Commissioning a Portrait in Des Moines, Iowa
If you are looking for a portrait artist in Des Moines, Hazel Morgan offers a truly personal fine art service to clients throughout Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding area. With over four decades of professional experience, Hazel has built an international reputation for creating exquisite hand-painted oil portraits that capture the character, warmth, and individuality of each subject.
Whether you live in the heart of Des Moines or in the wider Polk County, IA region, commissioning a portrait from Hazel is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Portraits can be painted from professional photographs, personal snapshots, or — where practical — from live sittings arranged at a location convenient to you.
Portrait Painting Services Available in Des Moines
Hazel offers a comprehensive range of portrait styles and subjects to suit every occasion and setting. Each portrait is painted entirely by hand in fine oil paints on premium Belgian linen canvas, using techniques refined over a career spanning more than four decades.
Classical & Formal Portraits
Traditional oil portraits for private collections, family legacies, and formal settings. Available as head-and-shoulders, half-length, or full-length compositions.
Corporate & Boardroom Portraits
Distinguished portraits of CEOs, directors, chancellors, and civic leaders. Painted to the exacting standards expected by boardrooms and institutional collections.
Family & Child Portraits
Intimate portraits that capture the personality and spirit of children and families. Painted from photographs or sittings to create a cherished keepsake.
Pet & Equestrian Portraits
Beautifully detailed oil paintings of beloved pets, horses, and companion animals. Each painting conveys the unique character and personality of the subject.
Memorial & Posthumous Portraits
Sensitive and respectful memorial portraits created from photographs. A meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one through fine art.
Academic & Institutional Portraits
Portraits of chancellors, professors, benefactors, and distinguished alumni for universities, schools, and learned societies.
Portrait Artist Des Moines Area
As your trusted Portrait Artist Des Moines, Hazel Morgan serves portrait clients in Des Moines and the surrounding communities. Portraits are shipped directly to your door with professional packaging and full insurance coverage.
How to Commission a Portrait from Des Moines
Commissioning a portrait from Hazel Morgan is a collaborative and enjoyable experience, regardless of where you are located in Des Moines, Iowa. The process has been refined over hundreds of commissions to ensure a seamless experience for every client.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The process begins with a complimentary consultation — by telephone, video call, or email — during which Hazel discusses your vision for the portrait. This covers the subject, preferred composition, size, background, clothing, and any particular details you would like to include. There is no obligation at this stage.
Step 2: Photographs & References
For clients in Des Moines, Hazel can work from professional photographs, high-quality personal photographs, or a combination of multiple reference images. She provides clear guidance on the types of photographs that produce the best results. Where feasible, live sittings can also be arranged.
Step 3: The Painting Process
Once the composition is agreed, Hazel begins painting. The process typically takes between six and twelve weeks depending on the complexity of the piece. Clients receive progress photographs at key stages so you can see the portrait taking shape and provide feedback before completion.
Step 4: Delivery & Framing
Completed portraits are professionally packaged for shipping. Shipping and framing costs are provided once the painting is complete. Hazel can also recommend master framers who specialise in fine art framing to complement your finished portrait. Clients in Des Moines typically receive their portrait within one to two weeks of completion.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Consultation in Des Moines
Every portrait commission is unique, and Hazel provides a personalized quotation based on your specific requirements. Factors such as the size of the canvas, the number of subjects, and the complexity of the composition are all discussed during an initial telephone consultation, which is entirely free and without obligation.
Hazel welcomes inquiries from clients in Des Moines, Iowa and is happy to talk through your ideas at a time that suits you. Whether you have a clear vision or are simply exploring the possibility of commissioning a portrait, she looks forward to hearing from you.
Why Clients in Des Moines Choose Hazel Morgan
Hazel Morgan brings a rare combination of artistic excellence, professional reliability, and personal warmth to every commission. Here is what sets her apart:
Over 40 years of professional experience — Hazel has been painting portraits professionally since the early 1980s, amassing a body of work that spans hundreds of commissions for private, corporate, and institutional clients worldwide.
Award-winning recognition — Her work has been exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, and other prestigious venues. She is a member of several leading art societies.
A personal, one-to-one service — Unlike studio operations, every portrait is painted entirely by Hazel herself. You deal directly with the artist from first consultation through to delivery, ensuring your vision is faithfully realised.
International shipping expertise — Hazel regularly ships completed portraits to clients across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. Every painting is professionally packaged to arrive in perfect condition.
Complete satisfaction guaranteed — Hazel works closely with each client throughout the painting process. Progress images are shared at every stage, and adjustments are made until you are completely happy with the finished portrait.
Frequently Asked Questions — Portrait Commissions in Des Moines
Hazel provides personalized quotations after an initial telephone consultation, during which she discusses your specific requirements. The consultation is complimentary and entirely without obligation. Please get in touch to arrange a convenient time to talk.
Not at all. The majority of Hazel’s commissions are painted from photographs, which makes the process convenient for clients in Des Moines and beyond. Hazel provides guidance on the best types of photographs to supply. Live sittings can be arranged where practical.
Most portraits are completed within six to twelve weeks from the start of painting, depending on the complexity of the commission. Hazel provides a realistic timeline during the initial consultation. Rush commissions can sometimes be accommodated for special occasions.
Hazel has extensive experience working with a range of photographic references, including older or lower-resolution images. She can often combine multiple photographs to create a single cohesive portrait. During the consultation, she will advise on whether your available photographs are suitable.
Completed portraits are professionally packaged using custom-built crating and shipped via insured courier directly to your address in Des Moines. Shipping and framing are quoted separately after the portrait is completed.
Client satisfaction is paramount. Hazel shares progress photographs at key stages throughout the painting process so you can provide feedback and request adjustments. This collaborative approach means that by the time the portrait is complete, it faithfully reflects your vision.
Why Hazel Loves Des Moines
Des Moines holds a special place in Hazel's heart as a city that balances Midwestern warmth with a genuinely vibrant creative energy. What captivates Hazel about this community is how deeply art is woven into everyday life — from the world-class collections at the Des Moines Art Center to the colorful murals that animate the East Village neighborhood. The Des Moines Arts Festival, one of the largest juried outdoor art festivals in the country, reflects a community that doesn't just consume art but champions it with real enthusiasm. Hazel is drawn to the way this spirit of appreciation shapes the people who live here — people who understand that a portrait is not simply a likeness but a meaningful record of a life well lived.
The landscape and cultural fabric of Polk County give Hazel a rich sense of the people she creates portraits for. The gentle flow of the Des Moines River through the heart of the city, alongside landmarks like the iconic Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the historic Court Avenue District, speaks to a community proud of both its heritage and its forward-thinking ambitions. Hazel admires how neighborhoods like Beaverdale and Sherman Hill each carry their own distinct character and deep-rooted community pride, reminding her that every portrait subject brings a unique story shaped by where they come from. The Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, which draws thousands of residents to the streets each Saturday, further signals a city that values connection, craftsmanship, and the handmade — values Hazel holds at the very core of her own artistic practice.
For Hazel, creating a portrait for a client in Des Moines or the broader Polk County area is an opportunity to honor someone whose life is shaped by an extraordinary community. She is inspired by the city's blend of architectural beauty — from the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol building to the restored grandeur of the Temple for Performing Arts — and its genuinely people-centered spirit. Hazel believes that the character of a place finds its way into the faces of the people who call it home, and Des Moines, with its warmth, creativity, and civic pride, produces portrait subjects who are deeply worth celebrating.
Ready to Commission Your Portrait?
Begin with a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Hazel would love to discuss your portrait ideas and provide a personalized quotation for clients in Des Moines, Iowa.
Request a Free Consultation