Start Your Commission
Custom watercolor portraits, made with heart.
View pricing and request yours today.
About
My name is Nicki Xu
Hi! I’m Nicki, a watercolor artist based in Massachusetts.
I create hand-painted portraits filled with warmth, softness, and personality.
Each piece takes hours to complete and is made with care, capturing more than just a likeness. I try to tell a little story through each brushstroke.
While you can’t place an order directly on this site, you can view my commission options and submit a request form to get started.
Thanks for being here, can’t wait to create something special for you!
Size & Price
Every portrait is a carefully hand-painted original, created with intention and heart.
Thoughtfully wrapped and beautifully presented, each one includes a surprise mini envelope and a handwritten note from the artist.
Because memories — like art — deserve to be treasured.
Shipping is available within the U.S. only.
5 x 7 inches
starting at $458
7 x 10 inches
starting at $689
9 x 12 inches
starting at $ 999
1 person only
1 person fine watercolor portrait
(This size is designed for individual portraits only)
Includes 1 person
+ $450 per additional person (up to 3 total)
(Most popular size, great for couples
& small family portraits)
Includes 1 person
+ $650 per additional person (up to 4 total)
(Perfect for families or multi-person portraits)
Includes: • One original hand-painted watercolor artwork • Handwritten thank-you card • Refined gift packaging with protective wrap & personalized touches • Complimentary natural wood frame
Includes: • One original hand-painted watercolor artwork • Artist’s sketch note with handwritten thank-you card • Refined gift packaging with protective wrap & personalized touches •Complimentary natural wood frame 💡 Packaging + print value: $80–100
Includes: • High-resolution digital scan • 5 deluxe art prints (option to personalize with names/date) • Surprise Mini Envelope • Artist’s Sketch Note • Handwritten thank-you card • Luxury wrapping with tissue, ribbon seal • Complimentary premium wood frame • A unique hand-drawn doodle tag, made just for your piece 💡 Packaging + print value: $150–170
Prefer to email directly?
Feel free to reach out with your ideas!
Looking for something larger?
I also offer large-scale portraits for families, weddings, and statement pieces.
Available sizes:
• 10 × 14"
• 12 x 16”
• 18 × 24"
...
Each piece is painted on professional-grade watercolor paper or canvas, carefully selected for archival quality.
Let’s talk about your portrait.
Recent Commissioned Portraits
How it Works
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Choose your preferred size and review the starting prices listed above.
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Fill out and submit the commission request form with your contact details, description of the portrait, and any special requests. (Rush service is available for time-sensitive or gift orders, with a 30% rush fee applied. Rush commissions are completed within 2 weeks after payment confirmation.)
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I will contact you within 1-2 business days to confirm your order, discuss details, and request your shipping address and reference photos.
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Once the price and details are confirmed, you will submit full payment upfront to secure your commission and place in my schedule. Payment instructions will be provided.
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After payment is received, I will begin hand-painting your portrait. The artwork will be completed within 8-10 weeks from payment confirmation.
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Once finished, your artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped within the United States only.
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You will receive tracking information once your portrait has been shipped.
Additional Notes:
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Please ensure your contact information and shipping address are accurate to avoid delays.
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Reference photos should be clear and well-lit.
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If you need to make any changes or add details after submitting your request, please notify me as soon as possible during the initial communication phase.
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All sales are final; due to the custom nature of commissions, refunds are not offered once the work has started.
Not sure what to choose or still have questions?
I’m always happy to chat! Just send me an email and I’ll get back to you soon!