Have you ever seen your mother's face light up when she opens a gift that truly touches her heart? Not the polite "oh, another scented candle, how lovely" smile, but the genuine, misty-eyed moment of pure joy? If you're nodding along (or desperately trying to remember if you've ever achieved such a reaction), then settle in, because I'm about to share the secret weapon of thoughtful children everywhere: the bespoke portrait.
A Custom Portrait: When Flowers for Mum's Birthday Just Won't Cut It
Let's be honest—most gifts have a shelf life. That spa day really only lasts a day, the earrings get lost in the jewellery box way too often, chocolates make her fat (she says so, not me), slippers, yet another cookbook she'd never open and don't even get me started on the fate of most houseplants gifted to my mother (may they rest in peace).
A portrait, however, is timeless. It's personal. It's the kind of gift for mum that says, "I see you, I value you, and I think your face deserves to be immortalised in art." Plus, it's the gift that keeps on giving—every visitor to her home will see it, and she'll get to casually mention, "Oh, that? My thoughtful child had it commissioned for me."
Instant favourite child status. You're welcome.
Art Material Matters: Choosing the Best Medium for her portrait
Oil on Canvas Portraits by Paola Minekov. Top Left: Digital Portrait.
When commissioning a custom gift like a portrait, you actually have options that go well beyond "painting or drawing."
Let me break them down:
Oil on Canvas or Board - The classic choice
Think of those grand one-of-a-kind portraits in museums—that's oil painting. The example above is a portrait by Rembrands of his wife Saskia.
Rich, luminous, and with incredible depth, oils have been the go-to for serious portraiture for centuries.
I painted an oil portrait for my aunt, and everyone now refers to the time before and after "The Portrait" as distinct eras in her life. She was now "The Subject of Fine Art".
The downside? Traditional oils take time to dry! Most oils are touch dry within a few weeks, depending on the colour and thickness of paint. But, really, it takes half a year before the oil has cured completely and can be safely varnished, so this isn't a last-minute gift option. As far as budget goes, it's also the most expensive option.
Alkyd Oil Paint - A Clever Compromise
Alkyd oils give you the traditional oil portrait look without the marathon waiting time. They're modified oil paints that dry much faster, so you can have your cake and eat it too. Or rather, have your oil portrait and give it too. Alkyd oils half the drying time of traditional oil paint, so a painting can receive it's final varnish after 3 months.
Acrylic - The speedier cousin of oil paint
Acrylic paints dry quickly, are versatile, and can achieve a similar look to oils, in the hands of the right artist. They're perfect if you're working with a tighter timeline and budget, but still want that painted quality, the brush strokes and texture and warmth of oils. They can be safely combined with oil paint when used for the base layers of the artwork, to speed up the process of creating a portrait in oil.
Watercolour Portraits - For a softer, more ethereal look
Watercolour portraits have a delicate, luminous quality. They're particularly lovely for capturing a gentle essence of someone. Watercolours make great gifts for women, especially. Stylistically they lend themselves well to a mixed media as in the example of Girl with Red Beret below but one can paint in watercolour in a more classical style as well.
Contrary to popular belief, watercolour portraits are not easy to paint. Unlike Oil and Acrylic, which can handle multiple layers of paint, watercolour is unforgiving and any mistakes can't be covered up.
Digital Portraits - Personalise a Unique Gift!
My most popular portrait commissions are my hand-painted digital portraits using tools like Procreate on an iPad. I offer a Timelapse video export alongside a high resolution digital file of the portrait, so mum (a sassy mum in this example) can actually watch her portrait come to life - a fascinating bonus.
Some of my collectors have even commissioned digital portraits with an audio message incorporated into the video timelapse, making digital portraits truly personalised gifts.
Digital Portraits - Custom Print with a Personalised Design!
Digital portraits can be printed giclee prints on archival quality paper or canvas. They looks absolutely stunning, and cost a lot less than my traditional option (Procreate comes with an Undo option, and that makes an artist's life significantly easier). As far as gift ideas go, this makes them a great option as personalised mother's day gifts, whereas oil and acrylic portrait are the preferred option for special birthdays.
Digital Portraits are considered original works of art, they can be printed multiple times and I give my collectors exclusive license to reprint them as many times as they like (to give as gifts to other family members and in stylish photo books), post them on social media or print on products. Because digital files are so easy to edit, they can include texts, messages, different backgrounds and colour schemes. They can even become part of a family portrait at a later date.
Of course, I also support my collectors during the printing process, deliver a print ready file and can recommend printing studios in the UK, EU and USA. Because the portrait is printed locally, there are no import fees or significant shipping costs.
"But Mum Hates Sitting Still!" – The Personalised Photo Solution
Here's the beauty of modern portraiture—mum doesn't need to sit for hours like a Victorian lady, unless she wants to, that is. If possible, I try to organise an in person or video session and take the photos myself but many people prefer to keep the portrait they are commissioning as a surprise gift and just email a few good quality photos and a video if one is available. I am happy to work from photographs, and I can make the portrait look like it's painted from life.
Choosing the Right Photos – Not All Selfies Are Created Equal
The quality of your portrait depends heavily on the photos you provide to use a reference. Here's what to look for:
Good lighting: Natural light is best
Clear resolution: I needs to see details
Multiple angles: Send several options so I can understand your mum's features fully
Authentic expression: That forced "cheese" smile isn't the goal; It's one of the giveaway signs that your portrait is painted from a photo. Look for photos where she looks naturally happy or thoughtful. Make sure her eyes are open and clear and she isn't talking or laughing
Recent images: Unless you're specifically going for a younger version of mum, opt for new photos.
The final portrait may combine elements from several photos—mum's Mona Lisa smile from one, her characteristic head tilt from another, and the sparkle in her eyes from a third.
Timeframes: Planning Your Portrait's Grand Reveal
Depending on the medium and my schedule, you're looking at anywhere from two weeks to three months for completion. Digital portraits tend to be quickest, while traditional oils take longest, because I need to wait for the layers of oil to dry to build up the texture while keeping the colours brilliant.
So plan ahead and give it plenty of time for consultation, creation, and framing. Nothing ruins the surprise quite like saying, "Happy birthday, Mum! Your portrait will be ready... sometime next year"
Ready to Commission a portrait?
If you're sold on the custom portrait idea (and how could you not be?), here's your quick checklist:
Decide on your medium, based on what your mum's taste, your timeline and budget
Gather excellent photos and if possible a video
Allow plenty of time before the big day
Consider options for picture frames ... but you can also let her pick a frame she likes
Prepare for your new status as favourite child
Remember, you're not just giving your mother an unforgettable gift, you're creating an heirloom, a piece of art that will be cherished for generations. And in a world of disposable presents, that's something truly special.
Share this post