FAQs
How much does a custom watercolor portrait cost?
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Custom watercolor portrait commissions at Ivory & Ink start at $110 for a single subject on 9×12 inch, 300gsm cold-press/hot-press cotton paper. Two-subject portraits are $145 and family groups of three subjects is $170. Rush orders completed within seven days carry an additional $30 fee. Full payment is collected at checkout so there are no surprises and no second invoices when your portrait is complete.
How long does a watercolor portrait commission take?
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Standard commissions take two to three weeks from the date your reference photograph is received. Each portrait is built across multiple painting sessions — watercolor cannot be rushed without sacrificing quality, and every layer must dry fully before the next is applied. If you have a specific date in mind such as a birthday or anniversary, reach out before ordering and we will confirm whether your timeline is achievable.
What size is the portrait?
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Every Ivory & Ink portrait is painted on a single sheet of 9×12 inch cold-press or hot-press cotton watercolor paper, depending on the product you select. The painting itself fills the sheet — there is no border or mat included, giving you full flexibility to choose your own framing. Standard frame sizes fit both dimensions, making framing straightforward at any framing shop or online retailer.
What paper do you use for watercolor portraits?
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How do I send my reference photo?
Can I commission a portrait as a gift?
Do you paint pet portraits?
What if I don't like the finished portrait?
Do you ship internationally?
How is the portrait packaged for shipping?
Can I see the portrait before it ships?
Is the portrait an original or a print?
Is the portrait an original or a print?
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Every portrait is painted on 300gsm cold-press or hot-press cotton watercolor paper — the professional standard used by serious watercolor artists worldwide. At 140lb weight, the paper holds water without warping, accepts pigment without bleeding, and will not yellow or deteriorate over decades. It is the same paper used in museum-quality watercolor work and it is one of the reasons an Ivory & Ink portrait is built to last a lifetime.
After completing your order you will receive a confirmation email with simple instructions for sending your reference photograph. You can attach it directly to your reply — no special apps or file sharing services needed. For the best result, send a photo taken in natural light with the face clearly visible and in sharp focus. If you are unsure whether your photo will work, email it before ordering and we will advise you honestly before anything is agreed.
A custom watercolor portrait makes one of the most personal and lasting gifts you can give. Many Ivory & Ink commissions are ordered as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Mother's Day, and Christmas. If you are ordering as a gift, simply provide the recipient's shipping address at checkout and mention the occasion in your order notes — we will ensure the timing and packaging reflect the care that went into choosing it.
Ivory & Ink specialises in human portraits — capturing the faces of people you love. Pets are not currently offered as a standalone commission. However if you would like a portrait that includes both a person and their pet together, get in touch before ordering and we will discuss whether it is something we can accommodate within the standard commission format.
Because every portrait is an original handmade artwork created specifically for you, refunds are not available once painting has begun. However your satisfaction matters deeply. If there is a genuine concern about the likeness or quality of the finished piece, reach out directly and we will discuss it honestly. The best way to ensure you love the result is to send the clearest possible reference photograph — a well-lit, high resolution image gives the strongest foundation for an accurate and beautiful portrait.
Currently Ivory & Ink ships within the United States only. Every domestic order is shipped fully insured with tracking included in the price. If you are based outside the US and are interested in commissioning a portrait, get in touch directly — international shipping may be possible on a case by case basis with additional shipping costs agreed before the order is placed.
Every finished portrait is wrapped in archival glassine paper to protect the painted surface, placed between rigid cardboard stiffeners, and sealed inside a stay-flat mailer that prevents bending during transit. The package is shipped fully insured with a tracking number sent to you as soon as it leaves the studio. Original artwork deserves to arrive in perfect condition — the packaging is designed to ensure it does.
Yes. Once the portrait is complete you will receive a photograph of the finished painting before it is packaged and shipped.
Every Ivory & Ink portrait is a one-of-a-kind original painting — there are no prints, no digital files, and no reproductions. The painting you receive is the only one that exists. It was painted entirely by hand, on a single sheet of 300gsm cotton paper, in professional watercolor. Once it leaves the studio it belongs entirely to you — the sole owner of something made once, for you alone.
Watercolor paintings on 300gsm cotton paper are durable and long-lasting when cared for simply. Keep the painting out of direct sunlight — UV light fades pigment over time regardless of paper quality. Frame it behind UV-protective glass for the best long-term preservation. Avoid humid environments such as bathrooms or kitchens. Do not touch the painted surface directly. Handled with basic care, a watercolor portrait on quality cotton paper will remain vibrant and beautiful for generations.