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 Iowa
In our swiftly changing world, where digital images pass in an instant and are forgotten just as fast, the people of Iowa understand the importance of what endures. A hand-painted portrait is a quiet affirmation that certain things still matter — family, memory, honor.
To commission a portrait is to declare that someone’s life, their presence, their impact — is worth preserving. Not with haste, but with thought. Not in passing, but with permanence. A painted portrait is not simply an image. It is a legacy carved into canvas — a reflection of dignity and quiet strength.
Whether this is your first experience or you’re well-versed in the language of fine portraiture, our process is steady and clear. You’ll be guided with care and principle, every step intentional. Whether the portrait is for celebration, remembrance, or heritage, the attention to detail is as steadfast as the heart behind it.
At The Portrait Agency, we represent artists who understand that portraiture is more than fine technique. It’s vision. It’s patience. It’s the rare ability to see someone — not just how they appear, but who they are to those who love them.
Unmatched Artistic Excellence
Our artists are not selected merely for their credentials, but for their ability to translate character into art. A strong portrait doesn’t just reflect a face — it reveals the person within it. That distinction is what elevates our work from likeness to legacy.
Whether created in oil, graphite, or pastel, our portraits are crafted with subtlety, balance, and enduring beauty. Each brushstroke preserves something deeper than appearance: the presence of someone cherished.
A Process Built on Trust and Simplicity
Our process is one of quiet precision. From the first conversation to the moment your portrait arrives, you will be guided with integrity. Your Portrait Consultant and artist will collaborate closely with you to bring your vision to life with clarity, respect, and attentiveness.
A Range of Styles
From the quiet rural strength of the farmlands to the elegant refinement of Iowa’s cities, our artists reflect the full spectrum of Midwestern character. Whether you seek classical realism, impressionistic tones, or a more contemporary expression, the style will speak in your voice — honest and personal.
Crafted with Purpose
These portraits are not made in haste. They are crafted with patience, using the finest materials, and are meant to endure. Each one is more than a piece of decoration; it is a quiet monument to someone deeply valued. The sort of work that holds a place of pride for generations.
An Investment in Memory and Meaning
To commission a portrait is to say: “This person, this moment, matters.” It is a quiet act of stewardship — an investment in a memory that should not be lost to time. And when you make that choice, you give your family something lasting and profoundly meaningful.
Peace of Mind with Every Step
We understand the weight of your decision. That is why we work with transparency and care. You will always know where you are in the process, and you will never walk it alone. The Portrait Agency ensures each step is thoughtful and each outcome lasting.
Conclusion
There is something unmistakably Iowan about taking the time to honor people with care. The Portrait Agency offers you that chance — to pause, to remember, and to preserve. Through fine portraiture, we help you hold fast to the people and stories that shape your life.
Choosing an Artist
Iowa holds its history close — from the quiet streets of Ames to the rolling fields outside Decorah. Each town carries stories, and we help turn those stories into art. Whether you live in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or Council Bluffs, we will help you find the right artist to bring your story to canvas.
You may have a photograph you cherish or simply a vision you want to shape. Our Portrait Consultants work with great care to help you develop that idea into something enduring and true.
When a Portrait Speaks More Than Words
Some feelings resist language. A fine portrait expresses what words can’t. It brings presence into a space — the kind that comforts, honors, and remembers. It gives quiet form to memory.
Why Iowans Trust Us
Across Iowa, clients tell us the same thing: We listen. We understand. And we take the time to do it right. We know that art is built on trust, and we never forget what our work means to the families we serve.
The Journey of an Iowa Portrait
It begins with a story. Yours. We take the time to understand it, then match you with an artist who will bring it to life with respect and skill. Each phase — from sketch to final painting — is handled with deliberation, purpose, and the belief that what we’re making will last.
Made to Last, in Every Way
Iowans know the worth of things that stand the test of time — traditions, communities, families. The portraits we create are made with archival materials, time-honored methods, and a dedication to quality that ensures they will last as long as the love behind them.
A Centerpiece for Your Home
A true portrait doesn’t just hang on a wall — it becomes part of a home. It settles into a space and speaks to those who live there. It reminds us where we came from and who we carry with us. Over time, it becomes a point of reflection — a quiet but constant presence.
Leave It To Us
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.
At this stage we will take the remaining balance 50% and arrange shipping. This will differ based on your location and the cost will be added to your invoice.
Once the portrait arrives in its new home we would love to see a photo!
We know that this is an incredibly special piece and hope it will bring you many, many years of enjoyment.
PAINTING FROM PHOTOS
Our artists can work from photographs to create your masterpiece portrait. We typically require a high resolution image which is well lit and sharp in detail. We may also request additional images as reference to ensure an accurate likeness is captured. However, we have been able to achieve incredible results with very old and low quality photographs too, so send us your enquiry today and we can discuss an array of options!
DECADES OF EXPERIENCE
With over 30 years of experience in the Art Industry, we are confident that we can offer an unrivaled 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 will surpass your expectations.
Ready to Commission a Portrait in Iowa?
Get in touch with The Portrait Agency for a no-obligation quote.