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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!

What’s the difference between gift sketches and commissioned portraits?

You might have seen my videos where I draw strangers and give them a quick sketch on the spot, those are spontaneous portraits done in 30–50 minutes.

But commissioned portraits are a different story — more time, more detail, more care. Here’s what sets them apart:

🖌️ Gift Sketches

  • Quick, spontaneous (30–50 mins)

  • Expressive and loose style

  • Not editable

  • Not scanned or backed up

🖼️ Commissioned Portraits

  • Planned and highly detailed

  • Takes 10+ hours to days

  • Archival-quality materials

  • Carefully scanned and optionally framed

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Gift Sketch

Commissioned Portrait

This example is from a personal practice session (to respect client privacy), but it reflects the same quality and level of finish you'd receive in a commission.

Gift Sketch

IMG_3566.HEIC

Commissioned Portrait

This example is from a personal practice session (to respect client privacy), but it reflects the same quality and level of finish you'd receive in a commission.

Gift Sketch

Weixin Image_20250709192501.jpg

Commissioned Portrait

💬 Why is the pricing different?
A commission includes not only the painting, but also communication, planning, sketching, revisions, and premium materials.

Each piece is made with care and intention. Thank you for supporting handmade art 

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 $498

8 x 10 inches 
starting at $798

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

+ $600 per additional person (up to 3 total)

(Most popular size, great for couples

& small family portraits)

Includes 1 person

​+ $800 per additional person (up to 4 total)

(Perfect for families or multi-person portraits)

​Includes: • 3 archival matte art cards • Surprise Mini Envelope • Artist’s Sketch Note • Handwritten thank-you card • Refined gift packaging with protective wrap & personalized touches • Complimentary natural wood frame 💡 Packaging + print value: $50–75

​Includes: • 5 archival matte art cards • Surprise Mini Envelope • Artist’s Sketch Note • 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:
• 11×14"
• 12×16"
• 16×20"
• 18×24"

Each piece is painted on professional-grade watercolor paper or canvas, carefully selected for archival quality.

Let’s talk about your portrait.

How it Works

  1. Choose your preferred size and review the starting prices listed above.

  2. Fill out and submit the commission request form with your contact details, description of the portrait, and any special requests.

  3. I will contact you within 1-2 business days to confirm your order, discuss details, and request your shipping address and reference photos.

  4. 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.

  5. After payment is received, I will begin hand-painting your portrait. The artwork will be completed within 3–4 weeks from payment confirmation.

  6. Once finished, your artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped within the United States only.

  7. You will receive tracking information once your portrait has been shipped.

Additional Notes:

  • Please ensure your contact information and shipping address are accurate to avoid delays.

  • Reference photos should be clear and well-lit.

  • 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.

  • 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!

Request a Commission

Please take a moment to fill out the form.

Size

✨ Before You Choose the Number of People​

Please note: There’s an extra charge for each additional person in the portrait.
The fee varies depending on the size you choose — see the Pricing Guide for full details.

Number of people (Adding people = additional cost)
What would you like me to draw？
Do you want a background?

Thanks for submitting!

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