Portrait Commissions

Portraiture occupies a distinct but related place within Chris LaPorte's practice. Like his monumental graphite drawings, these works are rooted in observation, memory, and the desire to preserve human presence through sustained acts of looking. Whether created for an individual, family, institution, or organization, each portrait seeks to capture more than likeness, reflecting the character, accomplishments, and significance of its subject.

After more than two decades dedicated to drawing the human figure, LaPorte brings a rare depth of observational experience to every commission. His portraits are developed with the same technical rigor, attention to detail, and commitment to storytelling that define his large-scale graphite works.

Portrait commissions often mark significant moments in personal, family, and institutional history. They may honor a loved one, commemorate a founder, recognize a lifetime of service, celebrate professional achievement, or preserve a family legacy for future generations.

In addition to private commissions, LaPorte works with universities, corporations, foundations, religious organizations, and civic institutions to create portraits recognizing the individuals whose contributions have shaped a community or organization.

Ideal For:

Family legacy portraits
Memorial portraits
Founder and donor recognition
University and institutional portraiture
Executive and leadership portraits
Retirement and service recognition
Religious and civic organizations
Private collectors

Explore Commission Opportunities

Process

Each portrait commission begins with a conversation about the subject, their story, and the goals of the artwork. Photography, personal history, archival materials, and family or institutional input may all inform the final piece.

Working in graphite, Chris creates portraits that move beyond likeness to capture presence, character, and legacy. Whether commissioned for a family, corporation, university, foundation, or religious institution, each work is developed to reflect both the individual and the community they impacted.

Portraits are available in a range of sizes and formats for private homes, offices, boardrooms, institutional collections, and public-facing spaces.