8mm Forum: My DRACULA fine art print

This is topic My DRACULA fine art print in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on July 09, 2008, 08:28 PM:

I am so proud I'd have to share the news with fellow film collectors. I have just released my first full color licensed poster of a Universal Monster...LUGOSI as DRACULA. It's a very limited run will premiere at a show and then no more.
Hope it does well....anyway my site is

www.AragonArtStudio.com

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on July 10, 2008, 05:17 AM:

Beautiful work Robert! [Smile]

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on July 10, 2008, 05:59 AM:

Superb job, Robert.

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on July 10, 2008, 07:12 AM:

That is stunning work, Robert.

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on July 10, 2008, 11:58 AM:

thanks dear gents. I've done work for universal and the like for years. But, Bela was a difficult license to get. Until recently....So, this is my closing tribute to the universal films. This will be my last "monsterous" piece, since I am moving now to fine art gallery work.
Yrs, as always, Rob

Posted by Gary Crawford (Member # 67) on July 10, 2008, 03:13 PM:

Hi..just wanted you to know I just bought your artpiece. It looks terrific...and I'm looking forward to getting it framed and displayed. Good to know you are still on the 8mm forum. Also enjoyed your contris to it and to The Reel Image and Coming Attractions before that. thanks
gary

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on July 10, 2008, 10:44 PM:

Quite nice work Robert!

I'm into watercolors personally, and though I have dabbled in oils or acryllics, I never had the patience or discipline to work seriously in fine portraiture, more impressionism.

Good work!

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on July 11, 2008, 08:39 PM:

Thanks to you both Gary and Osi for your comments.
yrs, Rob

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on July 11, 2008, 11:19 PM:

Robert,

How much did it cost for you to get the official rights to do paintings of the classic monsters likenesses?

I didn't realize that you even had to get official licience to reproduce even a likeness of a character.

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on July 12, 2008, 05:22 PM:

Hi Osi,
I'll began by saying..YES, One must license the universal monsters since they are trademarked properties. All images ARE trademarked by their original creators. There are double licenses and singular. The actors likeness must be licensed through the estate and the character license through the studio who owns the makeup/look. Single license would be for say, the CREATURE or Metaluna Mutant for the actor's likeness is not visible.
Universal will License ALL of their monsters (horror-both classic and contemporary(YUCK!)) films as a package. That is why you may see the classic monsters, plus a JAWS or psycho, or even CHUCKY items from the same manufacturer.
There are other artists in the circle of monster conventions who reproduce their work for sale, but, they are not legally authorized. We have had public (forum) and VERY heated debates on the subject. But, he is not authorized. Which upsets me for the simple reason of giving misinformation to other artists. Plus, Licensing is important for various reasons. It affects quality, representation and is just plain old stealing. I have other images created by myself. Original paintings, Can you imagine if someone creates works based on my original work? Without consent from me? Terrible. It's stealing.
There is an unspoken law..."you create it, you own it". Yes, that is true. I may have created my interpretation of KArloff's Frankenstein, but, I didn't create Karloff's Frankenstein ..UNIVERSAL and Boris did.
All my film artwork, has been licensed and approved by the estates and or studio. From Steve Mcqueen, Universal monsters and Hammer. All been licensed.
As for the fee, it's in my license agreement to keep it confidential. Sorry. But, Dracula is NOT Universal owned, it's owned by the estate and he is the ONLY Classic monster from the talking era to be so(The Phantom and Hunchback are owned by the Chaney Estate since falling into public domain).
Lugosi originated the make up and look of the Famous count on stage. It truly is a testament to Lugosi's artistic brilliance and gothic understanding of the character that the world equates HIS Dracula as THE Dracula, 80 years since it's inception.
I will not retire because of the profits of the print, My hope is to simply recoup my initial investment. I'm just fortunate enough to share these classic monsterdom characterzations through my artistic expression.
I hope I have helped you with your questions.
as always, Rob

Posted by Stewart McSporran (Member # 128) on July 17, 2008, 05:16 PM:

Robert that's terrific.

Before I place an order; what else do you have for sale?

Stewart

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on July 17, 2008, 05:52 PM:

HI Stewart,
Thanks for the interest. I have several pieces for sale...Check out MYSPACE.com/ARTISTROBERTARAGON

The ARAGONARTSTUDIO will not change till close to december..when we will start adding my other work. For now, you may get a glimpse of my work at the myspace page. if you have any questions..feel free to contact me at Artist@AragonArtStudio.com
At your service, Rob

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