Commission a Custom Portrait

Heirloom Artwork Rendered from Your Photographs
A custom portrait isn’t just decor—it’s a permanent tribute to the companions, places, and people who shape our lives. Working in traditional pen & ink, graphite, and scratchboard, I transform your personal photographs into hand-drawn, original pieces of art made to endure for generations.
Subjects I Frequently Draw
Beloved Pets & Animal Companions: Dogs, cats, and horses. Monochromatic mediums excel at rendering individual fur textures, deep-set eyes, and the quiet personality of your companion.
Homes & Historic Architecture: The first home you bought together, the family farmhouse where generations gathered, or a beloved cabin.
People & Milestones: Dignified individual portraits created to celebrate milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, or memorials.
Unique Subjects & Landscapes: Have a personal vision or a memorable scene? If you have clear photographs, we can discuss translating it into ink or graphite.
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Chin Shu

Mediums Available

  • Pen & Ink: Crisp, permanent, and full of fine stippling and cross-hatching. Ideal for architectural portraits and subjects with rich, distinct lines.
  • Graphite: Soft, tonal, and deeply nuanced. Perfect for gentle transitions, expressive eyes, and classic portraiture.
  • Scratchboard: Dramatic, high-contrast, and striking. White lines etched out of pure black ink—unmatched for wildlife, dark-coated pets, and intense character studies.
  • (Accents of colored ink or colored pencil can also be incorporated upon request.)

Standard Portrait Sizes

8" x 10" — The Intimate Study: Ideal for a single pet headshot, a compact architectural study, or desktop/bookshelf display. 11" x 14" — The Classic Portrait (Most Popular): Provides ample room for intricate fur texture, subtle graphite shading, or a full home facade. Perfectly balanced for wall gallery arrangements. 16" x 20" — The Statement Piece: Suited for dramatic scratchboards, full-figure horse portraits, multi-subject compositions, or expansive estate/home renderings. (Custom dimensions and larger works can be accommodated upon request.)
How the Commission Process Works
  • Step 1: Send Your Photographs
Choose one to three clear, well-lit photos of your subject. Natural daylight is always best—the more detail visible in the eyes, coat, or architectural features, the more life I can bring to the drawing board.
  • Step 2: Consultation & Details
We’ll discuss the ideal size, composition, and medium for your subject. I’ll provide an exact quote and an estimated completion timeline based on my current studio schedule.
  • Step 3: The Drawing Board
Once confirmed, I begin the drawing process by hand. Every line and stroke is laid down with patient attention to likeness and character.
  • Step 4: Completion & Delivery
Your finished original artwork is carefully packaged with protective archival backing and shipped flat, ready for custom matting and framing in your home.
Commission Investment & Sizing
Prices reflect original, hand-drawn artwork (unframed) for a single subject. Archival matting or additional subjects quoted upon request.
Size Starting Investment Ideal For
8" x 10" $195.00 Single Pet Headshot, Compact Home Study, Desktop or Shelf Display
11" x 14" $350.00 Most Popular. Detailed Pet Portrait, Classic Home Rendering, Focal Wall Art
16" x 20" $500.00 Full Figure Horse Portrait, Complex Architecture, Dramatic Statement Piece
A 50% deposit secures your spot on the studio schedule, with the balance due upon completion and your approval of the finished work.
Ready to Discuss a Portrait?
Whether you have a specific date in mind for a gift or are simply exploring possibilities, I’m happy to look at your photographs and give you honest feedback on what will work best.