Portrait Commissions by Joel Wright
Portrait Commissions Painting Gallery of Joel Wright
Portrait commissions are some of the most meaningful work I get to do because they are deeply personal. More than anything, a painting of a loved one is not just about getting the features right. It is about honoring the person, the memory, the relationship, and the feeling behind the image.
For me, that connection with a client is what makes portrait work so special. When someone trusts me with a portrait of someone they care about, the painting becomes more than a commission. Instead, it becomes a way to preserve presence, personality, and love in a form that can be lived with and passed down.
How to Get Your Portrait Commissions
Begin by contacting me directly for your portrait commissions requests and sending the photo you would like me to work from. Since a strong reference photo is important, I’ll review the image first to make sure it has enough detail, lighting, and character to translate well into a painted portrait. If needed, you can send multiple photos, and I can help choose the one that will make the strongest painting.
Once the reference is approved, I’ll confirm the size, price, and timeline for the commission. After that, I’ll send you a private checkout link to reserve your portrait and begin the project. This keeps the process simple: send the photo, get approval, complete checkout, and I’ll begin creating your custom portrait painting.
Get your portrait commission started today!
Portrait Commission Shipping and Timeline
All portrait commissions include custom framing and shipping. Each finished painting is packed in a wooden crate with foam padding to help protect the artwork during transport. Because the painting is mounted to a cradled wooden panel, it is structurally stable and will never need to be restretched like a traditional canvas.
The standard turnaround time for portrait commissions is approximately 28 days from the confirmed start date. This includes about 21 days to paint, varnish, and frame the artwork, followed by about 7 days for packing and shipping. Depending on my current commission schedule, there may be a waiting period before your official start date. Once your project is approved, I’ll confirm the timeline clearly before checkout.
18 in x 24 in
Go a little Larger
$
6300
Popular
16 in x 20 in
The Perfect Portrait Size
$
5400
24 x 36
For Larger Sizes Contact Us
$
9000
Portrait commissions are personal, and the process works best when the reference photo, size, and overall direction are clear from the beginning. If you have a photo you would like turned into a custom painted portrait, send it over and I’ll take a look to make sure it is a good fit for the painting.
After the image is approved, I’ll confirm the final details and send a private checkout link to begin the commission. From there, I’ll create a portrait that honors the subject while bringing my own realistic and expressive painting approach to the final work.
Frequently asked questions
No. A consultation is available if you want one, but it is not required. You can keep the process simple by sending the image and letting me handle the artistic direction, or we can talk through it by Zoom or FaceTime.
A clear, well-lit photo works best. Natural light, good focus on eyes, strong facial structure, and good contrast are all helpful. If you are not sure whether your photo will work, send it to me and I’ll let you know.
Small adjustments can be discussed, but the goal is to make the direction clear before I begin. This is an original oil painting, not a digital edit, so my artistic interpretation is part of the finished work. The painting will look like the approved design direction that you approve.
Common portrait sizes include 16 × 20, 18 × 24, 24 × 24, and 24 × 36. Custom sizes may be available depending on the project.
Original portrait commissions are priced by linear inch, using the size of the artwork. This keeps pricing consistent and protects the value of the work. I only take a select number of commissions per month so spaces are limited and that keeps quality high.
Framing is included in the price. When you receive your portrait it will be ready to hang on the wall. I can offer custom metal gallery floater frames in brushed metal or matte black for a clean, modern presentation. Additionally I can offer wood frames in the style and color of your choosing. It is fun to pick out the frame. You will enjoy it.
Yes. Each original portrait is hand-signed by me.
Yes. Each original commission includes authenticity details for your records painted by artist Joel Wright.
I build a custom wooden crate for the finished painting, lined with protective foam, and ship it by freight directly to your doorstep. The crate is designed to protect the artwork during transit and is opened by unscrewing the top.
Once the painting is packed and shipped, I’ll provide tracking and delivery information so you know what to expect. Local pickup may also be available when appropriate.
Yes. Memorial portraits are welcome and handled with care. You can share as much or as little personal context as you would like.
Yes. Each original commission includes authenticity details for your records painted by artist Joel Wright.
Yes, but size matters. For smaller and mid-size portraits, I generally allow one person only. If you would like to include multiple people, the painting needs to be 24 inches or larger so I have enough space to create a strong composition and do justice to each subject. If you are unsure which size is appropriate, send me your reference photo and I can recommend the best option.
I paint each portrait in oil on either Arches oil paper or linen mounted to a cradled wood panel. These are professional, archival surfaces chosen for their stability, texture, and presentation quality. Oil paintings do not need to be behind glass so you there are no barriers or glare when dispalying the artwork.
Yes. You can order more than one portrait at a time and reserve multiple places in my studio schedule. I complete portraits one at a time, so any additional portraits are placed on backorder until their start date.
The 28-day turnaround begins when I start each individual portrait, not necessarily on the original checkout date. This allows you to secure multiple commissions while keeping the timeline clear and making sure each painting receives the attention it deserves.
Every portrait commission is painted by Joel Wright.
I also create a short process video for each commission. This gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the painting being made, documents that the work was created by hand, and gives you a meaningful record of the experience.
The video is not required viewing, but many collectors enjoy having it as part of the story behind the finished portrait.
Portrait Commissions by Joel Wright
Commission a custom portrait painting by Joel Wright, a Texas artist creating expressive, realistic oil portraits with depth, story, and timeless character.