PORTRAITS | COMMISSIONS

Contemporary artist Elizabeth R. Whelan paints our world in all its complexity. Working from her studio on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Whelan creates distinctive fine art paintings that will last generations.

Contact Elizabeth Whelan

Elizabeth R. Whelan: The Value of a Portrait

Seeing art in person can be a life-changing experience, both humbling and inspiring.
And in any art museum, portraits are everywhere: in every style, color, and size, from every country and created by every type of artist.

In a portrait's brushstrokes we find a path connecting us to another human on a timeless level.

Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, van Gogh and Rembrandt's many self-portraits, these are just a few of the well-known portraits that have come down to us through the ages. Their popularity is testimony to the power and value of capturing personality, character, and aspect, on canvas.

Oil paint captures the living qualities of the human face and body like no other medium. Skillfully handled, the portrait transcends technique and draws the viewer in, and a single artist creates a treasure for us all.

The Painting Commission Process

Commissioning a portrait or other painting is a significant moment, and Elizabeth Whelan makes the process straightforward and enjoyable.
Portrait Process
Commissioning and sitting for a portrait is an exciting and unique experience.
Portrait Fees
A guide to portrait fees, which are based on factors including the size and complexity of the painting.
Other Commissions
Elizabeth Whelan also paints nautical and coastal subjects, landscapes, still life, as well as animals.
Visit the artist's studio
Working from her studio on Martha's Vineyard, Elizabeth paints and draws daily. Art is the foundation of her life.
What her clients say:
Your talent and love and generosity make the painting shine and we are very grateful that you hold us gently at a moment in our lives and in a place that we all love dearly.
portrait painting testimonial elizabeth whelan

Mother of family Martha's Vineyard

Thank you so much...We think it looks amazing and beautiful and really captures [our retiring CEO].
portrait painting testimonial elizabeth whelan

US luxury jewelry company New York City

The portrait of [father] exceeds our expectations. You must hear this from all your happy clients. Each day we enjoy another aspect of it.
painting testimonial elizabeth whelan

Family of portrait subject Martha's Vineyard

My portrait was unveiled this a.m. You are a true genius and master! ...Thank you again for all you did and because of you, it was truly painless.
portrait painting testimonial elizabeth whelan

Retired doctor, surgeon New York City

commission painting elizabeth r whelan cape cod boston martha's vineyard nantucket massachusetts newport rhode island connecticutElizabeth Whelan accepts commissions for paintings of all types, including portraits, landscapes, still life, pets and animals, and nautical/marine/maritime themes. Possible occasions for a commissioned painting include honoring a director, CEO, dean, president, doctor, scientist, or business person; as retirement, birthday,  and holiday gifts; to commemorate a special occasion or remember a special place; to honor an individual or favorite pet; to recognize a historic event; to capture a moment in a young person's life, as they grow up so quickly.portrait business corporate institution university president college dean ceo portrait painting commission artist elizabeth whelan cape cod boston martha's vineyard nantucket massachusetts newport rhode island connecticut

She also paints posthumous paintings of both humans and animals, as well as historic recreations and historical figures.

Follow these links to see examples of her work:
Portrait paintings
Marine/Martime paintings
Landscape, Still Life, Floral, Animals

The process is simple and starts with a conversation by phone or email to discuss the project, timeline, and cost. The price for a commissioned painting can vary greatly according to the subject, size, and complexity of the scene. Elizabeth Whelan is very interested in your ideas for the painting and considers commissions to be an opportunity to collaborate. 

Commissioned painting fees for non-human subjects  start at $625 for an 11" x 14" painting (landscape, still life, pet or other animal, maritime/nautical, etc.)

For portraits of people, please see the Portrait Fees page for guidelines.

For any commission, feel free to contact Elizabeth Whelan directly for the best estimate and to discuss your project idea. You can email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or phone 508-560-0083.

A commissioned painting is one of the most unique gifts a person can receive. Share the pleasure of owning an original work of art.

For all commissions including gift certificates, a 50% deposit is required upfront with the remainder due upon delivery.commissions marine maritime boats painting elizabeth whelan cape cod boston martha's vineyard nantucket massachusetts newport rhode island connecticut

For gift certificates, the deposit for the desired painting is paid upfront, and Elizabeth will send you a gift certificate to present to the recipient.

pet painting commission portrait elizabeth r whelan cape cod boston martha's vineyard nantucket massachusetts newport rhode island connecticutWhenever possible, Elizabeth Whelan likes to take her own reference images to create your oil painting. However, she understands completely that this is not always practical or possible, so if you have photos you would like her to use, feel free to email them when you inquire about the commission.

After she develops a composition based on your criteria, Elizabeth will create a small sketch to show you the suggested approach before starting on the final painting. (For paintings of people, read about the Portrait Process here.)

Elizabeth works from her studio on Martha's Vineyard (not far from Boston and Nantucket, Massachusetts) and can ship your painting nationally and internationally including all the US states, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

Shipping, travel, and framing fees are usually extra; Elizabeth is happy to discuss all options with you.