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 New York

In the ever-evolving tapestry of New York, where skyscrapers touch the clouds and dreams are woven into every street corner, portraiture remains a timeless art. Amidst the city’s constant motion, a hand-painted portrait offers a moment of stillness—a lasting tribute to the individuals who shape our lives.​

Choosing to commission a portrait is an intimate decision. It’s about capturing not just a likeness, but the essence of a person—their spirit, their story, their place in your heart. These portraits become cherished landmarks in our personal histories, echoing the depth and complexity of our relationships.​

Whether you’re new to this tradition or have long appreciated the nuances of painted portraiture, the journey is deeply personal. Whether to celebrate a life, honor a memory, or preserve a milestone, we guide you through the entire process with thought and care.​

The Portrait Agency collaborates with artists who understand that a compelling portrait delves beyond the surface. It requires time, skill, and an intuitive grasp of character to reveal the soul within, and our artists are among the finest at this craft.​

Unparalleled Artistic Excellence

The Portrait Agency represents a curated group of artists renowned not only for their technical prowess but also for their ability to convey profound emotion through form. These painters look beyond the surface to capture the subtle truths found in a person’s gaze, posture, or smile.​

Whether it’s oil, charcoal, or pastel, each portrait created by our artists tells a story. That story is yours, shaped with thoughtful detail and an eye for what makes someone truly unforgettable.​

A Tailored, Thoughtful Process

Commissioning a portrait is more than hiring an artist—it’s a collaborative journey. From the first conversation to the day your painting arrives, we ensure the process is seamless and personal. You’ll work closely with a Portrait Consultant and the artist to ensure your vision is realized with clarity and care.​

A Range of Styles

New York is a mosaic of cultures, styles, and stories, and our portraits reflect that diversity. Whether you prefer classical realism, soft impressionism, or a more modern aesthetic, our artists are versatile and deeply attuned to their craft. Whatever the medium or style, your portrait will feel true to you.​

Crafted with Purpose

The portraits we create aren’t mass-produced or rushed. They are made with intention, using the finest materials available, and with a commitment to quality that ensures the work will endure. This isn’t just decoration—it’s heirloom art, made to last and to mean something.​

An Investment in Memory and Meaning

To commission a portrait is to say: this moment matters. This person matters. And when you make that choice, you’re investing in something timeless. A portrait becomes part of your family’s legacy—a treasured piece of your story to be passed down through the years.​

Peace of Mind with Every Step

We understand that commissioning a portrait is a decision rooted in trust. That’s why we take every step with care and clarity. Our agency stands behind every piece we help create, and we are committed to your complete satisfaction—from start to finish.​

Conclusion

There’s something inherently New York about taking the time to honor people properly. The Portrait Agency offers you the opportunity to do just that—to pause, to capture what matters, and to hold onto it through the enduring power of fine art.​

Choosing an Artist

New York is a city brimming with stories—some broadcast across the skyline, others whispered in the quiet corners of a family’s home. Here at New York Portraits, we help people transform those stories into lasting works of art. Whether you’re in Manhattan or Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx, our artists are ready to help you preserve what matters most.​

Whether you’re marking a turning point in someone’s life or simply wish to hold onto a cherished memory, the right portrait can do so with dignity and beauty. Our artists don’t just paint—they listen, they understand, and they reveal.​

If you already have a meaningful photograph or just a vision in mind, our Portrait Consultants will guide you every step of the way. We’re here to help shape that vision into something extraordinary.​

When a Portrait Speaks More Than Words

There are moments in life that transcend words. A portrait captures that feeling. It gives shape to memory. It captures presence. It brings someone into the room even when they’re gone, or far, or changed by time.​

Why New Yorkers Trust Us

New Yorkers trust their instincts. And from Manhattan to Brooklyn, our clients tell us the same thing: we listen, we understand, and we take our time. The artists we work with know how to create something honest and heartfelt—something that carries the weight of memory without saying a word.​

The Journey of a New York Portrait

It starts with a story. Yours. We listen closely, then connect you with the artist who’s right for your vision. The process is careful, intentional, and never rushed. Each step—sketches, composition, painting—is handled with skill and purpose. And in the end, what you receive isn’t just a portrait. It’s a piece of your life, captured in oil and light.

Made to Endure, the New York Way
New Yorkers know the value of things that last—heritage, history, and heartfelt moments. Portraits created through The Portrait Agency are designed to stand the test of time. With museum-grade materials and professional archival framing, your portrait is crafted to preserve your story for generations.

More Than Just Décor—A Presence in Your Home
A great portrait doesn’t just hang on a wall—it becomes part of your space. Whether displayed in your Manhattan loft, a cozy Brooklyn brownstone, or an upstate retreat, it brings warmth, memory, and presence. It becomes a quiet reminder of what—and who—matters most.

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.