How Much Do Portrait Painters Charge? Real Prices in 2026

Want a portrait painted but don’t know how much to budget? You’re not alone. People often assume portrait painters charge a flat rate, but the truth is, prices vary wildly - from under $200 to over $10,000. What you pay depends on who you hire, what style you want, how big the painting is, and how much time they’ll spend on it.

What factors affect the price of a portrait?

Not all portraits are created equal. A quick sketch of your dog on canvas costs nothing like a full-body oil painting of your family in a historic garden setting. Here’s what actually moves the needle on price:

• Size: A 5x7 inch portrait takes less time and paint than a 24x36 inch piece. Most artists charge by square inch or by overall scale.
• Medium: Acrylics are faster and cheaper. Oil paints require weeks to dry, multiple layers, and specialized varnishing - that adds cost.
• Number of subjects: One person? That’s standard. Two people? Add 30-50%. Three or more? You’re looking at a group portrait rate, which can double or triple the base price.
• Background complexity: A plain wall or blurred backdrop is simple. A detailed room, landscape, or historical setting? That’s extra labor.
• Artist experience: A recent art school grad might charge $150 for a small portrait. A nationally recognized artist with gallery shows? $3,000-$10,000 isn’t unusual.
• Location: Artists in major cities like Wellington, Auckland, or Sydney often charge more than those in smaller towns due to higher living costs and demand.

There’s no universal pricing chart. But if you see an artist charging $50 for a full-color oil portrait of two people with a detailed background, walk away. They’re either inexperienced, cutting corners, or not covering their costs.

Typical price ranges in 2026

Based on data from 120 portrait artists across New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S., here’s what you can realistically expect:

These prices include the initial consultation, photo reference review, sketch approval, and final delivery. Most artists don’t charge extra for shipping within New Zealand, but international delivery can add $100-$300.

Why do oil portraits cost so much more than acrylic?

Oil paint doesn’t dry quickly. That’s not a flaw - it’s the point. Artists build depth using glazes - thin, transparent layers applied over days or weeks. Each layer needs to cure before the next goes on. A single oil portrait might involve 15-30 layers. That’s not just paint - it’s time.

Acrylic dries in minutes. You can finish a decent portrait in a day. But oil has a richness you can’t replicate. The way light catches the surface, the subtle transitions between skin tones, the texture of hair or fabric - oil captures that. That’s why families commission oil portraits for weddings, anniversaries, or memorials. They’re meant to last generations.

Also, oil paintings require special care: varnishing, framing with UV glass, climate-controlled storage. Artists who work in oil often factor in these long-term preservation needs into their pricing.

How to find a portrait painter who won’t overcharge you

Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Don’t just pick the most famous one. Here’s how to find the right fit:

1. Look at their portfolio. Do they consistently capture likeness? Or do their portraits look generic? Real portraits feel alive. Look at the eyes - they should have depth, not just black dots.
2. Ask for references. Good artists will have past clients willing to share their experience. Ask: “Did they meet deadlines? Was communication clear?”
3. Check if they charge by project or hourly. Most portrait artists charge a flat fee. Avoid hourly rates unless you’re doing a very small, simple piece. Hourly billing can turn into a surprise bill if the artist takes longer than expected.
4. Get a written agreement. Even a simple email confirming the size, subject count, medium, timeline, deposit amount, and revision policy protects both sides.
5. Pay in stages. A 30-50% deposit upfront is normal. The rest should be due only after you approve the final piece. Never pay 100% before seeing the finished work.

Some artists offer “mini portraits” - small, simplified versions done in one sitting. These are great for gifts or testing an artist’s style. But they’re not the same as a full commissioned portrait. Don’t expect the same detail or longevity.

What you’re really paying for

When you hire a portrait painter, you’re not buying paint and canvas. You’re buying skill, time, and emotional resonance. A great portrait doesn’t just look like someone - it captures their presence. The way they hold their head. The quiet smile they rarely show. The warmth in their eyes.

That’s why people wait months for a portrait. It’s not just art. It’s legacy. A painting passed down to children. A gift for a parent who never had their picture taken. A tribute after someone’s passed away.

Yes, you can get a photo printed on canvas for $50. But it won’t feel the same. A hand-painted portrait carries intention. Every brushstroke is chosen. Every shadow placed with care. That’s why families pay thousands - and never regret it.

Common mistakes to avoid

Here’s what most people get wrong when hiring a portrait artist:

• Using a blurry photo. Artists need clear, well-lit reference images. Low-res selfies won’t work. Ask your artist what kind of photos they prefer - front, side, and 3/4 views are best.
• Trying to micromanage. You hired the artist for their eye, not your Photoshop skills. If you demand every freckle be exact, you’re not commissioning art - you’re demanding a photo reproduction.
• Ignoring the timeline. Oil portraits take time. If you need it for a birthday in two weeks, you’re out of luck. Plan ahead.
• Not asking about revisions. Most artists include one or two minor adjustments. Major changes - like changing the pose or background - usually cost extra. Clarify this before you pay.
• Choosing based on Instagram likes. A popular influencer artist might charge $8,000 for a portrait that looks like everyone else’s. Look for authenticity, not trends.

Where to find portrait painters in 2026

Start locally. Art schools, galleries, and community centers often have lists of working artists. In Wellington, check out the Wellington Artists Collective or the Te Whare o Rehua gallery. In Auckland, the Auckland Art Gallery has a recommended artist directory.

Online platforms like Etsy, Artfinder, and Behance are useful - but filter carefully. Look for artists who specialize in portraits, not just general fine art. Read reviews that mention likeness and communication.

Don’t overlook local art fairs. Many portrait painters sell there. You can meet them, see their work in person, and get a sense of their personality. That matters - you’ll be working closely with them.

Is it worth it?

Yes - if you want something that lasts.

Photos fade. Screens break. Digital files get lost. But a well-made oil portrait on stretched canvas, properly framed and cared for, can last 200 years. It’s not decoration. It’s heritage.

Think of it like buying a piece of jewelry. You don’t buy it because it’s cheap. You buy it because it holds meaning. A portrait is the same. It freezes a moment - a face, a feeling, a relationship - in a way no camera ever can.

So if you’re ready to invest in something real, something timeless - start looking now. Find an artist whose work moves you. Talk to them. Ask questions. Trust your gut.

Because someday, your grandkids will stand in front of that painting and wonder who that person was. And they’ll know - because someone cared enough to paint them.