Commissioning a Portrait in Howard County
Hazel Morgan is a portrait artist serving clients across Howard County. With more than 40 years of fine art expertise, she creates hand-painted oil portraits that are treasured as family heirlooms, corporate centrepieces, and lasting memorials. Her work has been commissioned by private collectors, universities, corporations, and public institutions throughout the region.
Clients in Howard County benefit from Hazel’s established process for working with distant sitters. Whether you prefer to supply photographs or arrange a sitting, every portrait receives the same meticulous attention to detail that has earned Hazel recognition from prestigious art societies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Portrait Painting Services Available in Howard County
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 Howard County Area
As your trusted Portrait Artist Howard County, Hazel Morgan serves portrait clients in Howard County and the surrounding communities. Portraits are shipped directly to your door with professional packaging and full insurance coverage.
Portrait Services in Howard County Communities
- Portrait Artist Ellicott City | Howard County, Maryland | Commission a Portrait
- Portrait Artist Savage | Howard County, Maryland | Commission a Portrait
- Portrait Artist Highland | Howard County, Maryland | Commission a Portrait
- Portrait Artist Glenelg | Howard County, Maryland | Commission a Portrait
- Portrait Artist Sykesville | Howard County, Maryland | Commission a Portrait
How to Commission a Portrait from Howard County
Commissioning a portrait from Hazel Morgan is a collaborative and enjoyable experience, regardless of where you are located in Howard County. 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 Howard County, 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 Howard County typically receive their portrait within one to two weeks of completion.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Consultation in Howard County
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 Howard County 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 Howard County 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 Howard County
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 Howard County 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 Howard County. 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 Howard County
Howard County, MD carries a remarkable sense of place that Hazel Morgan finds deeply compelling as a portrait artist. What captivates Hazel about this vibrant Maryland community is the way it balances historic roots with a genuinely forward-thinking creative spirit. The Howard County Arts Council, based in Ellicott City, plays a meaningful role in fostering a culture where art is treated as essential rather than ornamental, and that commitment to creative life resonates strongly with Hazel's own values. She is drawn to the character of Historic Ellicott City itself, with its storied Main Street running alongside the Patapsco River — one of the most visually striking historic corridors in the mid-Atlantic region. The area's layered history, from its 18th-century mill town origins to its resilient community spirit following the devastating floods of 2016 and 2018, speaks to Hazel of strength and identity — exactly the qualities she strives to capture in every portrait she creates.
Hazel admires how Howard County nurtures community bonds through beloved local traditions that bring people together in meaningful ways. The Columbia Festival of the Arts, held each summer at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia, reflects the county's genuine investment in celebrating creative expression at the highest level. Merriweather Post Pavilion, an iconic outdoor music venue that has anchored Columbia's cultural identity for decades, speaks to the county's enduring love of shared experience and artistic ambition. Hazel is also drawn to the sense of community vitality found at the Howard County Farmers Market in West Friendship, where local growers, makers, and families connect across seasons. These are communities where people show up for one another — and that warmth and authenticity are precisely what Hazel seeks to honor in her portrait work.
For Hazel, creating a portrait for a Howard County client means engaging with people shaped by a place of genuine character. The rolling landscapes of the Patuxent River valley, the distinctive neighborhoods of Columbia with their celebrated town center design, and the tight-knit pride of communities like Clarksville and Glenelg all contribute to a regional identity that is layered, proud, and full of life. Hazel believes that great portraiture reflects not just a face, but a life lived somewhere meaningful — and Howard County gives its residents plenty of meaning to carry with them.
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 Howard County.
Request a Free Consultation