phone: (267) 274-0034 | email: Dorian.Vallejo@gmail.com
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TRADITIONAL OIL PORTRAITS
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The Traditional Oil Portrait is a highly refined carefully planned painting. Working closely with both the subject and the client, this portrait is the result of photos. The paintings range in size and price depending on composition and usually take 6-8 months to complete.
CHARCOAL PORTRAIT DRAWINGS
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The Charcoal Portrait Drawing appears similar to the Pencil Sketch online. However, it is more finished and done on a larger piece of fine heavy weight 100% cotton rag paper. Typically this type of drawing takes approx. 2hrs to complete from life.
OIL PORTRAIT SKETCH
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The Oil Portrait Sketch is painted from life in roughly 3 hours. It's unique qualities are the impressionistic loose brush work and rare opportunity to see a portrait painting from start to finish.
PENCIL PORTRAIT SKETCHES
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The Pencil Sketch is done on an 8.5"x11" piece of white paper in 20-30min. Ranging in price from $200 - $500 for a head and shoulders portrait. This is my most economical of portrait options. When drawn from life it is also my quickest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commissioning a Portrait with Me
I’ve been painting and drawing custom portraits for over 25 years. Below are the questions I’m asked most often—answered in my own words so you know exactly what to expect when we work together. These are excepts from my blog, which can be read here: doriansportraits.com/blog
Why should I commission a hand made portrait when I can just take a photo with my phone?
A photo and a portrait are two completely different things. A photo is instant, disposable, and (let’s be honest) everyone already has thousands of them. A portrait is the opposite: it’s slow, deliberate, and absolutely unique. For the serious artist, it carries decades of training that over time is more that the technical. The portrait that is made for you is entirely unique and made to last hundreds of years if care for properly. I think we all know where our hard drives and phones will be 200 years from now.
What makes a portrait from you more valuable than hiring a photographer?
On a fundamentally human level, when you hang a portrait in your home, you’re hanging proof that something rare and deeply human still exists in a world of mass-produced everything. The commitment required to develop a that level of skill is not a novelity or something that be faked with filters or AI. Well crafted, skillfully done art is literally a reminder of what makes life worth living.
Do you only paint in a realistic style?
I choose to paint in a style that most people understand as realistic. More accurately, it’s a type of Romantic Realism. I believe it’s the most honest and powerful way to celebrate what makes each person special. My portraits aren’t photorealistic copies; they’re interpretations that seek to represent the individual in an optimistic and Beautiful light.
Do I have to sit in person, or can you work from photos?
I can work from photos — especially for children, or when it’s not practical to work from life. I try to make it attractive by offering a generous discount if you’re willing to sit for me in person. There is a type of magic in painting or drawing directly from life but not everyone wants or can pose.
How long does a portrait take?
It depends on the type of portrait. The Portraits from life are completed in a single sitting. A head and shoulders pencil portrait from life takes about 20 min. The same type of portrait from a photo may take a couple of days. The more complex large oil portraits usually take 6–12 months. Most portraits can be completed to accomodate your schedule.
What mediums do you offer?
Oil on linen for large portraits oil on wooden panel for more modest sizes
Charcoal on paper
Pencil on paper
Sepia chalk on paper
Mixed - which generally means some combination of the above plus whatever might work.
How much does a portrait cost?
This is the number one question I get, which is why I made the video at the top of the page. Exact pricing depends on size, medium, and complexity. I’m happy to work with different budget constraints and can suggest the perfect scale and medium for you. Just reach out—I never want price to be the reason someone misses out on a portrait.
Are your portraits a good investment?
Emotionally? Absolutely. They may be one of the best you’ll ever make. Financially? My original portraits have appreciated steadily for collectors over the past two decades.
Where are you located, and do you travel?
My studio is in Easton, Pennsylvania, which is approx 2hrs from NYC and Philadelphia. I regularly welcome clients here, and I’m happy to travel anywhere in the world for the right commission (travel expenses added, of course).
How do I get started?
The easiest way is to send me an email or fill out the contact form on this site. If you know in advance what you envision that can be helpful but it’s not completely necessary because we can discuss what works best for you. I’ll reply personally (usually same day) and we’ll set up a relaxed phone or Zoom call. There’s never any pressure—just an honest conversation.
If you’ve read this far, you’re already the kind of person who understands why a true portrait matters. I’d love to create something unforgettable for you.
Let’s talk soon, Dorian Vallejo - You can contact me here: doriansportraits.com/contact