Commissioning a Portrait: Process, Tips, and What Matters Most

Commissioning a portrait painting is a deeply personal and meaningful experience. As someone who loves painting portraits, I’ve encountered a variety of challenges—not just in creating the artwork, but also in understanding the unique visions of each client. It’s not only about painting faces; it’s also about communicating with individuals who are often trying to express what they want using limited terms.

To make the commissioning process clear and transparent, I’ve put together an overview of what to expect from the very first inquiry to the final delivery. If you’re considering commissioning a portrait, this guide will walk you through each step.

Inquiry

The process begins with a simple step, just reach out to me with your interest in having a portrait painted. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Whether you're thinking of a single portrait, a family piece, or a gift, I’ll guide you through the rest.

Timespan

Oil painting is a slow and thoughtful medium. It generally isn’t suitable for urgent commissions due to its long drying time.

Oil portrait 

Depending on complexity and thickness, the painting may take weeks to a few months, and will need at least two weeks to dry before final varnishing.

Pencil or charcoal sketches 

These take less time and are a good option for quicker turnaround or simpler commissions.

Choosing the Right Photo Reference

This step can be a little tricky. In my experience, most people don’t have professional, studio-quality photos of themselves or their loved ones—and that’s perfectly okay.

High quality, in this context, doesn’t mean high resolution. Instead, it refers to:

* Good lighting (not too dark or overly exposed)

* Visible facial features or posture

* Natural contrast and clarity

* A strong sense of personality or emotion

Ideally, think of a photo that could pass as a still frame from a well-lit studio video. However, painting is not photography, it doesn’t demand perfection. In fact, art embraces imperfection. A good portrait can bring out warmth, memory, and emotion even from a casual selfie, as long as the essentials are met.

Over time, I’ve learned how to help clients choose the best possible reference. Even if we’re working with selfies or group photos, I’ll help you identify an image that translates well into a painting.

Deciding the Canvas Size

The display space matters. When selecting a canvas size, consider the size of your home, the wall it will be displayed on, and your overall vision for the piece. Larger canvases tend to be more impactful, but they also require more time and materials, which naturally affects the pricing.

If you’re unsure, I’m happy to advise you based on where you plan to place the portrait.

Price

Pricing depends on the medium (oil or pencil), canvas size, number of subjects, and level of detail. Larger oil paintings require more time and materials, hence a higher cost. I’m happy to provide a detailed quote once the details are finalized.

Style & Color Preferences

Because your portrait will last for generations, it’s important to communicate your artistic preferences. Whether it’s a certain color palette, mood, or painting style, sharing your vision helps me create a piece that truly resonates with you.

And don’t worry if you’re unsure about what you like, we can explore options together after the booking is confirmed.

Confirmation & Deposit

A 50% deposit is required to confirm the booking.

This secures the slot and allows me to begin work on your painting.

In my experience, many clients are prompt and generous, sometimes even paying in full upfront. That said, I’ve also encountered a few who agreed on the details but stopped responding afterward. This is why the deposit is essential to ensure mutual commitment and respect for the time and effort involved.

The Progress

Though I haven’t encountered any clients asking to check on my painting progress, the curiosity is completely understandable. However, it’s important to know that each artist has a unique process, and showing a work-in-progress can sometimes do more harm than good.

A painting in its half-finished stage often looks unbalanced, incomplete, or even awkward—because it’s not meant to be viewed that way. What might appear “off” to the untrained eye is often just part of the layering or underpainting process.

Unless there’s a technical reason (such as verifying likeness, composition, or color direction), I generally don’t recommend sharing mid-way progress shots, as they may cause confusion or unnecessary doubt. I prefer to present the work when it’s close to completion, when the true spirit of the piece is visible.

Final Thoughts

Those who commission a painting are often people who truly appreciate art and understand that a painting offers something beyond what a photo can capture. A portrait isn’t just a likeness; it holds emotion, texture, and a quiet presence that speaks across time.

By understanding the artistic process and trusting in the journey, the experience of commissioning becomes not only smoother but also more meaningful. It’s a collaboration built on mutual respect—for time, creativity, and the beauty of hand-crafted work.