit and soul of your love one. My portraits are professional, true-to-life renditions. If you are looking for a inexpensive quick sketch, a caricature, a generic drawing of dog's breed, I am not the artist you are looking for. My portraits are meticulously drawn and time consuming but when I am done, they will look like a realistic fine art drawing of your love one.  

                           "Oliver Jose"      Pencil       Size 16" x 12"       

"The artistic permanence that a portrait grants to its subject makes it a treasure to own.  I have chosen to have the young ones in my family for such a feast, and Marilyn, our master artist, has given all of us the pleasure of art, and the joy of heritage to preserve."  ~I. Campoy




                        "Maggie"      Pastel      Size  20" x 16"  
    

Can I get my portrait in a hurry?
Most likely.  I will try my absolute best to finish it on time.  Expedited shipping if needed is extra. 

                                        "Bassut Family"      Pencil       Size  24" x 18"    
  

Why do you offer these particular size portraits?
These are standard sizes in the U.S. and as such, easy and economical for you to purchase pre-made frames.   


     
                                "Rea"     Pencil,     Size 16" x 12"    

                                "Shadow"       Pastel       Size  29" x 23"     

  "OMG! I love it. I cant wait to frame it. This is so much more colorful and artistic than I expected. Thank you!"  ~ L. Rose

Do you offer prints of the original drawing?
Yes, but you need to tell me before I mail you the illustration, as I will have it professionally photographed for best quality. After it has been photographed, go to "Gallery", find your portrait and click on it.  You will have a selection of print sizes, frames, mats, glass, etc.  The price of your order will automatically appear as you make your selection. The shipping cost of the print and accessories is set by the site host. 



                          "Leo"      Pastel       Size  16" x 12"     

"I have commissioned pet portraits before but none have exuded the quality, attention to detail and phenomenal likeness as Marilyn's.  I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend her."  ~ M. Robinson


Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes, and I am happy to personalize it at your specification.


Can I get my portrait framed? 
I will be shipping the original portrait directly to you unframed. You will need to  take it to the  framing shop of your choice.  

 

                             Denize"    Pencil    Size 16" x 12"   

"I just matted and framed the picture, and it's beautiful.  Denize liked it so much that he said "Let's give the copy to Dede, and I'll keep this one Mommy!".   I'm going to order the print now so that he is ok with giving the original to his grandfather as a gift!"   ~ Cigdem
 

What if my portrait gets damaged in shipping?
If by chance it arrives damaged, you will be fully reimbursed as I insure all shipments for full value.
 


                              "Berkeley"       Pencil        Size  20" x 16"      

"Just wanted to let u know again how much I love the drawing you did of Berkeley ... my daughter Amberly will be thrilled. U r extremely talented."   ~ V. Scott

 Any other ways of printing my Portrait?

Yes, visit: http://www.cafepress.com/MarilynRodriguez  and order your portrait on mugs, t-shirts, bags, etc.  Just let me know so I can upload your portrait image.
  


                             "Russeau  - Saguin Family"      Pencil       Size 29" x 23"  


Will the portrait smudge or turn yellow?
No.  I coat it with an archival/UV protection artists' varnish.  Also, the portrait won't yellow since I draw it on high quality acid-free, heavy weight archival paper.

What  if I'm not happy with the portrait?
The larger and clearer the photo, the better the drawing can be. I will  scan and show you the drawing  for your approval before shipping.  If you are not satisfied, you are not obligated to buy it.

You are most welcomed to call me directly 415.948.3099

                                                                  Thank you for supporting the Arts!