LRT Studio is the commission-based portrait practice of Lex R. Thomas. I create custom painted portraits of people, pets, heirlooms, and meaningful objects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portait Commissions
How do I commision a portrait?
If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, the first step is to complete the studio intake form.
From there I review your request to make sure it is a good fit for the studio and then we move into a short written consultation before booking.
How Much Does a Custom Portrait Cost?
Custom portraits begin at $125.00.
Pricing varies depending on:
- number of subjects, people, pets, objects
- size of the piece
- complexity of the composition
A full pricing guide is available through inquiry.
Can You Turn a Photo Into a Painting?
Absolutely! Your portrait is built from your reference image(s).
I use your photos as the primary foundation, but I do not copy them directly.
Instead, I pay attention to:
- light and atmosphere
- expression and gesture
- emotional tone of the moment
- what feels most essential about the subject
The goal is not pure replication, but to create something truly unique and meaningful to its recipient.
How Long Does a Portrait Take?
Once your deposit is received, your portrait is placed in the next available studio opening.
Typical wait time before the start of the patinting process is a few weeks to about one month depending on the season.
Once started, most portraits take approximately 4-5 weeks to complete.
Multi-subject or concurrent commissions may require additional time.
What is the process from start to finish?
Inquiry
You begin by submitting the commission intake form. This gives me a sense of your vision, references, and timing.
Consultation
If the project moves forward, we connect briefly over writting to refine direction, tone, and composition.
Booking
A signed service agreement and a 50% non-refundable deposit secures your place in the queue of commissions.
Studio Process
Week 1: Intake Review & Compositional Sketch
Weeks 2 to 3: Painting Development
Weeks 4 to 5: Refinement, Detail Work, Final Review, Documentation
Completion
Once finished, the remaining balance is due before delivery. The piece is carefully packaged and shipped or arranged for pickup.
Do You Accept Rush Commissions?
Yes, when studio space allows.
Rush requests begin immediately once your deposit approval.
- 4×6 $25.00
- 5×7 $30.00
- 8×10 $50.00
- 11×14 $75.00
- Larger $100.00+
What If I want changes or I am unsure about something?
There are check-ins throughout the process so there are natural points to make adjustments.
I encourage clients to speak up during those stages so the piece can evolve in the right direction.
If a commission is cancelled before completion, the deposit in non-refundable. Work completed up to that point remains with the artist. Payment on the remaining balance is not required.
How Does payment work?
After your inquiry is accepted, a service agreement is sent. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before work begins. The remaining 50% is due upon completion before delivery.
Payment Options:
- Venmo
- Electronic Invoice ( Card or Bank Transfer ) via Wave Accounting
- Cash for local Acadiana Clients
How is LRT Studio different from your other work?
LRT Studio focuses on commissioned portrait work that is personal, accessible, and collaborative.
My fine art practice is different in scope. It is research driven, conceptual, larger in scale, and developed for exhibition contexts.
They inform each other, but they are not the same practice.
What does your Portrait painting style look like?
My work sits between observation and interpretation.
It is:
- Painterly and Layered
- Sensitive to Light and Color
- Slightly Softened rather than Hyper Detailed
- Rooted in Atmosphere as Much as Likeness
Each portrait transforms depending on the subject and the story behind it.
What do your clients have to say about their experience with your studio?
Here are a handful of testimonies from past clients about their experience.
How Can I Get In Touch With You?
For general questions outside of commission inquiries, you can reach out via email or Instagram dm.