Short answer: A memorial portrait is a hand-made image of someone you love, painted or drawn from photographs. Artists use oils, acrylics, watercolour, pencil or charcoal. Look at past work, agree on the reference photos and the size, and ask who holds the copyright before you commission.
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What is a memorial portrait?
Please read this first
Funeral Clear does not make or sell these items yet. We are collecting requests and will try to match families with independent makers. We cannot promise a reply time or that a maker will be available for your idea.
A memorial portrait is a painting or drawing of a loved one, made by an artist from photographs and your descriptions. It may show a person, a pet, or a favorite place and moment.
A portrait can capture personality in a way a snapshot cannot. It also takes the artist's time and eye, so it is worth choosing carefully.
How is a memorial portrait made?
Most portraits begin with a conversation and a set of photos. The artist chooses or combines reference images, sketches the composition, and often shares a sketch for approval. Then the work is painted or drawn.
- Oil: rich colour and depth; slower to dry and often the most traditional.
- Acrylic: faster drying, versatile, and bright.
- Watercolour: soft and light, with a delicate feel.
- Pencil, charcoal or pastel: strong detail in black and white or soft colour.
- Digital paintings: made on a screen and printed. Ask whether the work is hand-made or generated by software.
Who is a memorial portrait a good fit for?
Portraits suit families with a few clear photos who value a hand-made likeness, especially for a living room wall, a service display or a gift for a relative.
If the only photos are blurry or small, tell the artist early. They may suggest combining several images, or a looser, more painterly style that avoids a faulty likeness.
What materials, sizes and timelines are typical?
Sizes range from small desk portraits to large wall pieces. Framing is often separate. Timelines are best described in general terms: weeks for a drawing, often longer for oils, since paint must dry. Treat any date as an estimate, not a promise.
| Medium | Look | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | Rich and deep | Slower; very long-lasting when cared for |
| Acrylic | Bright and clear | Quicker to finish |
| Watercolour | Soft and light | Needs glass and protection from light |
| Pencil or charcoal | Detailed and quiet | Needs framing under glass |
What drives the price of a memorial portrait?
Makers set prices in different ways, so it helps to know what sits behind a quote. In general, these things move the price:
- The medium and the skill involved.
- Size of the canvas or paper.
- Number of people, pets or objects in the picture.
- Level of detail and the number of revisions.
- Framing and glazing.
- Shipping and insurance for fragile work.
Ask for a written quote that lists each part, so you can compare like with like.
What should I ask a maker?
Bring this list to your first conversation. A good maker will be glad to answer.
- Can I see examples of portraits in this style?
- Which photos do you need, and can you combine several?
- Will I see a sketch before the final work?
- How many changes are included?
- Is the work fully hand-made?
- What are the payment stages, and the policy if I am not happy?
- Who holds the copyright, and can I make prints?
What are the red flags to watch for?
Most makers are honest and careful. These signs are reasons to slow down or walk away:
- A portfolio that looks suspiciously uniform or copied.
- Unclear whether the work is hand-made or generated.
- No sketch or approval step.
- Pressure to pay in full before any work is shown.
- Rights over your photos that go beyond your project.
Who owns my photos and files, and what about privacy?
The photos you supply remain yours, but check who took them. A professional photographer often holds the copyright in their photos, and you may need permission to copy them. Ask the artist to use your photos only for your portrait.
The artist usually owns the copyright in the finished artwork unless you agree otherwise. If you want prints or cards, ask in writing. See our guide on how to commission a custom memorial.
How do I care for it, and how long will it last?
Keep portraits out of direct sunlight, away from heat, damp and kitchens. Works on paper need glass with UV protection. Oils and acrylics on canvas can last for generations when cared for and may be gently dusted.
Ask the artist how to care for the finish and whether a protective coating has been used.
Is there a lower-cost or do-it-yourself option?
A lower-cost approach is a print of a favorite photo in a good frame, or a local art student or community class commission. You can also try drawing or painting from a photo yourself, in a way that is honest, not perfect.
Some families add a handwritten note or a few lines of a poem to a framed photograph as a simple memorial.
When should I not rush this decision?
Portraits are best when the artist has time to work and you have time to look. If you are still raw, wait. A portrait can be commissioned months or years later from the same photos.
If you want something for a service, a simple framed photo is enough.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos does an artist need?
Usually a few clear ones from different angles. Ask the artist what they prefer.
Who owns the portrait?
You own the physical piece, while the artist often holds the copyright. Ask about prints in writing.
Can an artist work from a poor photo?
Sometimes, but the likeness may be limited. Tell them early.
How long does a portrait take?
From weeks to months, depending on medium and the artist's schedule.
What are low-cost ways to create a lasting memorial?
Meaningful memorials do not have to be expensive, and many families choose simple and personal ideas. Examples include a memory book, a framed photo collage, a shadow box, a donation to a charity in the person's name, a tree or garden planting, or a dedicated family recipe night. An online memorial page can gather photos and stories from far-away friends. What to do: choose something that reflects your loved one's interests, invite family and friends to contribute a memory, and set a modest budget so the memorial feels like comfort rather than pressure.
What keepsakes can be made from a loved one's ashes?
Several kinds of keepsakes can be made from a small portion of ashes, and many families choose them as a personal way to remember a loved one. Options include jewelry, glass art, keepsake urns, memorial stones, and pressed or sealed pieces. A small amount of ashes is usually enough. Funeral Clear does not manufacture or sell memorial products at this time, and this page is for information and referral only. What to ask: ask any artist or maker how much of the ashes they need, how the item is made, and how the ashes are handled and returned.
Is 3D printing a memorial safe and private?
3D printed memorials, such as a small figure or a model of a hand or face, can be meaningful, but privacy deserves a few questions. A provider may use photos, scans, or measurements, and those files could be stored or shared. Ask before you send anything. Some products may also include a small amount of ashes mixed into material. Funeral Clear does not produce 3D printed memorials, and this is information only. What to ask: ask what data the provider collects, how long it is kept, whether it is deleted on request, and whether it is used for any other purpose.
Does Funeral Clear sell memorial products?
No, Funeral Clear does not manufacture or sell memorial products at this time. Our memorial pages provide information about the types of keepsakes that exist and the questions to ask, and we may help you find a provider. We are not a funeral home or a memorial maker. What to do: use our pages to learn what options exist, compare makers on price and how they handle ashes, and read each company's policies before you buy. If we add products or partners later, we will describe how we are paid on the relevant page.
How do I choose a trustworthy maker of memorial keepsakes?
A trustworthy maker will explain clearly how they handle ashes, what they charge, and what you will receive. Look for clear pricing, written policies for chain of custody, return of unused ashes, and a way to contact them by phone or email. Reviews can help, but check more than one source. Be cautious of any maker that pressures you or is unclear about shipping or insurance. What to ask: ask how the ashes are tracked, how long production takes, what the warranty is, and what happens if you are not satisfied. Funeral Clear does not make these items.
Can ashes be made into jewelry?
Yes, a small amount of cremated remains can be sealed in or incorporated into jewelry such as pendants, rings, or bracelets. Some designs hold ashes in a small chamber, while others blend them into glass or resin. Prices vary widely by material and craftsmanship. Funeral Clear does not make or sell jewelry, and we provide information only. What to ask: ask the maker how the ashes are handled, whether you can send a small amount or deliver them in person, what is returned to you, and what the return and repair policies are.
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