Doug Brock Graphite Pencil Artist dougbrockstudio.com
Looking for a unique gift for a family member or a friend or even for yourself? Consider a custom graphite portrait made from a favorite photograph.
I usually leave the framing up to the customer, as the choice of frame is usually such a personal issue. Do you like wood or metal? And there are so many choices of type of wood or metal and type of finish. And of course do you want the drawing matted or unmatted? How intricate a mat? What color mat? So many choices! If you absolutely don't want the joy of framing your drawing, I can provide that, too. Just let me know.
Don't have a perfect photo for a drawing? Don't despair. I can usually isolate an individual from a photo ("Grandma Barton" in the gallery was standing between two other women). I generally like pure white backgrounds, so a distracting background in a photo might not be an issue. I have even "erased" face paint - "Audrey" in the gallery actually had face paint on her forehead, nose, cheeks, and beside both eyes! An interesting challenge, but the mother just liked that smile...
Need a drawing QUICK? Well, my drawings don't happen "quick," even if there were nobody ahead of you in line. Still, if you need a drawing for some special occasion and are pressed for time, email me and I'll see what I can do for you.
"What about getting a drawing printed onto a shirt or a mug or a calendar or some Christmas cards?" All good ideas, and definitely options. Just let us know what you need!
"What is the world's greatest hobby?" I'd vote for DRAWING! All the tools you really need to get started are already in your house! Grab a pencil or pen and any old piece of paper and get going! I like a realistic drawing style, but that is only one possible style. Just enjoy putting lines on the paper. Try for realism or not. Just draw! Let yourself create! Even if you get serious about drawing, the cost is low for good paper and better quality pencils. The only thing you need to add is imagination and a healthy dose of patience. (Okay, there are too many exclamation points in this paragraph, but then I am pretty enthusiastic about drawing.)
What's New
New Blog: If you'd like to read more about my drawing process and see drawings in progress, you can read my Blog.
Matting: For the 9x12 drawings and for limited edition prints (which are 8-1/2x11), I now give you the option of a free custom mat sized for readily available 11x14 frames. When you place your order, we can determine if you want a mat and can discuss matting options.
My latest drawing can be seen in the Gallery or by clicking on the thumbnail image to the right.
Mitzi is a young Miniature Schnauzer who is especially energetic after 8 pm and piles up her toys in hopes that someone will throw or tug a few with her.
I take commissions for drawings (usually of people or pets, but it can be of your house, your favorite creek, the fox you caught on camera while it was crossing your backyard, or whatever!). The time from your commission to the completed drawing is usually four weeks, but a faster turn-around may be possible if you need the drawing more quickly.
I charge $100 for a basic single subject drawing. An additional fee may be required for additional subjects or complex drawings.
NEW. I'm now offering the option of a larger drawing...11x14. If you have several subjects, the larger format is particularly nice. Starting at $200.
A free estimate will be provided upon receipt of photo. I won't begin work on your drawing until we have agreed upon the price and conditions.
I will email you a photo of the completed drawing for your approval. You have no obliglation to buy the drawing if you are unhappy with it in any way!
To contact me about a commission: Contact (Your name and email are required; everything else is optional.)
A good drawing requires a good photo! A 3x5 photo is usually big enough, but a tiny subject in a 3x5 might be a problem. The subject needs to be well focused. Good contrast also helps yield a good drawing.
A digital scan is ideal and can be sent by email or on a CD (Don't compress the image though - I need all the detail I can get.). Please don't send the original, unless you're willing to take a chance of the photo being lost or damaged in the mail. Not LIKELY, but a copy is the safe way to go!
Once the drawing is completed, an email will be sent with a scan of the drawing. The original drawing will be sent to you upon payment.
The drawing will be made on 100 pound acid-free Bristol smooth (9x12 or 11x14).
Though hardier than most other media, graphite drawings still require care to maintain the sharp edges and white spaces. Don't allow paper or other surfaces to rub across the front of the drawing. Don't slide the drawing into an envelope. And don't touch the drawing surface, either; skin oil is bad for drawings.
The best protection for your drawing is under glass, in a nice frame.
I'd love to hear from you, whether you are interested in my drawings, or in art, drawing, and portaits in general.
Contact (Your name and email are required; everything else is optional.)
If you'd like to discuss matters over the phone, you can give me a phone number and time when it would be convenient for me to call. Email is fine, but a phone call can save both of us time!
My wife and I have called the Kansas City area our home since 1985 (Go, Chiefs!). We have three sons, three dogs, a cat, and a cockatiel (a relatively low pet count for us, but then my boys are growing up and have become more interested in text messaging than in chasing a herd of pets).
Some sites I'd like to recommend...
- My parents' web site, Church Growth International
- Friend and author, Martha Gilstrap - "The Power of the Written Word"