How to Commission a House Portrait in New Zealand
Watercolour Christchurch Villa
Whether it's the first home you bought together, the villa where your children grew up, or a beloved family bach that's been passed down through generations, our homes hold stories that deserve to be remembered.
A custom house portrait transforms those memories into artwork that can be enjoyed for decades. Unlike a photograph tucked away on your phone, a hand-drawn house portrait becomes part of your home and your family's story.
If you're considering commissioning a house portrait in New Zealand, here's everything you need to know.
Why commission a house portrait?
A house portrait is far more than an illustration of a building.
It's a way of capturing memories, milestones and the emotional connection we have to a place.
People commission house portraits for all sorts of reasons:
Celebrating a first home
Family homes before they're sold
Wedding or anniversary gifts
Housewarming presents
Memorial pieces for loved ones
Holiday homes and baches
Heritage buildings with sentimental value
Every commission tells a different story, and that's what makes each artwork unique.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
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Every artist interprets architecture differently.
Some focus on realism, where as I try and capture the feel of a home and create loose sketches and highly detailed illustrations.
My own style combines detailed ink linework with vibrant watercolour, celebrating the character and personality of New Zealand buildings. Rather than simply recreating a photograph, I aim to capture the feeling of a place, the little details that make it meaningful to the people who know it best.
When choosing a house portrait artist, ask yourself:
Does their style feel timeless?
Can you imagine the artwork hanging in your home?
Do they specialise in architecture?
Have they completed similar commissions before?
Remember, you're investing in an original artwork you'll hopefully enjoy for many years.
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Great reference photos make for great artwork.
If possible, provide:
A clear front-on photo of the home
Close-ups of interesting architectural details
Garden or landscaping photos (if you'd like them included)
Older photographs if the property has changed
Multiple angles if certain areas are obscured
Don't worry if you don't have the perfect photo.
Many artists, including myself, can work from several images to create one cohesive composition.
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One of the biggest advantages of commissioning artwork instead of ordering a print from a photograph is the flexibility.
You can include or remove elements such as:
Cars
Wheelie bins
Utility poles
Temporary renovations
Seasonal gardens
Family pets
Favourite trees
Special signage
Some clients even ask for memories from different points in time to be combined into a single illustration.
The final artwork becomes a celebration of the home, not necessarily an exact snapshot of one particular day.
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Think about where the artwork will live.
A smaller piece might be perfect for a hallway or office, while a larger artwork can become the centrepiece of a living room.
If the artwork is intended as a gift, it's also worth considering whether the recipient already has wall space available.
Many artists also offer professional framing, making the commission ready to hang from the moment it's received.
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Hand-drawn artwork can't be rushed.
Depending on the artist and time of year, commissions may book out weeks or even months in advance.
If you're ordering a portrait for Christmas, a wedding or a special birthday, it's always best to enquire early.
Many artists, including myself, open commission bookings only a few times each year to ensure every piece receives the attention it deserves.
Most house portrait commissions begin with:
Photos of the property
The property's address (optional but helpful)
Any personal stories you'd like reflected
Preferred artwork size
Whether you'd like framing
Your preferred completion date
The more context you can provide, the more personal the finished artwork becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ofcourse!
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No problem.
Artwork can often combine older and newer reference photos to recreate the home as you remember it.
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Absolutely.
Many clients like to include beloved pets or subtle personal touches that help tell the story of the home.
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Every artist is different, but it's worth allowing several weeks, particularly during busy periods such as Christmas.
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In a world where thousands of photos live on our phones, original artwork stands apart.
A hand-drawn house portrait isn't just about preserving bricks and timber.
It's about preserving birthdays celebrated in the kitchen, children playing in the garden, neighbours dropping in for coffee, and the everyday moments that quietly become our most treasured memories.
Long after we've moved away, those places continue to shape who we are.
That's what makes a house portrait such a meaningful investment.
Commission your own house portrait
If you're looking for a house portrait artist in New Zealand, I'd love to help tell the story of a place that's special to you.
Every commission is individually hand-drawn using archival ink and professional watercolours before being professionally scanned and prepared for framing.
Whether it's your family home, a favourite bach, or a meaningful gift for someone you love, together we can create an artwork that will be treasured for generations.
Ready to get started? Get in touch to enquire about current commission availability or join my mailing list to be the first to hear when new commission rounds open.
