Portrait Paintings

Portrait painters are known for their portrayal of the form and appearance of the subject they are painting. Many portrait artists paint people, animals, pets and sometimes non-living objects. Among this classification of arts, many have painted their art for public or private commission, or because they were moved by their appreciation or fondness for the subject. Many times portraits have been painted as a way of preserving public or family records and memories. In the past, portraits were painted mainly for the wealthy and powerful, but as time went on more middle class commissioned family portraits as well. Nowadays, portraits are commissioned for families, individuals, companies, groups and government agencies.