Lagos has one of the most active art markets in Nigeria. From pencil portraits to oil paintings, décor pieces, digital prints, and large wall artworks, the cost of art in Lagos can vary widely depending on the artist, the medium, and the size you choose.

If you’ve ever wondered how much art truly costs in Lagos, this guide breaks everything down in simple terms so you know exactly what to budget for.

1. What Determines the Cost of Art in Lagos?

The price of artwork in Lagos depends on a combination of factors such as:

  • Artist Experience
    Highly skilled artists charge more because of their mastery, speed, and reliability.
  • Medium Used (Pencil vs Oil)
    Pencil portraits are generally more affordable, while oil paintings require more time, materials, and layers—so they cost more.
  • Size of the Artwork
    Bigger sizes mean more hours, more materials, and a higher cost.
  • Number of People in the Portrait
    A single-person portrait is cheaper than a family or group piece.
  • Framing & Finishing
    Many clients add framing, which can increase the overall cost.
  • Delivery Within Lagos
    Island deliveries sometimes cost slightly more due to distance and traffic.

2. Cost of Custom Portraits in Lagos (Most Common Price Ranges)

Custom portraits are some of the most popular art choices in Lagos, especially for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, memorials, and home décor.

Here are the typical portrait price ranges in Lagos:

Pencil Portraits

  • Small sizes: ₦20,000–₦50,000
  • Medium sizes: ₦50,000–₦100,000
  • Large sizes: ₦150,000–₦300,000

Oil Paintings

  • Small sizes: ₦80,000–₦120,000
  • Medium sizes: ₦120,000–₦200,000
  • Large sizes: ₦300,000–₦500,000+

High-end Portrait Commissions

Some premium oil paintings can go as high as ₦700,000–₦1,200,000 depending on complexity, background details, and finishing.

👉 If you’re looking for a professional portrait artist in Lagos, you can order a custom piece here:
Portrait Artist in Lagos

3. Cost of Ready-Made Artworks in Lagos

Ready-made paintings in Lagos typically fall within these ranges:

  • Student/Entry-level artworks: ₦10,000–₦40,000
  • Mid-tier modern wall art: ₦50,000–₦150,000
  • Premium gallery pieces: ₦150,000–₅00,000+
  • Large statement artworks: ₦300,000–₁,000,000+

Originals cost more than prints, and artworks from well-known Lagos galleries tend to be priced higher because of curation and brand value.

If you're looking for where to buy wall art in Lagos, read this guide:
Where to Buy Wall Art in Lagos

4. Pencil vs Oil Portrait Costs in Lagos

Both mediums are popular in Lagos, but their prices differ based on complexity.

Pencil Portraits — More Affordable

  • Faster to complete
  • Clean, classic style
  • Great for gifts and bedroom décor

Oil Portraits — More Premium

  • More detail, texture, and colour depth
  • Ideal for living rooms, hotel spaces, and offices
  • Takes more time and more materials

Price Difference:
Oil paintings usually cost about 40–70% more than pencil portraits.

5. Extra Costs People Forget to Budget For

When planning your art purchase, remember to factor in:

  • Framing
    Quality frames can add ₦10,000–₦40,000 depending on size.
  • Express Delivery
    Urgent Lagos orders often have an express fee.
  • Large Format Stretching
    Big canvases require extra stretching costs.
  • Installation (For Very Large Pieces)
    Offices, hotels, and restaurants sometimes need professional installation.

6. How Much Should You Budget for Art in Lagos?

If you’re buying art in Lagos, here’s a simple budget guide:

Budget ₦50,000 or less

  • Small pencil portraits
  • Simple décor prints
  • Entry-level student artworks

Budget ₦50,000–₦100,000

  • Medium pencil portraits
  • Small oil paintings
  • Framed décor pieces

Budget ₦100,000–₦250,000

  • Medium oil paintings
  • Large pencil portraits
  • Premium wall artworks

Budget ₦250,000–₦500,000+

  • High-end oil paintings
  • Statement wall pieces
  • Large custom portraits

7. Final Advice: Getting the Best Value in Lagos

When buying art in Lagos:

  • Check the artist’s previous work
  • Be sure their style matches what you want
  • Confirm delivery timelines
  • Ask about framing options
  • Choose the right size for your wall space

If you want artwork that feels personal, emotional, and hand-crafted just for you, a custom portrait will always be the best choice.

👉 Start your Lagos portrait order here:
Portrait Artist in Lagos