How Much Should I Pay an Artist for a Portrait? Real Prices in 2026

When you’re thinking about commissioning a portrait, the first question isn’t usually about style or medium-it’s how much you’ll have to pay. And honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A simple pencil sketch from a local student artist might cost $150. A full oil painting from a well-known portraitist could run $5,000 or more. So what’s fair? What’s normal? And how do you avoid getting overcharged-or underpaying someone who deserves more?

What Affects the Price of a Portrait?

Not all portraits are created equal. The price jumps based on a few key factors you can’t ignore.

• Size: A 5x7 inch sketch is cheaper than a 24x36 inch oil painting. Larger canvases take more time, materials, and space to work on.
• Medium: Pencil, charcoal, and watercolor are generally less expensive than oil or acrylic. Oil paintings require drying time, high-quality pigments, and multiple layers-each adding to the cost.
• Number of people: One person? Fine. Two? Add 30-50%. Three or more? You’re looking at a group portrait price, which often costs nearly as much as two individual portraits combined.
• Background and detail: A plain background? Quick. A detailed room, landscape, or pet included? That’s extra work. Artists charge for complexity, not just time.
• Artist experience: A recent grad from Emily Carr might charge $300 for a small oil portrait. A professional with 15 years of gallery shows and published work? They’ll likely charge $2,500+.

These aren’t arbitrary numbers. They reflect real labor, material costs, and the artist’s ability to make a living from their work. You’re not just buying a picture-you’re paying for years of training, studio overhead, and creative labor.

Typical Portrait Price Ranges in 2026

Here’s what you can realistically expect to pay in North America right now, based on recent surveys of 120 portrait artists across Canada and the U.S.

These numbers aren’t guesses. They come from artists who posted their rates on platforms like Etsy, ArtStation, and local Facebook groups in 2025 and 2026. Vancouver artists, for example, tend to charge 15-20% more than artists in smaller cities due to higher studio rent and cost of living.

Why Do Some Artists Charge So Much?

You might look at a $3,000 portrait and think, “That’s just paint on canvas.” But here’s what you’re really paying for:

• Years of training: Most professional portrait artists studied for 4-6 years in art school, then spent another 2-5 years building their portfolio.
• Materials cost: A single oil portrait uses $150-$300 in canvases, brushes, linseed oil, and pigments. High-end pigments like cobalt blue or cadmium red aren’t cheap.
• Time investment: A 16x20 inch oil portrait takes 40-80 hours of focused work. That’s 2-4 weeks of full-time effort, not counting revisions.
• Emotional labor: Portraits often capture someone’s identity-maybe a loved one who passed, a child’s first smile, or a milestone. Artists invest emotionally in getting it right.

Think of it like hiring a lawyer or a therapist. You’re not just paying for time-you’re paying for skill, judgment, and emotional intelligence.

How to Find the Right Artist for Your Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to settle for a bad portrait. Here’s how to stretch your dollars without sacrificing quality.

1. Look for emerging artists: Check local art school graduation shows. Students often take commissions at 30-60% lower rates than established artists.
2. Choose smaller sizes: A 10x12 inch portrait looks just as personal as a 16x20, and costs significantly less.
3. Go for acrylic instead of oil: Acrylic dries faster, uses fewer materials, and still delivers rich color. You’ll save 30-50%.
4. Use a photo reference: If you can’t sit for sittings, provide high-quality photos. Many artists charge less for photo-based portraits because it cuts down on time.
5. Ask about payment plans: Most artists are happy to split payment into two or three installments-deposit upfront, balance on delivery.

Don’t be afraid to ask: “What’s the most I can get for $500?” A good artist will help you adjust the scope to fit your budget, not just say no.

Red Flags That You’re Being Overcharged (or Underpaid)

Some artists charge too little because they don’t value their work. Others charge too much because they’re not delivering real value.

Red flag #1: “I’ll do it for $50.” This isn’t a bargain-it’s a warning. If someone charges less than $100 for a portrait, they’re either a beginner with no experience, or they’re not covering their costs. You’ll likely get a rushed, low-quality result.

Red flag #2: “I need 100% upfront.” Reputable artists ask for a 30-50% deposit to secure the slot. But they shouldn’t demand full payment before you see a sketch or progress photo.

Red flag #3: No portfolio or references. If they can’t show you at least 5-10 past portraits, walk away. You’re gambling on someone’s skill.

Red flag #4: They refuse to show you a sketch. A good artist will send you a rough line drawing or color study before painting the full piece. This is your chance to approve the likeness.

What You Should Get in Writing

Never commission a portrait without a simple agreement-even if you’re friends with the artist.

At minimum, include:

• Size and medium
• Number of people
• Background details
• Delivery date
• Number of revisions included
• Deposit amount and payment schedule
• Who owns the copyright (usually the artist unless otherwise agreed)

This isn’t about distrust. It’s about respect-for both your money and their craft.

Is It Worth It?

Here’s the truth: A portrait isn’t just decor. It’s legacy. A well-done portrait captures a moment in time that photos can’t-how someone held their head, the warmth in their eyes, the quiet strength in their expression.

My neighbor commissioned a portrait of her late mother last year. It cost $2,200. She cried the first time she saw it. Not because it was expensive-but because it looked like her mom, exactly as she remembered her.

That’s the real value. You’re not paying for paint. You’re paying for memory.