To some, portrait painting is just capturing a face but to me, there's more too that that. It’s a visual language of identity, memory, and expression.

A portrait helps the viewer truly see a person, recognizing that every subject carries a story and with brush work, color, and composition, that story can be translated without words.

  A Short History

Before cameras and smartphones, paintings preserved human stories. In royal courts and village homes, portraits were used to make a statement, “I was here. This was my presence.” 

Today, that tradition continues as a decoration to some and to others a  personal form of reflection.

Why Portraits Still Matter

A portrait does more than showing what someone looks like, it preserves who they are in a moment. 

It becomes a memory you can return to. In many families, portraits are passed down through generations, becoming part of shared history.

My Process as an Artist

I don’t see portraits as drawings alone. There’s a quiet satisfaction in how brushstrokes connect with people. Every portrait I create is shaped by an emotional process, studying, feeling, and connecting with the subject’s energy and essence.

 Whether the reference is a photograph or someone right in front of me, the goal is the same: translate feeling and perspective.

When I look at a portrait, I often feel like I’m reading a life: joy, grief, resilience. To me, a portrait is a conversation. a silent empathy. A mirror that gently reflects the viewer’s own perspective.

Types of Portrait Paintings

  • Realistic Portraits: Lifelike details down to fine textures like wrinkles and pores.
  • Abstract Portraits: Focus on mood and movement, symbols, shapes, and expressive color over realism.
  • Silhouette Portraits: Often faceless outlines that invite interpretation.
  • Profile Portraits: Classic side-view compositions (think coin profiles and cameos).
  • Self-Portraits: Artists portray themselves for study or self-reflection.
  • Group Portraits: Families, couples, or friends painted together to tell a shared story.

Each style reveals something different. Sometimes, what’s left out says more than what’s shown.

Why People Commission Portraits

People commission portraits to honor loved ones, celebrate weddings and milestones, remember someone who has passed, or simply to see themselves through an artist’s eye. It’s personal, and it lasts. With proper care, a painting can be cherished for generations.

Is a Painting Different from a Photo?

Photos capture instantly; paintings make us slow down. A hand-painted portrait feels intentional and alive. It invites interpretation, intimacy, and presence, it gives us a space to ask, “Who are you?” and sometimes, “Who am I?”

Thinking of commissioning a portrait?
You can visit our hub page, connect with us with your photo and we will suggest the best size, style, and timeline for you.
Portraits Location Hub

FAQs

What size is best for a portrait?

It depends on the room and how many subjects are included. For single subjects, 20×24" or 24×30" works well; couples and families benefit from larger sizes.

Can a portrait be made from a photo?

Yes. Painting can be achieved better from high-quality photos or from life. The key is clarity and a pose that reflects the subject’s character.

How long does an oil portrait take?

Drying time matters. Simple portraits may take 1–3 weeks; complex pieces or larger canvases can take longer.

How do I care for an oil portrait?

Keep it away from direct sun and moisture, dust gently, and frame with care. Varnishing later can enhance protection and appearance.