Commissioning a portrait painting is a meaningful investment — emotionally and financially. Whether you’re having a portrait made for your home, as a gift, or for a corporate environment, the process is smoother and more satisfying when you know what to expect.
As an internationally commissioned portrait artist, I’ve guided clients through hundreds of portrait commissions. These four tips will help you prepare and ensure a successful custom artwork.
This commissioned artwork demonstrates the differences between oil and acrylic mediums in portrait painting, highlighting texture, color depth, and artistic style.
Choose the Right Reference Image
The quality and clarity of your reference photo are essential. A good reference helps capture:
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facial features
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expression
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lighting
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mood
Tip:
Send high-resolution photos with even lighting. Avoid heavy shadows and blurred details. Multiple photos from slightly different angles can help refine the composition.
If you’re unsure which image to use, I’m happy to advise you — that’s part of the consultation. → See full pricing & commission details.
Elegant personalized oil painting by Nikolaus Kriese, capturing a woman against a modern cityscape, perfect for commissions shipped globally.
Elderly Man Custom Portrait Painting
Define Size, Style & Background
Before the painting begins, it’s important to clarify:
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Size (e.g., 16×20″, 24×36″)
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Style (realistic, expressive, contemporary)
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Background (neutral, environmental, conceptual)
These choices determine how your portrait will work in your space. A portrait intended for a living room will have different compositional needs than one for a reception area or office.
We’ll discuss these details during your free consultation.
This artwork depicts a football player in a red jersey with the number 96, captured in a dynamic pose with a vibrant, colorful background. It highlights the artist’s skill in creating realistic and expressive sports portraits.
Understand the Painting Process
A commissioned portrait painting is hand-crafted in several stages:
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Consultation – photo reference, style, size
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Sketch & composition – layout refinement
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Painting execution – typically in oil or acrylic
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Review & completion
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Stretching, framing, and shipping
The process generally takes 2–6 weeks, depending on size and complexity. You can follow progress via email and provide feedback along the way.
The finished artwork is stretched on a quality wooden frame and shipped safely — worldwide.
This artwork features a young girl with expressive features, enjoying a slice of watermelon. The painting showcases detailed brushwork and vivid colors, capturing a joyful, summery moment. Created by Nikolaus Kriese, the piece is available for worldwide shipping, making it an excellent addition to any art collection or gallery space.
Classic Custom Portrait Painting created by a Nikolaus Kriese.
Choose a Professional With Experience
Portrait painting requires:
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technical skill
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compositional judgment
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understanding of expression and light
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material knowledge
As an artist with long professional experience, I work with lightfast pigments, museum-quality canvas, and traditional painting techniques that ensure your portrait remains vibrant and durable for generations.
Your commissioned portrait will be more than a mere likeness — it will be a unique fine artwork that captures presence and character.
A vibrant art studio filled with tubes of paint, brushes, and a colorful canvas in the background, highlighting Nikolaus Kriese’s artistic process and global commission services.
Ready to Commission Your Portrait?
If you’re looking for a professional artist to create a custom portrait painting from photos, you’re in the right place.
Contact me today with your reference images and desired size, and I’ll guide you through the process.
Original fine art · Hand-painted by the artist · Worldwide commissions & shipping available
