Answers to questions you may have:

What is the return policy?

Please contact me directly for returns. I do accept returns within 30 days provided that the merchandise is returned in sellable condition. If the return is due to a mistake on my part I will also refund any shipping costs. If you changed your mind about the purchase, you will be responsible for paying for the shipping costs.

How much is shipping?

Shipping is a flat $5 for shipping in the US for most orders. Orders under $10 are slightly cheaper, and orders over $60 ship free.

Local delivery (Lafayette) is free with no minimum order. You should get this option in checkout if you're within 8 miles of the art studio. It usually takes 1-3 business days for delivery.

If you're international, please contact me for a shipping quote.

What happens if the package is damaged in transit?

If the package is damaged please contact me immediately. Be SURE to keep the original packaging.

Depending on the carrier the claims process might be slightly different. Here's an example of what USPS would be asking for:

  • Save the original packaging and everything in the package until your claim is settled.
  • Do not throw out damaged items, even after you photograph them.
  • Do not reship items that were not damaged. Save them with the damaged items.
  • You may be asked to take the entire package to your local Post Office™ facility for inspection.

When will I get my order?

I will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible, usually within 1-2 business days. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

Are you available for commissions?

Yes. Please inquire directly. My prices start at $500 for an 8x10" and go up to about $1750 for a 16x20", roughly. I'll need more information to be able to provide a quote. Please be aware that oil painting is a slow process, and a painting can take anywhere from 2-8 months depending on complexity. The higher quality is worth the wait though!

What materials do you use?

For oil paintings I use lightfast oil paints which are resistant to fading for hundreds of years. I use either oil primed linen canvas stretched over 1/8" wooden panels or 1/8" hardboard coated in gesso. Paintings are coated with Gamvar protective varnish.

For pigment prints (also known as giclée's) of paintings I use lightfast pigment based inks rated for 200 years provided they aren't in direct sunlight. Paper choice depends which paper will best replicate the the original: I either use a matte cold pressed cotton or a Platine (satin) coated cotton fibre. All materials are archival and acid free.

Silver gelatin prints are traditionally created darkroom photographs that are coated in an emulsion of silver halides suspended in gelatin. These emulsions are resistant to fading for 100+ years.

Finally, for color photograph prints, I use archival photography paper with the same lightfast pigment inks as in the artwork, which are rated for 200 years.

How do I care for my artwork?

For all artwork, ensure it is out of direct sunlight and in a place where temperature and humidity are controlled and consistent.

For oil paintings: Glazing (i.e. glass) is not necessary; light dusting with a soft brush as needed.

For prints: Glazing is recommended.

About the Artist

Artist Statement

Michael Lerch is a visual artist producing oil paintings and analog photography. Much of his work is rooted in a passion for literature, which in turn is inspired by the human experience. His work embodies the Southern Gothic literary movement and is made up of several series that vary in style and execution much like different authors vary in literary technique. One series of paintings may be highly detailed and classical portraits, while another series of paintings may be more abstract with loose brushwork; however, they all converge in a focus on the same underlying theme: visualizing his experiences in the Gothic South.

Biography

Michael Lerch is a full time artist residing in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Classically trained in cast and figure drawing in Arizona at both the Loft Atelier and Scottsdale Artists' School, he focuses on the human figure and still life subjects. Describing his style as "Southern Gothic," his work is typically high contrast, employing strong elements of chiaroscuro inspired by the Dutch masters, Jean-Leon Gerome, and Alphonse Mucha. His photography explores the life, flora and architecture of the South and augments his work as a painter. Preferring the aesthetics and vintage nature of film photography, he primarily shoots 35mm, medium format, tintypes and Polaroids.

In addition to visual art, he completed the undergraduate English program at Arizona State University with a focus on creative writing in Fiction and Poetry. His primary literary influences include Romantic and Victorian era authors such as William Blake, Mark Twain, and Edgar Allan Poe as well as more contemporary authors such as Anne Rice, Flannery O'Conner, Stephen King, and Grady Hendrix.

Born in raised in Oklahoma, he lived in multiple cities before settling down in Louisiana, not far from where his grandparents lived. Much of his artwork is inspired from the beauty of the area, as well as its culture and its food.

Curriculum Vitae

Current Juried Exhibits:

FELT Summer Contemporary - Glassell Gallery - Baton Rouge, LA (July 12 - August 23, 2025)

Awards:

1st Place - The Gallows - Freeze Frame, Lafayette Art Association, Lafayette LA (2025)

3rd Place - Confinement - Oregon in Extraordinary Times, OSA Gallery, Portland OR (2020)

Education:

Arizona State University - (2008-2012) - English, Creative Writing

Loft Atelier, Tempe AZ (2013-2015) - Classical Cast Drawing

Scottsdale Artists School, Scottsdale AZ (2013-2016) - Figure Drawing

Private Instruction under artist Brooke Walker-Knoblich, Portland OR (2016-2020) - Oil Painting (Still Life/Human Figure)

Promotion of the Arts:

Oregon Society of Artists, Portland OR (2017-2021) - Teacher (Photography)

Oregon Society of Artists, Portland OR (2020-2021) - Curator, Annual Photography Show "Oregon in Extraordinary Times" which was the subject of S22:EP9 of PBS's Art Beat.

Life Drawing at the {9} Gallery, Phoenix Arizona (2015-2016) - Produced weekly life drawing sessions

Sunday Salon, Portland OR (2017-2018) - Produced weekly life drawing sessions

Garden Home Art Studio, Portland OR (2018-2020) - Produced semi-monthly life drawing sessions

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