Commission a Portrait
Classical oil portraits for collectors, corporations, and families who value legacy.
Hampton Watts creates investment-level portraiture rooted in Old Master technique and Southern tradition. Each commission is a bespoke collaboration — limited to ten projects annually to ensure depth, care, and singular attention.
Currently accepting commissions for 2026-2027 delivery.
Investment & Scope
Investment: Honoring Value & Time
Portrait commissions hone traditional compositions, with investment reflecting size, complexity, and subject count. Wildlife and sporting art commissions are priced individually.
Typical Timeline: 3–6 months from initial consultation to delivery, depending on scale and schedule.
Commission a Portrait
Conversation: A Personal Beginning
Every portrait begins with a conversation — about the subject, the setting, and the deeper story. We'll discuss your vision, timeline, and how to best capture presence in paint.
This initial consultation (by phone, video, or in person) ensures the final work reflects not just appearance, but character.
Process: From Reference to Refinement
Thoughtful photography and composition guide the work. Whether visiting your home, corporate office, or a location meaningful to the subject, I design each portrait from reference images taken or selected with care.
You'll review and approve references before painting begins. Throughout the process, I'll share progress updates — glimpses of the work as it develops — so you're involved at every stage.
Reveal: A Timeless Work Unveiled
Your finished portrait will be a work of depth and grace — built to endure, honor, and be lived with for generations. Delivery includes professional presentation and installation guidance.
For collectors curious about the full portrait process, read our guide to commissioning a portrait painting:
Legacy
Collected & Trusted: Rooted in Technical Mastery
Born in Charleston and classically trained at SCAD, Hampton Watts studied figurative painting in France before returning to the South to build a portrait practice rooted in Old Master technique. His works are held in the private collections of the historic Governor Thomas Bennett House and William Aiken House, as well as private collectors and corporations throughout the Southeast and beyond.
FAQs
How do I commission a portrait painting?
1
Portrait commissions begin with a conversation about the subject, setting, and vision for the work.
You can read a detailed overview of the process in this guide: How to Commission a Portrait Painting
What does a portrait painting cost?
2
Portrait commissions typically begin around $8,000, with final pricing depending on scale and complexity.
How long does a portrait commission take?
3
Most portrait commissions are completed within three to six months.
What is Southern Heritage Painting?
4
Southern heritage painting explores the people, landscapes, and traditions that shape the cultural identity of the American South. Learn more about Southern Heritage Painting.
Start Your Commission
Limited Availability for 2026-2027
Your portrait begins with a quiet conversation about vision, subject, and story. Share details about your project below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.