A pencil portrait typically takes 7–10 days to complete. An oil painting takes 10–14 days. These timelines start after the order is confirmed and the reference photo is approved.

Timeline by portrait type

  • Pencil/graphite portraits: 7–10 business days
  • Charcoal portraits: 7–10 business days
  • Oil paintings: 10–14 business days (includes drying time)
  • Acrylic paintings: 10–12 business days
  • Watercolour/coloured portraits: 8–12 business days

Large formats (3ft×4ft and above) add 3–5 extra days regardless of medium.

What can speed up or slow down a portrait?

The reference photo is the biggest variable. A clear, well-lit photo allows work to start immediately. A blurry or low-resolution image means back-and-forth before the first stroke. Multiple subjects in one portrait (couple, family) add time proportionally. Very high detail in the background also extends the timeline.

Order early for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and graduation season. These are the three most congested booking periods of the year. Waiting until two weeks before guarantees either a rush fee or a missed deadline.

How to plan around a deadline

Give yourself at least three weeks if the portrait is a surprise gift being delivered to a specific date. That covers production, progress review, any adjustment, packaging, and delivery. Interstate delivery adds 1–3 business days on top of the production timeline.

If you have an urgent deadline, contact us before ordering. Rush requests are handled case by case depending on current workload.

When will I see the portrait before delivery?

A progress photo is sent midway through production. This is your opportunity to request adjustments before the piece is finalised. One revision is included in every order.

Ready to place your order?

Share your photo and deadline and we will confirm whether the timeline works. Book your portrait at Beo Art Studio here.