Portrait Painting Cost: What You Really Pay for a Custom Portrait

When you hire an artist for a portrait painting, a commissioned artwork capturing a person’s likeness, often used for personal keepsakes or gifts. Also known as a commissioned portrait, it’s not just a picture—it’s a handmade piece of art built on skill, time, and emotional connection. The price isn’t random. It’s tied to how long it takes, what materials are used, and who’s doing the work. A simple pencil sketch might cost under $100. A full oil portrait on canvas? That can easily hit $1,500 or more. What’s the difference? It’s not just the paint—it’s the hours of observation, the layering of glazes, the way the artist reads light on skin, the back-and-forth revisions, and the fact that this one piece will be owned by someone for decades.

Most portrait painters work in two main styles: oil portrait, a traditional method using slow-drying oil paints that allow for rich blending and fine detail, often used in formal commissions and watercolor portrait, a more transparent, fluid medium that requires precision and speed, often favored for lighter, airy feels. Oil portraits take weeks because each layer needs to dry. Watercolor portraits can be done faster, but one mistake can ruin the whole thing—so the artist’s experience matters even more. You’re not just paying for paint and canvas. You’re paying for someone who’s spent years learning how to capture a glance, a smile, or the quiet stillness of a person’s presence.

Size, background, number of people, and whether the artist works from photos or live sittings all change the cost. A single head-and-shoulders portrait on a small canvas costs less than a full-body painting with a detailed room behind it. Artists who’ve shown in galleries or have long waitlists charge more—not because they’re greedy, but because demand outpaces their time. Meanwhile, emerging artists might offer lower rates to build a portfolio. The key is to know what you’re getting: a quick digital sketch? A hand-painted heirloom? A studio session where the artist watches you for hours? That’s what separates a $200 portrait from a $5,000 one. Below, you’ll find real insights from artists and buyers about what goes into pricing, how to avoid overpaying, and which options actually deliver lasting value.