How to Commission a Portrait Painting: The Complete Guide

Commissioning a portrait painting is a tradition that stretches back centuries. Long before photography existed, families, institutions, and patrons entrusted artists with the task of creating images that would endure far beyond their own lifetimes. The portraits of figures painted by masters such as Diego Velázquez, Anthony van Dyck, and John Singer Sargent remain powerful examples of how portraiture preserves not only a likeness, but a presence.

Today, the process of commissioning a portrait remains remarkably similar. A well-made portrait becomes more than decoration, it becomes a family heirloom, a historical record, and often one of the most meaningful works of art a person will ever own.

For those considering a portrait commission for the first time, the process may feel unfamiliar. This guide explains each step, from choosing the artist to the final unveiling of the painting.

Why People Commission Portraits

Portraits are commissioned for many different reasons. Some families wish to commemorate a milestone: a marriage, a personal achievement, or the founding of a company. Others wish to preserve the image of a loved one or create a work that will pass down through generations.

Institutions often commission portraits of founders, presidents, benefactors, or distinguished members. In these cases, the portrait becomes part of the institution’s visual history.

What distinguishes a painted portrait from a photograph is not simply the medium, but the interpretation. A portrait painter observes, selects, and emphasises qualities that reveal character. The result is an image that captures something deeper than appearance alone.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Artist

The most important step in commissioning a portrait is selecting the artist.

Each portrait painter has a distinct approach, aesthetic, and working method. Some artists work exclusively from photographs, while others prefer to work from life whenever possible. Some emphasise realism, while others pursue a more expressive or contemporary interpretation.

When evaluating an artist, consider:

• Artistic style – Does the work resonate with you?

• Consistency – Is the quality strong across multiple portraits?

• Experience – Has the artist completed similar commissions?

• Approach – Do they work from life, photographs, or both?

Reviewing a portfolio carefully is essential. Portraiture requires a high level of technical skill and observation, and the artist’s previous work provides the clearest indication of what your portrait may become.

Step 2: The Initial Consultation

Once you have chosen an artist, the next step is usually a conversation or consultation.

This discussion establishes the foundation of the commission and typically includes:

• the subject of the portrait

• the desired size of the painting

• whether the portrait will include one or multiple people

• the setting or background

• whether sittings will take place in person or remotely

At this stage the artist may also discuss the timeline, the creative process, and the cost of the commission.

Many portrait painters also ask questions about the sitter; their interests, personality, profession, or family context. These details can influence the final composition.

Step 3: Deciding Between Life Sittings and Photographs

Portraits can be created either from life sittings or from reference photographs, or often a combination of both.

Whenever possible, sitting for the portrait allows the artist to observe subtleties that photographs rarely capture: the way someone naturally holds themselves, the rhythm of their gestures, and the nuances of expression that appear only over time.

During a sitting, conversation often becomes part of the process. As the sitter relaxes, the artist begins to observe natural expressions and movements that contribute to a more convincing portrait.

Photographs, on the other hand, can be practical when the sitter cannot travel or when multiple subjects must be combined in one composition. Many artists conduct a dedicated photographic session to create suitable reference material.

Step 4: Composition and Planning

Before the final painting begins, the artist typically develops the composition.

This may involve:

• preliminary sketches

• color studies

• photographic reference sessions

• discussions about clothing, posture, and background

These preparatory stages help ensure that the final portrait achieves both a strong likeness and a compelling visual structure.

Elements such as posture, lighting, and hand placement can significantly influence how the portrait communicates character and presence.

Step 5: The Painting Process

Once the composition is finalised, the artist begins the painting itself.

Depending on the size and complexity of the portrait, the painting process may take several weeks or several months. Oil portraits are typically built in layers, allowing the artist to refine the likeness, adjust color relationships, and deepen the overall atmosphere of the painting.

During this period, additional sittings may occur if the portrait is painted from life.

Many collectors find this stage particularly rewarding, as they are able to witness the gradual emergence of the portrait, from the first rough shapes to the finished image.

Step 6: Completion and Delivery

When the painting is complete, the portrait is prepared for presentation.

This stage may include:

• final varnishing (often after the paint has fully cured)

• professional framing

• delivery or installation

Some institutions and families also organise a formal unveiling or presentation event, especially when the portrait commemorates an important figure.

The unveiling becomes a meaningful moment not only for the sitter but also for those who will encounter the portrait in the years to come.

The Lasting Value of a Portrait

A commissioned portrait is unlike most other works of art one might acquire. It is not simply purchased, it is created through collaboration between the artist and the sitter.

The result is an image that reflects both observation and interpretation, crafted with the intention of lasting for generations.

While photographs document moments, portraits often become the images through which future generations remember the people who came before them.

For this reason, commissioning a portrait remains one of the most personal and enduring ways to create a legacy.

Each portrait commission begins with a conversation about the subject, the desired format of the painting, and the story the portrait is meant to convey. Those interested in commissioning a portrait are welcome to get in touch to discuss the project.

Explore the Commission Process