Portraits, Inc. has continued to witness consistent growth in the demand for commissioned portraits. With this in mind, we have drafted a short list of trends we expect to see in the coming year. Read to find out more!
Vibrant Color
A life shown in full color is a thing of beauty. A portrait of vibrant color is not limited to a graphic or colorful contemporary style. These portraits hold rich hues, feature a statement color block, or ultimately are anything but monochromatic or neutral.
Color makes all the difference in the emotion conveyed by a work of art. The trend to more color in portraits brings a sense of optimism and the desire for one’s personality to be at the forefront. Objects of affection and color historically were utilized to symbolically denote significant characteristics of the subject. Some of this is lost when opting for a neutral-toned portrait, often a choice reflecting a movement toward minimal interiors or an affection for a simple composition. While there is still a notable contention that favors a minimal aesthetic, there has been a growing return to a maximalist sensibility in the world of interior design, which is often a key indicator for the portrait market.
Large Portraits
The return to larger portraits similarly points to more traditional aspects of portraiture. These portraits are more sizable in both sheer scale and the number of figures featured in each composition. While head and shoulder portraits have dominated the past several years, there has recently been a steady rise in the classical three-quarter figure. This minor change often makes all the difference between the feeling of a bust and setting a more complete scene. While head and shoulder portraits commonly are set on simple neutral or color-block backgrounds, three-quarter portraits are surrounded by an environment of importance to the subject. The artist has more agency in building a world around the character.
As mentioned previously, the other aspect of a growing market for large portraits is the desire for multi-figure portraits. Similar to larger-sized portraits, multi-figure portraits paint a more complete picture of a person. This thoroughness comes through because instead of portraying a singular perspective, multi-figure portraits display the influence of individuals on one another. This relational dynamic can be often seen in the form of a family portrait. For example, instead of only seeing the shy personality of the youngest child, with a multi-figure portrait, you now can see them come to life being held by a loving mother, alongside their older sibling whom they deeply admire. The range of stories told in the intricate compositions of multi-figure portraits is endless and exciting.
New Stories
Another area of portraiture that is continually on the rise will come through the shift toward acknowledging and celebrating new stories. This increase in demand for new stories is seen primarily in the institutional portraiture space. Throughout history, minority voices were often excluded from the spotlight both in terms of the production of portraits and as the subjects. Many institutions have finally begun either to recognize impactful unheard voices of the past or celebrate the accomplishments of today’s leading experts and innovators. Women and members of the Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities are finally beginning to be celebrated through portraiture as they should have been all along.
New Artists
A sampling from the three new Portraits, Inc. Artists
In 2023 Portraits, Inc. welcomed three new amazing portrait artists! These artists create beautiful work ranging in medium from oil to pastel, to even egg tempera. They have produced numerous portraits in their short time with us, and we expect that they will continue to have a major presence in the work we do in 2024.
If we have learned anything from recent years, things are constantly changing. Invest in a piece of art that will not only stand the test of time but one that celebrates the people in your life. Let us help you create your next commissioned portrait. See the information below to find out how one of our local reps can help you today!
To learn more contact us: call 1.800.476.1223 or e-mail us .
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.