Portrait Commissions
In my professional art career which now spans 16 years, I've been regularly creating custom art for private clients as well as companies, authors, musicians, hotels and more.
I am currently taking private commissions and it’s one of the most joyful and rewarding aspects of my work, knowing that I’ve been part of so many families’ special birthdays, Christmases or anniversaries.
I mostly take on minimal portrait commissions, however, if I am very taken with your photo, I might be persuaded to do a full detail piece, or a still life.
On this page are some examples of recent private commissions, along with testimonials from recent customers.
Please contact me at [email protected] with your reference photo(s) – the larger and crisper your picture, the better the result is likely to be. Prices vary according to size and complexity.
For further information please read my Commissions FAQs below or contact me to discuss your requests.
Recent Commissions Testimonials
“I can’t begin to explain how incredible of an artist Ileana is… and the incredible ability she has to to breathe life into grayscale portraits that leaves them exuding an almost magical quality. I stumbled across her information on Etsy and after lusting over her catalog, I took the chance to reach out and open a conversation about a commissioned piece – and boy am I glad I did. She responded quickly to my inquiry and had a super informative and creative conversation that helped us decide on a subject that fit her style and my wishlist. Fast forward a few years and I’ve been lucky enough to add multiple commissioned pieces from Ileana to my collection with each somehow exceeding my expectations set by the previous piece.”
Michael, March 2022
“There's not much point talking about the end product of commissioning Ileana's work – the astounding results speak for themselves – but it's worth mentioning how easy she made the whole process. Straightforward communications, a deadline comfortably adhered to, and packaging of the final mailed artwork that was pretty bulletproof. A great experience.”
Paul, February 2022
“Ileana studied dozens of my portfolio photos and collected details about my intended purpose of her work. I sought a timeless branding image that revealed my soul. Today my Ileana portrait brands much of my online presence. It is the only image adorning my business card. I cannot imagine living without it.”
Nora, February 2022
“Moved over to a new apartment, and always wanted to have a picture of Marilyn Monroe on the wall. Not one of those common poses that everybody knows, but one where she has a more natural look. Although originally I had a photo in mind, an internet search revealed pencil artist drawings to me. The ones that immediately drew my attention were Ileana's: realistic lifelike creations, pure minimal portraits with lots of dedication and detail in the way the eyes and hair are drawn. That style of drawing right away appealed to me. I decided not to have one, but three drawings. In the same style, to form a triptych. Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, a wall of fame. Ileana created three masterpieces for me.“
Maurice, March 2022
Commissions FAQs
Q. Do you only accept portrait commissions?
A. Primarily, yes – but, if the reference is right, I sometimes take still life commissions or more figurative work, such as hands.
Q. Do you work from life or with reference photos?
A. Ideally, I like to have a photo shoot with my subject, but I'm also happy to work with clients' photos (the higher the resolution and the crisper, the better). For more information you can read my blog article covering tips for getting the best commission results.
Q. Do you do composite portraits (combine different photos)?
A. I'm afraid not.
Q. Do you do pet portraits?
A. No.
Q. Do you ever use colour?
A. No.
Q. Can I use one of your portraits for my book cover?
A. Yes, and many authors already have. Please see my book cover art page for more information.
Q. Do you do tattoo designs?
A. No, but I'm happy for my existing work to be used as tattoo designs.
Q. What sizes are your original pieces?
A. My most used sizes are 8 x 11” (A4) and 11 x 16” (A3). But I’m happy to work with custom sizes.
Q. Do you package your commissions flat or rolled?
A. I package them flat, with plenty of sturdy cardboard and a waterproof envelope.
Q. What brand of pencils and paper do you use?
A. I use pencils from the Staedtler Mars Lumograph range and paper from either Canson or Daler Rowney.