I often get requests for Portrait Commissions. In this page I am providing some examples of my portrait work over the years, as well as a current (as of 2025) pricing list. If you have questions, or are interested in having a portrait done, please leave a comment or email me at mattballou (at) gmail (dot) com.

Examples

Natalie Reading About the Revolution, Oil on linen on panel, 24 by 24 inches. Private Collection, Illinois.

My Father. Oil on panel, 20 by 16 inches. Collection of the Artist.

Portrait of a Man (Bobby Schembre, 2/24/2014). Pastel on paper, 22 x 24 inches. Private Collection, MO.

Shalonda, 13 by 11 inches, pastel on paper. Collection of the Artist.

2nd Corporal, 3rd Missouri Infantry, CSA (Jeremy Grove). Acrylic on paper, 27 by 22 inches. Private Collection, MO.

Sarah. Graphite on paper, 12 inches in diameter. Private Collection, Illinois.

Tom Seagraves, Graphite on paper, 21 by 22 inches. Private Collection, MO.

Pricing

All prices are subject to change and negotiation, though I generally start with these prices as the base. I like to receive 10% deposit in order to purchase materials and get started on the work. All prices are for UNFRAMED work, though paintings are presented ready to hang and may be framed or not.

Black and White Media (graphite, charcoal, pastel, etc on paper)

12 inches on the longest side: starting at $200

24 inches on the longest side: starting at $400

36 inches on the longest side: starting at $800

Acrylic (or Gouache or other water-based media) Paintings (full color, on paper, canvas, or wood panel).

12 inches on the longest side: starting at $400

24 inches on the longest side: starting at $900

36 inches on the longest side: starting at $1500

Oil Paintings (full color, on paper, canvas, or wood panel).

12 inches on the longest side: starting at starting at $500

24 inches on the longest side: starting at $1200

36 inches on the longest side: starting at $3000