Portrait paintings

A portrait is a unique and timeless work of art that captures the essence of a person in a way that photographs, for example, cannot. Each piece is unique and created just for you.

A portrait painting or a drawn portrait is also a valuable and meaningful gift for a loved one. Especially when you want to give something truly personal and unforgettable.

I paint and draw portraits and various free-form subjects on commission. The artwork can be a self-portrait, a portrait of a loved one, a child, or a beloved pet.

A portrait painting or drawing can be created either by posing or from a photograph.

Ask for more information or request a quote
Ylöspäin, huolimatta kaikkea - uniikki taidemaalaus Svetlana Ruoho

"Our collaboration with you was pleasant, smooth and professional from start to finish. You have the ability to listen, interpret and create a work that exceeds expectations – and that's exactly what happened this time."

- Ari Huovinen, Principal, Ressun lukio

Previously created portraits

Over the years, I have received abundant positive feedback from satisfied clients.

I have created numerous portraits for clients, and many of my works have found their way into esteemed public collections.

When working on a commissioned piece, I continue until the client is satisfied with the end result. Ordering a portrait (a creative work) naturally involves collaboration and open communication from both sides.

Explore my previous works by topic and frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. Feel free to ask more if anything is on your mind!

Children

The world of children is wonderful and unique. I try to understand and describe children's nature and characteristics and capture this on canvas...
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miehen muotokuva, jossa miehellä kirja kädessä

Official

I have created numerous portrait works, which can be found in public collections in Finland...
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Family

A family portrait can be created, for example, from several photographs.
Once I have enough photographic material, I can create drawing sketches and color sketches based on it...
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Adults and young people

A great gift idea for a high school graduate, as a wedding gift, for an anniversary, for Father's Day or Mother's Day. A portrait enjoying a beloved hobby or with a familiar environment in the background.
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Black and White

Charcoal drawings, pencil drawings, and silhouettes. Portrait drawings are created faster and on a smaller budget, or when your wish is a minimalist color palette.
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Animals

A portrait painting or drawing can also be of a beloved pet or other animal character.
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Portrait painter Svetlana Ruoho

How Is a Commissioned Portrait Made?

A portrait can be created in two different ways: by posing or from a photograph.

Portrait by posing, live model.

I meet the model, sketch, and take photographs. By combining observations made in the studio and reference images, I can accurately capture expressions and personality.

During the first meeting, I draw sketches of the model with pencil, charcoal, or colors. We discuss the size and technique of the future portrait, as there is a wide range of options. I listen carefully to the client's wishes. I offer tips and help in choosing a high-quality portrait.

At the second sitting, the portrait is mostly finished.
The second, and possibly final, sitting helps me as an artist to add more liveliness, air, and emphasize the model's characteristic features.

During the second sitting, I complete the whole piece. On-site, you will see the portrait almost finished, and of course, I am interested in your opinion, your approval of the portrait, or suggestions for additions and refinements. The sitting time does not require long and boring static presence in the same spot and posture. There is always time for a break and a pleasant chat over coffee or juice. One can always move around. Time passes quickly.
It is interesting to come to an artist's studio as a model; it can even be a bit exciting.

Between sittings, I have done a lot of work.

  • I make several sketches to find the composition and color scheme (if the portrait is not black and white).
  • Often, I create a preliminary drawing the same size as the future portrait before starting the actual work.
    I ensure that the proportions and composition are correct.
  • I analyze the model's features and movements.
  • This long preparation process provides the confidence to create the painting/portrait in a free and light manner.
  • Finally, I emphasize contrast, so the artist's "hard work" is not visible in the result. Only boldness and lightness remain in the painting.

Portrait from a photograph.

A portrait can be painted from a photograph. This is an especially good option when the model cannot be present or if the portrait is intended as a surprise gift.

For a portrait, I need several high-quality images (also from different angles and lighting conditions), and any videos can help to deepen the expression.

It's also possible to create a cohesive artwork based on multiple photographs.

I master both methods and will choose the appropriate working approach based on your wishes and the situation.
taiteilija piirtää muotokuvaa

Portrait prices

Portrait “Gift”

Still life, light portrait, watercolors, charcoal, pencil, size approx. 30 x 40 cm.
320-450€

Painting + drawing technique

Mixed media: watercolor, pastel, gouache, wooden pencils, size approx. 35 x 40 / 45 x 55 cm.
€570-800

Watercolor portrait

size approx. 45 x 35 cm
€800-1100

Acrylic, oil

On primed art paper or canvas, size approx. 40 x 50 cm.
€1500-1600

Oil painting portrait

Size approx. 50 x 40 cm
€2400

Oil painting portrait

Half body and arms size approx. 70 x 80 cm.
€3700

Usein kysyttyä muotokuvista

How much does a portrait/commissioned work cost and what does the price consist of?

The price consists of materials and the number of hours spent working. Based on a preliminary discussion with the client, I can estimate the materials, the amount of work and its costs.

There are many different implementation techniques and the price of the work is affected by:

- size of the painting
- technology
- cost of materials
- time spent on work

How is the work paid?

When I do commissioned work, the down payment is 40%. The price includes VAT 14%. The balance is paid when the work is completed, when you are satisfied. The balance can also be paid in suitable installments according to the agreement.

I always work until the client is satisfied with the end result. Commissioning a portrait (a creative work) naturally involves collaboration and open discussion on both sides.

I have always completed portrait projects by listening to my clients' wishes and ensuring their satisfaction.


Does the price include VAT, what is the VAT%?

Yes, VAT is included in the price for online store items. VAT on paintings is 13,5%. Custom work by agreement.

Which portrait option is the most affordable?

A portrait using the pen-and-paper technique is the most affordable portrait option, as the materials are not that expensive and creating a portrait usually only takes a few hours of work.

How long does it take to prepare an order?

Oil painting approx. 1 month-2.5 months

Watercolor 2-4 weeks

Acrylic + oil 3-5 weeks

Drawing 1 week

For example, oil painting technique - preparation for painting takes much longer than acrylic or watercolor painting, because the paint takes much longer to dry. Oil painting has many layers and the treatment of intermediate layers must be taken into account. I use high-quality professional painting tools and, for example, an oil painting can give joy and memories to several generations to come.

I am interested in ordering a black and white portrait, is that possible? What technique can be used to create the portrait?

A black and white portrait can be created using drawing, watercolor + ink, and oil painting techniques.

What is mixed media in portraiture?

Mixed media is the use of two or three different art materials in one painting. In the right technical order, they complement each other and give a beautiful result.

Examples of mixed media:

  • Acrylic + oil,
  • drawing technique + watercolor,
  • watercolor + charcoal pencils.
Can you help with the framing?

I can help with framing by taking the finished work to a framing shop, whose service I use a lot myself.

Can I safely send you photos of our children for a portrait?

Yes. I treat the photos confidentially, and the information in the materials will not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to third parties.

I am interested in ordering a family portrait. Can the painting be created using multiple photos?

When I get enough photographic material, I will be able to make drawing sketches and color sketches based on it. I will send the sketches I have made to you by e-mail.

After the sketch is approved, I start painting the actual piece. Sometimes it takes as much time to complete the sketch as it does to create the larger painting. It's a big job.

That's why I send an invoice with a down payment of 40% and including the cost of the material.

How many times does a model need to visit your studio?

If the portrait is done using the watercolor or drawing technique and its size is no larger than 50x40 cm, then one posing session of about 1 -1.5 hours is sufficient. When painting using the oil painting technique, we meet twice if necessary.

Can a portrait for a work be created from a photograph or a live model? And which option is better?

A portrait can be made in two ways: from a live model (by posing) or from a photograph. Both methods are good, and I master both.

From a live model – I meet the model, make sketches, and take photographs. By combining the observations made in the studio and reference images, I can accurately capture expressions and personality.

From photographs – a good option if the portrait is intended as a surprise gift. In this case, I need several high-quality images (also from different angles and lighting) and any videos help to deepen the expression.

I master both methods and choose the appropriate working method according to your wishes and the situation.

Payment and cancellation terms for commissioned works

When I create a commissioned artwork, a 40% down payment is made at the beginning of the work. The price includes VAT of 14%. The remaining amount is paid when the artwork is completed and the customer is satisfied with it. The remaining amount can also be paid in installments, if agreed upon.

Work continues until the customer is satisfied with the final result. Commissioned work is a creative process based on cooperation and open interaction with the customer.

As the creator of commissioned work, I am committed to helping and supporting the customer throughout the process and to completing the work as desired, while maintaining my artistic expression and painting style.

Cancellation terms:

If the customer wishes to cancel the order while the work is already in progress or does not accept the finished artwork without a justified reason, the paid 40% down payment of the total price of the work will be retained. This covers the time spent on design, sketching, and the work process, as well as material costs.

Justified reasons for canceling a commissioned painting or drawing:

-The person painted in the portrait is not clearly recognizable and the artist refuses to make the requested corrections.

-The artwork has been executed with a different material or technique than what was agreed upon and invoiced.

-The artwork has not been delivered by the agreed deadline, provided there was a written agreement on the delivery time in advance.

-The size of the artwork deviates from the agreed size by more than 20 cm on either side, without the change being agreed upon with the customer.

What kind of photos are suitable for a portrait if the artwork is a surprise gift?

If you order a portrait from a photo, reference images play an important role for the artist. To truly capture a person's likeness, I need several images and possibly additional video material. The same person can look different in various photographs, so there can never be too many images.

Even old photographs, taken decades ago, are well-suited as a basis for a portrait. They show the spirit of the time and personality, and there is no need to compare them to the current appearance – in such cases, I can use the image as the sole starting point.

The best images are those taken by a professional photographer, either in a studio or with natural light. School photos also provide a lot of useful information, and I have created beautiful, atmospheric portraits based on them.

Once an order is agreed upon, I may ask the client for photos from specific poses or angles. If necessary, I will send sketch proposals for the composition, which show what kind of pose additional photos should be taken in.

It is good to take photos in natural light, directly from the front – not from above or below – as a phone's zoom can easily distort proportions. Especially for children, choose photos where you like their facial expression and feel it suits a portrait. For example, photos with faces in shadow or open mouths, without purpose, are not always suitable for portrait creation. A smiling expression always works well!

Let's make art together?

If you are interested in a collaborative project or have any questions, I'm happy to help. Please feel free to get in touch!