COMMISSION A PORTRAIT ARTIST

• We discuss your requirements over a phone or video call (approx 5-10 minutes)
• You send us good quality photos as reference material – preferably natural light
• Live sittings are optional
• We give you an exact quote, and then take a deposit (balance due on completion)
• Portraits usually take around 6 weeks to complete
• Video / photos are sent regularly to ensure we exceed your expectations
• You can have calls with the artist at any time during the process
• You can feedback on any adjustments such skin / hair color
• Super high res photos and video sent of final portrait for you to sign off
• Final payment is made only when you are ecstatically happy
• The portrait is shipped by courier to your home after the painting has dried
• Tissues are provided for emotional reactions to the portrait (tears of joy are not unusual!)
• You love the painting so much that you order another to hang elsewhere 🙂
• The artist can even do an exact copy of the painting to hang in a 2nd home

Why Commission a Portrait in Maryland

In Maryland, where the Chesapeake meets cobblestone streets and stories echo through old row houses, a portrait becomes a way to hold onto what truly matters. Whether it’s a family moment, a quiet strength, or the beauty of a life well-lived, a portrait tells the story in a language deeper than words.

A portrait doesn’t just show a face—it captures a feeling. The grace in a glance, the honesty in a smile, the love in the way someone simply is. That’s what makes it timeless.

In a state that honors both its history and its heart, commissioning a portrait is a soulful act—something that turns memory into legacy.

At The Portrait Agency, we serve clients across Maryland with portraits that are tender, true, and meant to last—art that sings, softly and forever.

Unmatched Artistic Excellence
Our artists don’t just draw—they interpret. They find the spirit behind the eyes, the music beneath the surface. Every stroke carries intention, bringing each subject’s presence gently to life.

Whether in oil, charcoal, or pastel, the result is a piece that blends realism with warmth—something you can feel every time you pass it by.

A Tailored, Thoughtful Process
We begin with conversation, not canvas. We listen closely, learning what matters to you most—then shape every choice to match that feeling. From pose to palette, your voice guides the way.

A Range of Styles
Maryland has many moods—harbor towns, lush countryside, and vibrant city life. Our portraits reflect that diversity, offering styles from classical to contemporary. Every portrait is shaped to suit the subject and the setting.

Crafted with Purpose
Every detail is chosen with care, from archival materials to the last brushstroke. Whether displayed in a Federal Hill brownstone or an Annapolis home, your portrait is made to last and made to matter.

An Investment in Meaning
A portrait is more than a keepsake—it’s a reminder. Of love. Of time. Of someone you never want to forget. It holds stories that photographs sometimes miss.

This is art you live with. And it only grows more valuable, emotionally and otherwise, as the years go by.

Peace of Mind with Every Step
We know how personal this is. That’s why we walk you through it with care—from the very first sketch to the day you hang it up. We’re here to make sure it feels right, every step of the way.

Choosing an Artist

From Baltimore’s rich history to the peaceful shores of the Eastern Shore, we work with families across Maryland to create portraits that speak from the heart.

Our artists are skilled in many styles, but more importantly—they’re skilled in understanding people. We’ll match you with the artist who fits your vision best.

When a Portrait Speaks More Than Words
A powerful portrait doesn’t need explanation. It holds emotion in every line, capturing not just what someone looks like, but how they made you feel.

It becomes part of the rhythm of your life—quietly grounding, gently echoing love and memory.

Why Maryland Families Trust Us
Our Maryland clients appreciate integrity, artistry, and kindness. They trust us to treat their stories with respect, and to create work that reflects the soul behind the subject.

We listen. We care. We deliver portraits that mean something real.

The Journey of a Maryland Portrait
It starts with your story. From there, we guide you through artist selection, creative choices, and the creation process with transparency and care.

By the end, you’ll have more than a portrait—you’ll have a piece of your life preserved with purpose.

Made to Last, in Every Way
Marylanders value heritage, and your portrait will reflect that. Using museum-grade materials and expert craftsmanship, we create portraits designed to stand the test of time—in your home and in your heart.

A Centerpiece for Your Home
Whether it rests above a fireplace in Ellicott City or brightens a hallway in Silver Spring, your portrait becomes part of your home’s story.

It won’t just hang—it will resonate. Drawing people in. Honoring what matters. And adding a quiet kind of beauty to everyday life.

Once you have picked the perfect artist and you’re ready to go ahead, we take a 50% deposit and book in the time with the artist. We’ll regularly communicate with them on your behalf to ensure the brief is understood and you get exactly what you are hoping for. You can contact us with any questions that may come up- we are here for you throughout the entire process.

We will keep you updated throughout this exciting journey and share images and/or videos of the paintings progress.

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

With over 30 years of experience in the Art Industry, we are confident that we can offer an unriveled level of service throughout the entire process of having your portrait created. We are happy to answer any questions that you might have and give you total assurance that the end result with surpass your expectations.