How much does a custom oil portrait cost?

Pricing varies based on size (head and shoulders vs. full-length) and complexity. Please contact Rabbit Hill Art Studio for a personalized quote.

How long does a portrait commission take?

Due to the drying time of oil paints and Joshua’s meticulous classical 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 to observe character and lighting, Joshua frequently works from high-quality reference photography to accommodate busy schedules.

What materials are used to ensure the painting lasts?

Following classical tradition, Joshua uses museum-grade materials: archival linen or aluminum supports, archival pigments, and time-tested natural oils to ensure the painting lasts for centuries.

Who chooses the frame?

Joshua provides expert consultation on framing. As a master framer himself, he can build a unique custom frame or collaborate with other masters specializing 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 that tell a deeper story about the subject.

Joshua Adam Risner | Michigan Portrait Painter

Official & Private Portrait Commissions

Museum-Quality Oil Portrait Paintings by Michigan's Pre-eminent Fine Artist

1. A Standard of Excellence

Joshua Adam Risner doesn't just paint a likeness; he captures a "living presence." As a master of traditional oil painting and a professional conservator, Joshua ensures that every commission is built to endure for generations.

Mastery of Materials: Every commission includes the highest quality museum-grade materials, including custom stretchers, panels, archival fabric supports, hand-selected pigments, oils, and varnishes.
The Conservator’s Eye: Because Joshua also specializes in art conservation, he applies a rigorous structural methodology to his work, guaranteeing that your legacy painting remains stable and luminous for centuries.
Prestigious Provenance: Trust your legacy to the artist responsible for the official portraits of Governor Rick Snyder and Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Institutional Placement & Custom Archival Framing

A high-stakes portrait is a permanent architectural element. Joshua provides lead consultation for institutional boards regarding sightlines, gallery lighting, and historical context.

The Architecture of the Image: As a master frame builder, Joshua provides a comprehensive framing service. Whether building a unique custom frame by hand or coordinating a meticulous historical reproduction, he ensures the framing is as archival as the painting itself—protecting the work while harmonizing with the grandeur of its final setting.

The Commission Process

I. Consultation: Discussing vision, legacy, and architectural setting.

II. Photography & Sitting: Establishing character through life sittings or reference.

III. The Study: Compositional finalize via charcoal or oil studies.

IV. Execution: Meticulous layering following the classical "fat over lean" principle.

V. Review & Approval: Final presentation and satisfaction guarantee.

VI. Framing & Finishing: Custom frame construction and final archival varnishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a portrait be painted posthumously?

Yes. Joshua has extensive experience creating vibrant, "living" commemorative portraits from archival photographs, working closely with families to restore the subject's presence.

How is the framing handled?

Joshua offers expert consultation and custom fabrication. He can personally build a frame designed specifically for the piece or work with specialized historical framers to achieve the desired aesthetic and archival standards.

Cost & Investment?

Pricing is determined by size, complexity, and framing requirements. Please contact the studio for a formal proposal for institutional or private collections.