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LEGACY PORTRAITS
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Hand-painted Watercolor Portraits from Your Black & White Photo

PicturePortrait of Loretta Jeanette Rose, Client photo + Watercolor on paper
I’ve always been drawn to the sentimental power of old photographs, especially black-and-white images that hold family history, memory, and presence. This shop allows me to focus on transforming those images into watercolor portraits made with care and intention. Hand-painted portraits offer something fundamentally different from photographs or digitally altered images. Many people have never seen their ancestors represented in color, and watercolor allows these images to feel newly present while remaining grounded in history. Each portrait is painted entirely by hand using professional materials, with the hope of creating an emotional connection and a lasting record, something that cannot be replicated through automated or AI-generated processes.

My portrait work has always extended beyond individuals to include the buildings and places that shape our lives. I’ve painted homes, landscapes, and once, a church commissioned for its significance to a community. These portraits serve as an archival record of the past, preserving not only likeness, but atmosphere and meaning in the form of fine art.

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Portrait of Steven
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Portrait of Lavada
Each portrait is an original, hand-painted watercolor created from your photograph using the finest quality materials. Pricing reflects a single subject, with additional individuals available at $95 per person to account for the added time and care required to thoughtfully render each likeness. Every piece is crafted entirely by hand, offering a meaningful and lasting interpretation of your loved ones and ancestors. Domestic shipping is included, and your portrait will arrive unframed with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please allow approximately 2–3 weeks for completion and delivery (more subjects will require more time).
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​I look forward to transforming your family photographs into a vibrant, heirloom-quality work of art - let’s connect!
5 X 7:  $125  -  1 subject
Additional subjects: +$95 per person
Custom sizes available upon request

Order 5 X 7
8 X 10:  $225  -  1 subject
Additional subjects: +$95 per person
Custom sizes available upon request
ORDER 8 X 10
9 X 12:  $325  -  1 subject
Additional subjects: +$95 per person
Custom sizes available upon request
ORDER 9 X 12
If you’re ready to create a portrait or have questions about your image, I’d love to hear from you!

HOW TO ORDER YOUR HEIRLOOM PORTRAIT

• First, let's chat via email!
​You can reach me at [email protected].

• Together we will select the best photo to work from. It is important that the photograph is clear, well lit and with a fair amount of detail. Blurry photos are difficult to work with. 
• Once a workable photo is approved, we’ll discuss important details such as: hair color, skin tone and clothing colors. 
This step ensures the portrait reflects your memories as accurately as possible.

• Select your ideal size. Each size is standard so framing will be easy for you. Custom sizes are available upon request. 
• Midway Review - At approximately the halfway point, you’ll receive a progress image. One round of minor refinements is included at this stage for small adjustments or clarifications.
• Final Artwork & Delivery - After refinements are complete, your portrait is finished, signed, and packaged with care.
• Each artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is shipped unframed for safe delivery.
Materials - I use only the finest quality professional materials: 
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150 lb (300gsm) Hotpress archival watercolor paper by Stonehenge or Arches and Holbein Artists' Watercolors.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Each portrait is an original, hand-painted work of art, created individually and with careful attention to both craftsmanship and interpretation. Full payment is required to secure your commission and initiate the work, reflecting the time and materials invested from the outset. Cancellations prior to the start of painting will be eligible for a full refund. Once the process is underway, payment is retained, and completed works are not eligible for refund. Progress images will be shared midway through the process, with the opportunity for measured input before the painting is brought to completion. As with all fine art, the final piece reflects both the reference material and the artist’s hand; for this reason, refunds are not issued based on subjective preference when the agreed scope has been fulfilled. Should I be unable to complete the work, all payments will be returned in full. Any damage incurred during transit should be reported promptly with documentation so that an appropriate resolution can be arranged.

© 2025 Leslie Lienau Studio
Learn with me on Patreon
  • Home
  • INSTRUCTION
    • MENTORSHIP >
      • DRAWING
      • PAINTING
    • 12-LESSON DRAWING INTENSIVE
  • LEGACY PORTRAITS
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact