Large portrait case study · Ordered from the United Kingdom
How We Created a Near Life-Size 4 × 5 ft Portrait for a Client in the UK
A client in the United Kingdom commissioned Beo Art Studio to create a large painted portrait of his in-laws in Nigeria. The photograph needed to be redesigned, the painting had to be finished within a limited period, and the entire commission was managed remotely.
The finished commission
A Large Portrait Created in Nigeria for a Client Abroad
Phil contacted Beo Art Studio from the United Kingdom because he wanted a meaningful painted gift for his in-laws in Nigeria.
We had never met in person. He needed to trust that the reference image would be handled properly, the large portrait would be completed as agreed, and he would remain involved even though he was managing the commission from another country.
The finished artwork measured approximately four feet by five feet. At that scale, it was designed to become a major feature in the home rather than a small framed portrait on the wall.
Suggested alt text: Large 4 by 5 foot portrait painting commissioned from the UK by Beo Art Studio
Redesigning the reference
The Original Photograph Needed More Than Copying
The client did not want the finished painting to be an exact copy of the photograph he supplied. He wanted the clothing to be changed before the painting began.
Instead of choosing one outfit without his input, we prepared four different clothing options and sent the previews to him in the UK. He compared the different directions and selected the one that best matched the gift he had in mind.
Suggested alt text: Four clothing redesign options prepared for a large custom portrait commission
The preview reduced uncertainty before paint touched the canvas and allowed the client to approve a major visual change while he was still in the UK.
Large-format planning
Designing a Near Life-Size Portrait Before Painting
A large portrait cannot be treated like a small head-and-shoulders drawing. As the canvas becomes larger, every decision becomes more visible.
We considered the placement of both subjects, their scale within the canvas, the redesigned clothing, facial proportions, background balance and how the finished painting would look from across the room.
- Two subjects arranged within one balanced composition
- Clothing redesigned before painting
- Facial proportions planned for a 4 × 5 ft surface
- Composition reviewed remotely by the client
- Display impact considered at close range and from a distance
The painting process
Building the Large Portrait Layer by Layer
The painting took approximately three weeks to complete. Because of the size of the canvas, the work had to be developed gradually rather than forcing every detail into the first stage.
Composition and placement
The approved design was transferred to the large canvas while maintaining the relationship between both subjects.
Forms and colour
The faces, clothing and major colour areas were developed before the smaller details were refined.
Layer-by-layer refinement
The likenesses were strengthened gradually, with repeated adjustments to facial structure and clothing.
Viewing from a distance
We repeatedly stepped back from the canvas to make sure the portrait remained balanced as a complete work.
Suggested alt text: Near life-size portrait painting developed layer by layer in Nigeria
Remote approval
Keeping the Client Updated From the United Kingdom
Phil had never met us before placing the order, so communication was just as important as the painting itself.
We sent photographs throughout the process, showed how the work was developing and allowed him to request adjustments. He did not have to wait blindly in the UK until the final day.
- The clothing redesign was approved before painting
- Progress photographs were shared during production
- The client could review the developing portrait remotely
- Adjustments could be discussed before completion
- The finished work was shown before handover
Payment from abroad
Paying From the UK Through Remita
The client paid a deposit before production began. Payment was made from the United Kingdom through Remita, and the funds came directly into our Nigerian bank account.
The remaining balance was completed after the portrait was finished. This deposit-and-balance arrangement helped the client begin a substantial commission without paying the full amount before seeing the completed work.
Design and quote approved
The size, composition, deadline and required changes were agreed.
Deposit paid
The client used Remita from the UK to pay into our Nigerian bank account.
Portrait completed
Progress updates and the final result were shared remotely.
Balance completed
The remaining payment was made after the finished portrait was ready.
Collection and presentation
Delivery Was Offered, but Collection Worked Better
Delivery was offered for the finished artwork, but collection turned out to be the easier option for this commission.
Large paintings need to be handled differently from smaller framed portraits. A four-by-five-foot work may require a suitable vehicle, careful doorway access and additional support during movement.
The collection process was straightforward and stress free. The portrait was presented as a gift to the client’s in-laws, and according to Phil, it was very well received.
Suggested alt text: Benjamin Odeke standing beside a near life-size 4 by 5 foot portrait
Client review
What Phil Said About the Commission
“I commissioned a large portrait to be finished in little time. It was created and finished efficiently, and the results are incredible.
I requested this whilst I was in the UK. I'd never met Beo, but had to trust that the portrait would be completed as expected. He kept me updated throughout the process, sending photos and allowing for adjustments. I was able to pay a deposit and then finish the remainder of the payment on completion which helped a lot.
Delivery was offered but turned out easier to collect, and this process was very easy and stress free also.
This painting was a gift and it was very well received. The quality of Beo's work cannot be overstated. Simply brilliant.
Fantastic work and customer service. If I ever want to get anything like this made again, whether for someone in Lagos or anywhere else in the world, I will definitely be returning to Beo.
Thank you so much brother.”
Suggested alt text: Phil Evans review of a large portrait commissioned from the UK
Project summary
What This Large Portrait Commission Required
- A client ordering remotely from the United Kingdom
- A large 4 × 5 ft canvas
- A near life-size presentation
- Two subjects in one portrait
- Four clothing redesign previews
- Remote approval and progress updates
- A deposit-and-balance payment arrangement
- Payment through Remita into a Nigerian bank account
- Completion within approximately three weeks
- Collection and successful gift presentation in Nigeria
It is more accurate to describe this commission as near life-size because the exact scale depends on how much of each person’s body appears in the composition. The painting is still large enough to create a life-size presence when displayed.
Frequently asked questions
Large and Life-Size Portrait Commissions
How much does a large portrait painting cost?
The price depends on canvas size, number of people, medium, requested clothing or background changes, level of detail, deadline, framing and delivery requirements. Send your photographs and preferred dimensions for a project-specific quote.
Can I commission a life-size portrait from a photograph?
Yes. Large and near life-size portraits can be created from clear photographs. The final dimensions depend on whether you want a head-and-shoulders, half-body, three-quarter or full-body composition.
What size is considered a large portrait?
At Beo Art Studio, portraits measuring several feet across, including 3 × 4 ft, 4 × 5 ft and 4 × 6 ft, are treated as large-format commissions.
Can someone in the UK order a portrait for family in Nigeria?
Yes. The consultation, reference-photo review, approvals and payment can be handled remotely while the portrait is created and delivered or collected in Nigeria.
How long does a 4 × 5 ft portrait take?
The timeline depends on the number of subjects, medium, level of detail and studio workload. This two-person 4 × 5 ft portrait was completed in approximately three weeks.
Can you change the clothes in the original photograph?
Yes. Where the supplied photograph does not contain the preferred clothing, visual options can be prepared before painting. Four clothing designs were shared for this commission.
Will I receive updates while the portrait is being painted?
Yes. We share composition previews, progress photographs and the completed result so the client can follow the commission from another city or country.
Can I pay a deposit from outside Nigeria?
Available payment methods are confirmed before production. For this UK commission, the client used Remita to pay a deposit directly into our Nigerian bank account and completed the balance after the portrait was ready.
Can a large portrait be delivered?
Yes, but the safest option depends on the size, framing and destination. Delivery was offered for this project, although collection was more convenient.
Commission your own large portrait
Send the Photographs, Size and Deadline
Tell us how many people should appear, where the artwork will be displayed, the changes you want and whether you are ordering from Nigeria or abroad.
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