Behind the Portrait: From Blank Paper to a Memory on the Wall or a Unique Mother's Day Gift Idea

Welcome to Painted Stories — a behind-the-brush look at how custom portraits come to life.

In this series, I’ll be sharing the real stories behind the artwork I create — from initial sketches to final framing. If you’ve ever wondered how a watercolor portrait is made (or if commissioning one feels a little intimidating), these posts are for you.

Here’s the first.

From Blank Paper to a Memory on the Wall.

(A watercolor story about love, quiet moments, and a really good antique gold frame.)

It started with a pencil sketch — just outlines, really, but it gives enough of an idea of the overall layout. At this stage, it’s more about composition than likeness. A young couple standing close, their baby cradled gently in their arms.

The feeling of it — the softness, the connection — starts to take shape as I paint. That’s when the real resemblance begins to emerge.

It was the husband’s mother who reached out to commission a custom watercolor family portrait — a gift for the young family to mark this new chapter. She had never commissioned a painting before and wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but she knew she wanted to give them something meaningful and personal.

So I worked from a few favorite photos. (Out of respect for my client’s privacy, I’m not sharing their reference photos — just the artwork and process.) The images weren’t perfect — some details were a bit blurry, and the lighting had that warm, yellowish tint from indoor lamps. But as long as I can see the eyes clearly, I can work with it. I’m able to smooth out small imperfections and bring clarity as the painting takes shape.

She chose an ornate, vintage-style gold frame — soft acid wash, a little rustic, a little warm. It added the perfect touch of charm and coziness to the finished piece.

Check out the video of how this portrait was being created:

It was a gift to the new parents — not for any particular occasion, just something thoughtful to mark a season they’ll never quite have again.

And now, it hangs in their hallway. Quiet, familiar, and entirely personal.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner (and always sneaking up on us), a custom watercolor family portrait makes a meaningful gift — especially for the mom who has everything except something like this.

Portraits take about 2–4 weeks to complete, depending on how many commissions I’m currently working on. So if you’re thinking about something special this year, it’s best to order ahead to make sure it arrives in time.

✨ Thinking about a gift for mom that feels more thoughtful this year?

Here’s where you can start:

👉 Commission your own custom family portrait

📌 Save this if you’re the planner in the family. Or send it to someone who might need the hint.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful gifts aren’t bought — they’re made.