How to Choose the Right Portrait Artist: 7 Expert Tips for Commissioning Fine Art
When it comes to commissioning a portrait, choosing the right artist is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A portrait is not just a likeness—it’s an emotional, timeless representation of someone you care deeply about. Whether you're commemorating a loved one, honoring a university leader, or gifting a legacy piece, the artist you select can either elevate the experience or leave you disappointed.
After 30 years in the commission portrait business, I’ve seen it all. The truth is, even the most beautiful portfolios won’t guarantee a successful commission unless you're asking the right questions and considering the right factors.
Here’s what you need to know to pick the perfect portrait artist—whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector.
7 Expert Tips for Commissioning Fine Art:
1. Know Your Purpose
Before you begin, get clear on the reason behind the portrait:
Is it a retirement gift?
A donor recognition piece?
A formal university installation?
A posthumous tribute?
A family heirloom?
Understanding the purpose helps you define the tone, style, and level of formality you'll need in the finished piece. A portrait of a child at play may require a very different approach than a formal oil painting of a Supreme Court justice.
2. Define the Level of Realism You Want
There’s a wide spectrum of portrait styles—from hyperrealistic to impressionist to stylized modern.
Classical Realism: Highly detailed and traditional. Ideal for formal settings.
Painterly Realism: Still accurate but with visible brush strokes. A little softer, often more expressive.
Contemporary or Interpretive: Focuses on emotion, atmosphere, or abstraction over exact likeness.
Choose based on the subject's personality, the environment it will hang in, and your own aesthetic.
3. Medium Matters
The medium you choose—oil, charcoal, graphite, pastel—affects both tone and budget. Here's a quick guide:
Oil Paintings: Timeless, rich, and often considered the gold standard for heirloom or institutional portraits.
Charcoal/Graphite: More modern and dramatic. Often preferred for judges, lawyers, or black-and-white spaces.
Pastel: Soft, colorful, and less formal. Great for children or casual environments.
4. Understand the Timeline
Great portraiture takes time. Some artists book out 6–12 months in advance. Others can work more quickly, especially for smaller or photo-based pieces. If your project is deadline-driven (like a retirement or event), plan ahead.
Also ask:
Does the artist work from photographs or require a live sitting?
Can they travel, or do they work remotely?
How many revisions are allowed, if any?
5. Review Portfolios—The Right Way
Don't just look at "pretty" images. Look for:
Consistency in style and quality
Expressive detail in the eyes and hands
Likeness across different subjects
Emotional tone: Does the artist capture the spirit, not just the face?
Also, ask to see pieces in progress or unfinished work. It reveals the artist's technique and honesty.
6. Check Their Reputation and Professionalism
Inquire about past client experiences:
Were they easy to work with?
Did they hit deadlines?
Was communication clear?
The best artists are not just talented—they're professional. They respect your vision, offer guidance, and handle feedback with grace.
7. Work with a Portrait Consultant or Concierge
If all of this feels overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone. At New South Portraits, which represents over 30 of the most accomplished portrait artists in the world, we will help you:
Match with the ideal artist based on style, purpose, and timeline
Navigate pricing and process with no added cost
Coordinate delivery, framing, and everything in between
It’s white-glove service at the artist’s standard pricing—and it makes a world of difference.
Final Thoughts
Commissioning a portrait is a deeply personal experience. The artist you choose should make you feel understood, guided, and confident in your decision. This is a piece that will outlive trends and, quite possibly, all of us. Choose wisely.
Need help picking the perfect artist for your project? DM me @moderndayportraitgirl or tap the link in my bio to get matched today.
Let’s create something timeless together.
