Portrait Journal
Guides, studio notes and practical advice for anyone thinking about commissioning an oil portrait. Hazel Morgan has painted portraits for more than four decades, and these articles answer the questions her clients ask most often: what a commission costs, how long it takes and how a painting comes together on the easel.
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A Complete Guide to Commissioning a Portrait
New to commissioning? This guide covers every step, from choosing an artist and agreeing the brief to photographs, the painting itself, approval and delivery.
Commissioning Guides
Costs, timelines and how to choose the right portrait artist.
What to Expect When You Commission a Portrait
One of the most common questions people ask when considering a commissioned portrait is: how much does it cost? It is a fair question, and the answer depends...
The Complete Guide to Commissioning a Portrait
Commissioning a portrait is one of the most personal and rewarding investments you can make in fine art. Whether you are looking to capture a loved one,...
Behind the Canvas
How a portrait is made, from the first conversation to the final varnish.
Behind the Canvas: The Process of Creating a Bespoke Oil Portrait
Every portrait begins long before brush meets canvas. Behind every finished painting lies a process of careful observation, planning, and craftsmanship that...
Portrait Artists by City
Honest local guides for clients comparing portrait artists in their city.
Best Portrait Artist in Los Angeles (2026 Guide)
An honest guide to the best portrait artists in Los Angeles for a commissioned oil painting, with the criteria we used. Hazel Morgan paints every portrait personally, from photos or life.
Ready to discuss a portrait?
Every commission begins with a no-obligation conversation with Hazel about the subject, the size and the setting.