Frequently Asked Questions

Firstly, determine who will be the subject of the portrait and whether they will sit alone or as a group. This decision will impact the composition and style of the portrait. Secondly, think about where the portrait will be installed and its purpose — for example, whether it is for a personal or official setting, formal or casual. This will affect the medium, composition, clothing, and setting of the portrait. 

Next, consider the style you prefer. Would you like an impressionistic, painterly style or a more realistic, photographic style? Take some time to browse our website, look through art books, or visit museums to determine your preferences. 

The medium you choose will also impact the style and budget of the project. Although oil and sculpture are the most versatile and formal mediums, they can be more expensive. Pastels and drawings are often less costly, but they are generally less formal and not commonly used for corporate or institutional purposes. 

Finally, consider your budget for the project, including the possibility of added costs such as artist's travel, framing, and shipping. These questions will help you make informed decisions when commissioning a portrait.

From initial consultation to delivery, the portrait painting process generally takes 6-12 months but varies depending on the selected artist and project complexity. Here is an outline of the typical process:

Initial Consultation and Artist Selection: If you're interested in having a portrait made and want to discuss your preferences and goals, one of our trained sales associates is available to meet with you. If you cannot meet with an associate in person, customized presentations can be prepared and sent to you when necessary. Your sales associate can assist you in selecting the most suitable artist for your needs, considering your preferences, time frame, and budget.

First Sitting: Once you have selected a portrait artist, the artist will travel to your desired location for a sitting. If sitting is not possible, many artists will also work from a photograph you provide. Before the sitting, you will discuss the project details with the artist, including the overall tone of the portrait, the size, and the eventual location where it will be hung. During the sitting, the subject will be asked to pose for a certain length of time. This exciting experience may involve photography, sketches, color studies, and essential communication between the artist and the client. The amount of time required during the sitting may vary among artists. The client and artist will decide together on the best pose and composition for the portrait. After the sitting, the artist will return to the studio to continue working on the portrait. Your sales associate and artist will frequently communicate with you throughout the process to keep you updated on the progress.

Final Sitting: Once the portrait has reached its final stages, some artists require a final sitting to make color adjustments as well as any other requested changes.

Delivery: Once completed, your portrait is shipped or delivered personally.

With assistance from your personal sales associate, you will choose from our wide selection of outstanding portrait painters and portrait sculptors. Your associate will help you narrow your selection based on your personal tastes, budget, time frame, and preferences for a particular medium. Our sales associates are educated in fine art portraiture and trained to help you determine the style and artist that is right for you.

With a roster of more than 150 portrait artists from the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia, we are confident we can provide an excellent artist for your project. We encourage you not to sacrifice the quality of this once-in-a-lifetime project with restrictions on where the artist lives. We believe you should find and use the most appropriate artist for your unique commissioned project. Of course, the artist you select could live nearby!

Portrait artists have varying fee schedules based on the size of the figure and the medium used. The figure sizes may vary from head and shoulders, half figure, three-quarter figure to full figure. The starting price for oil portraits is $4,000, while pastel portraits start at $3,000. Charcoal portraits begin at $1,500.

It is important to note that the quoted price is only for the artwork. Additional charges may apply for items like extra figures, pets, detailed backgrounds, and the artist's travel, framing, crating, shipping, and insurance of the finished work.

We are happy to work with clients within their budget. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your specific needs.

No, the price you pay for a commissioned portrait through Portraits, Inc. is the same as what you would pay working directly with a portrait artist. But by using our company, you gain an experienced partner in your quest for the portrait you desire.

For two-dimensional works, the frame is the second most significant expense you will have. A commissioned portrait is not framed like a landscape or still-life painting. There are specific guidelines for framing portraiture and certain archival considerations only a professional knows. The Portraits, Inc. staff has devoted years to learning the fine art of framing. We have developed relationships with many great frame shops around the country, and we are happy to assist you with this decision.