Abraham Lincoln Color Portrait

Truly a mesmerizing masterpiece from McFarland, now available here in print-on-canvas. “I wanted a Lincoln portrait that stared at the viewer from a dark abyss. His haunting facial features are the most recognized in human history. The goal was a compelling portrait one could not avoid staring back at,” says Michael. Colors are contained within a limited palette that gives a sense of antiquity. Order it today!

BRING HISTORY TO LIFE WITH OUR STUDIO!

Commissioning Artwork of Your Interest is EASY!

The Vanguard Group of Mutual Funds is a fine example. Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard sent a request for ideas on The Battle of Abukir Bay that occurred 1 August, 1798. The battle inspired him to name his company after the British flagship in the battle, the H.M.S. Vanguard. Sketches were sent to him via mail.

From there the sketches were presented by Jack to the board at Vanguard and upon approval finances were released. After several months color images were presented to Jack by Michael McFarland at their corporate headquarters in Valley Forge, PA.

Upon approval final images were created. After they were shown and given the ok, varnish was applied and framing, delivery and installation occurred. One year transpired for the four images.

You’ll enjoy the process of commissioning artwork with Michael McFarland Studio of Fine Art–through every stage of the process!

A partial list of research techniques used on past projects:

  • Visiting the site and taking images
  • Reading biographies on ship captains
  • Building ship models and placing in sand box for drawing reference
  • Using software to determine position of moon in period of time
  • Communicating with historian on the History channel
  • Communicating with historians from U.S. Naval history department
  • Acquiring a full-size copy of the original blueprint of the H.M.S. Vanguard
  • Acquiring and reading numerous books on subject drawn
Original sketch
Original color rough in oil

H.M.S. Vanguard Leading the Seaward Attack, Battle of the Nile, 1 August, 1798, oil on canvas.

Detail of H.M.S. Vanguard Leading the Seaward Attack, Battle of the Nile, 1 August, 1798.

Thanks yet again for executing a splendid commission.- Jack Bogle, Founder, The Vanguard Group of Mutual Funds, Valley Forge, PA

H.M.S. Vanguard Positioning Itself, Battle of the Nile, 1 August, 1798, oil on canvas.

H.M.S. Vanguard Rescuing Frenchmen, Battle of the Nile, 1 August, 1798, oil on canvas.

H.M.S. Vanguard and the Dawn of Victory, Battle of the Nile, 1 August, 1798, oil on canvas.

Circus Maximus, Rome, 357 a.d., oil on canvas.

Over Six Meters in Length. The Incredible Circus Maximus Rome, 357 a.d.

Few concepts are as compelling and difficult to recreate as the Circus Maximus Rome. Lasting over 800 years, at its zenith of popularity it held more than 300,000 visitors–more than one quarter the population of Rome. Many rulers came and left their mark on the architectural design. Certainly it was a conglomeration over the centuries. Little remains of the actual building specifications, yet the land still remains today a dedicated area to the greatest game ever!

U.S.S. Constitution, 19 August, 1812. Oil on Canvas, 8ft wide (2.4 meters)