Commission a Custom Oil Portrait by Joshua Adam Risner
Capture a legacy with timeless, classical portraiture
from the Michigan State Capitol Artist in Residence.
1. Heirloom-Quality Portraiture Rooted in Classical Tradition
Joshua Adam Risner doesn't just paint a likeness; he captures a "living presence." As a master of traditional oil painting, Joshua blends centuries-old techniques with a contemporary soul. His work is featured on the permanent walls of the Michigan State Capitol and the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington D.C., representing a standard of excellence sought by governors, senators, executives, academic leaders and private collectors alike.
Mastery of Oil: Every commission is crafted using traditional methods, from hand-prepared canvases to custom-mixed pigments.
Prestigious Provenance: Trust your legacy to the artist responsible for the official portraits of Governor Rick Snyder and Senator Debbie Stabenow.
Personal Connection: A portrait is a collaborative journey between the artist and the subject.
It’s not finished until the client is completely satisfied
2. How to Commission Your Custom Painting
Initial Consultation: Discuss your vision, the subject, and the intended setting for the piece.
Photography & Sitting: Depending on location, Joshua may work from life sittings or high-quality reference photography to establish lighting and "presence."
The Study: For larger works, a small charcoal or oil study may be created to finalize the composition.
Creation: The portrait is meticulously built in layers, following the classical "fat over lean" principle.
Review and Approval: Upon completion of the portrait, we will present it to you for your review and approval. The portrait is not considered finished until you completely satisfied.
Final Delivery and Presentation: Once you have approved the portrait, the final payment will be processed. We will then carefully prepare the artwork for delivery or arrange for professional installation.
Unveiling & Framing: Assistance with professional framing to ensure the piece is ready for its permanent home.
3. Frequently Asked Questions about Portrait Commissions
How much does a custom oil portrait cost? Pricing varies based on size (head and shoulders vs. full-length) and complexity. Contact the studio for a personalized quote.
How long does a portrait commission take? Due to the drying time of oil paints and Joshua’s meticulous process, most portraits take 3 to 6 months to complete.
Do I need to sit for the portrait in person? While life sittings offer a unique opportunity for the artist to observe character and lighting, Joshua frequently works from high-quality reference photography to accommodate busy schedules.
Can a portrait be painted posthumously? Yes. Joshua has extensive experience in creating commemorative portraits from archival photographs. He works closely with families or institutions to ensure the final painting feels vibrant and "living," even when working from older reference materials.
What materials are used to ensure the painting lasts? Following the classical tradition, Joshua uses only museum-grade materials: archival linen or aluminum supports, archival pigments, and time-tested natural oils. This ensures the painting will remain stable and luminous for centuries, meeting the same standards as the works hanging in the State Capitol.
Who chooses the frame? A frame is the "architecture" of a painting. Joshua provides expert consultation on frame selection to ensure it complements both the artwork and the intended interior. As a master framer himself he can build a unique custom framer or work with other master framers who specialize in historical reproductions.
Can I request a specific background or allegorical elements? Absolutely. One of the hallmarks of Joshua’s work at Rabbit Hill Art Studio is the inclusion of symbolic or tonalist elements. During the consultation phase, you can discuss incorporating meaningful objects, landscapes, or architectural details that tell a deeper story about the subject.
