Chicago Portrait Artist for Custom Hand-Painted Portraits
Turn a meaningful photograph into an original hand-painted portrait. I’m Eli Vallejo, a Milwaukee-based portrait artist serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with realistic hand-painted acrylic portraits of individuals, couples, families, and pets created from your photos.
Custom Portraits for Chicago Clients
From family portraits and memorial paintings to pets and meaningful gifts, I create custom acrylic paintings from your photographs. Each portrait is painted by hand on canvas with close attention to likeness, expression, and the details that make the image personal.
I work with clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and most commissions can be handled entirely online from photo review through final delivery.
Family & Personal Portraits
Hand-painted portraits of individuals, couples & families created from your favorite photographs.
Pet Portraits
Custom paintings that capture the appearance and personality of dogs, cats and other beloved pets.
Memorial Portraits
Original hand-painted portraits created to preserve the memory of a loved one or pet.
Recent Hand-Painted Portraits
How to Commission a Portrait
01 — Send your photos
Upload the reference photos you’d like me to use and tell me about your portrait.
02 — I review your project
I’ll review the photos, confirm the canvas size and number of faces, and make sure the portrait is a good fit.
03 — Place your order
Once approved, you’ll receive the link to securely pay in full or reserve your commission with a 50% deposit.
Portrait Commission Pricing
Standard commissions are available in 16×20-inch and 36×48-inch canvas sizes. 16×20-inch portraits begin at $780, with final pricing based on canvas size and number of faces.
A Portrait Made for More Than a Photograph
A custom portrait should do more than reproduce a photo. I focus on expression, lighting, facial features and the small details that make a person or pet immediately recognizable.
Each portrait is created individually by hand rather than generated, printed or mass-produced. The result is an original piece of artwork designed to be displayed, gifted and kept for years.
Featured in Milwaukee
“It already looked amazing, but in person it looks even better! My parents are going to love it!”
— Deisy M.
Chicago Portrait Commission FAQs
Do you work with clients throughout Chicago?
Yes. i am based in Milwaukee and serve Chicago, surrounding suburbs, and nationwide
Can you paint from more than one photograph?
Yes. I can combine people or other elements from multiple photographs into one composition when the source photos are suitable.
What kinds of portraits do you paint?
I create portraits of individuals, couples, families and pets, including memorial portraits and artwork created as personalized gifts.
How much does a custom portrait cost?
Standard 16×20-inch commissions currently begin at $780. Final pricing depends on canvas size + number of faces, with 36×48-inch commissions also available.
How long does a portrait take?
Most commissions are currently completed in approximately 7–9 weeks, depending on complexity and my commission schedule.
Can you ship the finished portrait?
Yes. Finished artwork can be shipped nationwide. Current nationwide shipping is $25.
Ready to Commission Your Portrait?
Send your photos and tell me what you have in mind. I’ll review your project, confirm the details, and send you the secure order link once everything is approved.
Looking for a portrait artist in Milwaukee? View my Milwaukee portrait commissions page.