Some portraits deserve to become more than photographs.
There is something special about having a piece of artwork created specifically for you. Not something selected from a gallery or reproduced hundreds of times, but something thoughtfully designed, created by hand, and made to become part of your home.
At Courtney Mitchell Photography, I've begun offering Embellished Art, a unique combination of professional portrait photography and hand-applied artistic techniques that transforms a beautiful portrait into a one-of-a-kind piece of mixed media artwork.
If you've ever wondered what goes into commissioning a custom portrait, here's a look at the process from our first conversation to the finished artwork.
What Is an Embellished Portrait?
An embellished portrait begins with a professionally created photograph, but the finished piece goes beyond traditional photography.
Using a combination of photographic imagery, painting, and mixed media techniques, I add artistic elements by hand to create texture, depth, and a painterly finish.
No two pieces are exactly alike.
Some portraits call for a lighter artistic touch that allows more of the original photograph to show through. Others lend themselves to a more expressive, heavily embellished approach.
The result is a piece that brings together the realism of photography and the individuality of handcrafted art.
Step 1: It All Begins With a Conversation
Every commissioned portrait begins with a consultation.
Before we ever pick up a camera, I want to learn about the people who will be photographed, what you're envisioning, and where you might like to display the finished artwork.
Are we creating a statement piece for your living room? A portrait of your children that will become a family heirloom? Perhaps something more personal that celebrates a particular season of life?
These conversations help guide everything from wardrobe and location to the overall feeling of the finished portrait.
Because we're not simply planning a photography session. We're creating artwork with a purpose.
Step 2: Creating Your Portrait
Once we've planned the details, it's time for your portrait session.
Just as with my classic portrait sessions, I'll guide you through the experience, from posing and expression to the little details that make a portrait feel natural and authentic.
Whether we're photographing an individual, a couple, children, or an entire family, my goal is to create a portrait that feels timeless and genuinely reflects the people in it.
The photograph itself is the foundation of the finished artwork, so this part of the process is just as important as the artistic embellishment that follows.
Step 3: Selecting the Image and Artistic Style
After your session, we'll meet again at the studio for your ordering appointment.
Before you arrive, I'll carefully narrow down the images to those I feel are strongest for your finished portrait.
Together, we'll review the selections and choose the image that will become your commissioned artwork.
We'll also look at examples of Embellished Art so you can get a feel for the different artistic approaches.
You may find yourself drawn to a subtle, lightly painted finish, or you might prefer something with more visible brushwork and texture.
Your preferences help guide the direction, while the final artistic details remain part of my creative process.
After all, that's part of commissioning an original piece of art. You're trusting an artist to bring a shared vision to life.
Step 4: Where Photography Becomes Art
This is where the transformation begins.
Once we've selected your portrait, I begin the process of creating the embellished artwork by hand.
Through layers of painting and mixed media materials, I build upon the original photograph, adding depth, texture, and artistic details that make the piece entirely its own.
It's a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and time for the materials to dry properly.
Most embellished portraits take approximately 6–8 weeks to complete.
Unlike ordering a traditional photographic print, this isn't something that can be rushed. Each piece develops through the creative process, and I want to give it the time and attention it deserves.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
Once your artwork is complete, we'll select the frame that best complements the finished piece.
I prefer to choose framing after the embellishment is finished because the artistic details, textures, and overall character of the artwork can influence what looks best.
There are several framing options available, and I'll help guide you toward a selection that works beautifully with both the artwork and your home.
From there, my studio handles the professional framing and installation so your commissioned portrait is ready to be enjoyed.
What Does a Custom Embellished Portrait Cost?
Commissioning original artwork is a different experience from purchasing a traditional photographic print.
Each embellished portrait is individually created, with time, artistic skill, and materials dedicated to that specific piece.
Embellished Art at Courtney Mitchell Photography begins at $1,000, with portrait session fees and custom framing priced separately.
The final investment depends on the size and details of your commissioned artwork.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your vision, where the portrait will be displayed, and the investment involved so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.
Why I Began Creating Embellished Art
I've spent years helping clients create beautiful portraits for their homes, and I've always believed photographs deserve to be enjoyed as finished artwork.
But as an artist, I'm also constantly looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and explore new ways of creating.
After taking a class at Texas School in 2025, something about this particular art form just clicked.
I went on to spend several days in Florida studying with Gregory and Lesa Daniel, learning more about the techniques and creative possibilities of embellished portrait artwork.
I continue to study and develop my skills because I believe there's always more to learn as an artist.
Embellished Art allows me to bring together two things I love: portrait photography and creating something beautiful by hand.
And quite simply, it makes my artistic soul happy.
A Portrait Created Just for You
Whether it's a portrait of your children, your family, someone you love, or simply a beautiful representation of yourself, commissioned artwork has a way of becoming part of your story.
It's personal. It's intentional. And because each piece is created by hand, there will never be another one exactly like it.
If you've been considering a custom embellished portrait, I'd love to hear what you have in mind.
Schedule a complimentary consultation, and let's talk about creating something meaningful for your home.
Because some things in life deserve permanence.
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