Custom Oil and Charcoal Portraits
A portrait is more than a record of a face. I translate your memories into permanent, high-quality paintings using oil on linen or detailed charcoal on archival paper.
A formal commissioned portrait of a gentleman, painted with oil on linen. The goal was to create a dignified and warm representation, paying close attention to the likeness and the friendly expression.
This is a commissioned couple's portrait, set against a subtle mountain landscape. I worked with oil on linen to capture the relationship and shared moment between the two individuals.
A commissioned portrait of a woman in a traditional red saree. The oil on linen medium allowed me to render the details of her attire and the warmth of her expression with depth and clarity.
This modern portrait of a young man was a commission. I focused on capturing a contemporary feel and a contemplative mood, using oil on linen to build up the tones and textures of the piece.
The final commissioned oil portrait of actress Sridevi, displayed in a home setting. This large-scale painting is designed to be a significant and personal piece of art for the client's space.
A close-up of a commissioned portrait. This view highlights the detailed brushwork and color blending I use in my oil paintings to achieve a realistic yet lively skin tone.
About Commissioned Portraits
Commissioning a portrait is a collaborative conversation. I work primarily on fine-grain linen for oil pieces or acid-free, archival-grade paper for charcoal to ensure the longevity of the work. Keep in mind that a professional oil commission requires a 3 to 5-week window, which accounts for the essential underpainting, layering, and drying time needed to produce a final, properly varnished painting.
Materials and Technique
I prioritize professional-grade materials because they are the foundation of a lasting image. For oil portraits, I use fine-grain linen canvas, which offers a superior texture and stability compared to cotton. This allows me to combine realism for facial features with expressive impasto knife strokes for the background, creating a sense of depth and life that flat prints cannot replicate.
The Collaborative Process
Every commission begins with a digital consultation where we discuss your vision. Whether it is a single subject or a family portrait, I study your reference photos to understand the lighting, the mood, and the specific narrative you want to convey. If you choose charcoal, I focus on academic realism, emphasizing anatomy and light through precise cross-hatching on thick, acid-free paper.
Preparing for Your Commission
- Reference Quality: The outcome depends on your source material. I work best with high-resolution, well-lit photos that capture the subject's personality.
- Drying and Protection: Oil paintings require patience. The 3 to 5-week timeline includes a mandatory drying phase before I apply a final gloss or satin varnish to protect the surface from dust and UV light.
- Delivery: I ship finished pieces securely. Large oil works are typically rolled in heavy-duty PVC piping, while charcoal drawings are protected with a professional fixative to prevent smudging during transit.
FAQ
Can you combine different reference photos? Yes, I can composite figures from different images into a single, cohesive composition. We will discuss this during the initial planning stage.
Do you frame the work? I provide the original physical artwork, signed and ready for your preferred framing style. I do not provide the frame itself to ensure it arrives safely.
Abhijeet Patole
I’m Abhijeet. My approach to portraits is simple: I don’t just paint a face, I try to capture the spirit behind it. I bring my academic training to every commission, ensuring we move past simple likeness into something truly personal.
Looking for a different artistic style?
Use our search to explore different mediums and thematic painting categories.
More from Fine Art Commissions by Abhijeet Patole
More services by Abhijeet Patole