Portrait Commissions
A portrait is more than a likeness - it's a story, an emotion, a moment.
"More than a portrait - she captured the essence of us. Crystal's portrait is different. She captured something deeper than any photograph ever could. The colours, the style, the emotion all come together to reflect the essence of me. Now I get to be a piece of art on the wall of our family home, alongside my children - timeless and full of heart. “- Lisa Maxwel
* Christmas Portrait Offering * (Only a few spaces remaining)
This Christmas, I'm opening a limited collection of portrait commissions — a beautiful way to celebrate your family, capture the essence and energy of someone you love, or give someone who ‘has it all’ a gift they'll treasure. I can create from photos or design a bespoke, cultural heirloom piece.
Each original artwork is individually created in my expressive pastel style, beautifully framed in oak or dark timber-look framing and ready to hang on the wall.
Includes Framing
A3 size · One person — $450
A2 size · One person — $550
Family portraits · From $750
A1 size · One person — $950
Have someone or something in mind you'd love to capture in an artwork this Christmas? I'd love to hear about it and what makes it special to you and then work with you to create something special. Im happy to accommodate multiple people and even favorite pets or animals. I'll recommend the right size and provide you with a personalised quote.
Beautifully framed. Ready to hang. Unique and expressive.
More than just a likeness
Creating a portrait of someone is more than simply drawing a face — it's about capturing the energy, the connection, or that heartfelt moment you want to remember forever. I work in soft pastel and mixed media, building layers of colour, energy and atmosphere through a contemporary expressive style that sits beautifully in all interiors.
Standard Portrait Pricing Guide
SIZE ARTWORK SIZE PRICE
FROM
A3 Approx. 30 × 42 cm $550
A2 Approx. 42 × 60 cm $750
A1 Approx. 60 × 82 cm $1,050
B1 Approx. 70 × 100 cm $1,550
Additional people/ animals / complexity:
Additional subjects, details and design elements will be discussed and quoted individually.
The reference picture
Ideally, you'll provide a suitable photograph or series of photographs for me to work from. The quality and suitability of the reference images makes a real difference to the finished artwork. The more, the better, so I can get a feel for the person behind the picture.
Don't have the right photo? I can create reference images for you through a relaxed portrait session at my home or yours, capturing natural expressions and moments that feel like you.
Portrait session add-on: $150–$250, depending on location and requirements.
The artwork
- You will receive a bespoke, original, hand-drawn contemporary portrait artwork created in expressive soft pastel.
- Individual consultation to discuss the persons vibe, photograph, colours and overall feel.
- Professional-grade soft pastel materials, high-quality paper and finishing.
- Careful preparation and packaging for collection or delivery.
- A personal, expressive interpretation rather than a purely photographic reproduction.
Standard Framing
(See Christmas offering above for framing included.)
I’m happy to organise framing for your artwork so it’s ready to hang straight on your wall. This can be added to your quotation or decided on once the artwork has been completed.
Framing options range from a standard sized, pre-made frames, to bespoke, custom-made, premium quality, and locally made frames. Perfect for larger pieces or those wanting a high-end gallery finish.
You are also welcome to receive the artwork unframed and arrange your own framing.
Expressive artwork
My portraits are intentionally expressive. I use layered colour, visible pastel marks and to keep the work feeling alive. The aim isn't simply to reproduce a photograph, but to create a vibrant piece of artwork that carries the personality and feeling of the person within it.
Booking & payment
- A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking and confirm the commission. Alternative payment arrangements can be discussed where needed.
- The remaining balance is due on completion, before the artwork is collected or delivered.
- A commission is booked once the deposit has been received and the reference images and brief have been agreed.
- I will discuss the reference photograph and composition with you before beginning the artwork.
- Because each portrait is individually created, expressive differences from the reference photograph are part of the artistic process.
- Framing, delivery and postage are not included unless specifically stated in the quotation.
- Current turnaround is generally 5–8 weeks, depending on size, complexity and existing bookings. Your timeframe will be confirmed when your commission is booked.
Ready to create something special?
Thanks for considering a bespoke portrait commission artwork! If this sounds like something you would like to explore further, I'd love to hear about the person or story you wish to capture.
Cultural Heirloom Artworks
A place, a culture, or a memory - made into art. Beyond portraiture, I love to take on commissions inspired by travel, culture heritage, nature, and the moments that have shaped you.
“I commissioned Crystal to paint a portrait of a Kenyan woman - a reminder of a country that stole my heart. She produced two paintings, so beautiful and yet so different, that I took them both. I now have a third piece on its way and can't wait to add her to our collection!”
Casey Le Ray, Perth W.A.
