O'DONNELL FACES LAWSUIT OVER SKETCHES

Funnywoman ROSIE O'DONNELL is reportedly about to be sued by a sketch artist who claims she is in possession of a series of drawings taken without payment.

SHIRLEY SHEPARD was present in the courtroom during O'Donnell's trial against German publishers GRUNER + JAHR last year (03) and drew a number of sketches depicting the LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN star.

According to Shepard, O'Donnell contacted her shortly after the verdict and asked for copies of every drawing done of her by the veteran artist.

Now Shepard says O'Donnell took possession of them and has begun to use them for her own purposes, without paying for the right.

New York gossip site PAGESIX.COM reports that Shepard has now hired a lawyer and intends to give a press conference regarding the next course of action she is going to take.

O'Donnell has made no comment regarding the wrangle.