Red Thread contemporary children's portraits are totally unique in their graphic, dynamic style and saturated colours. With each portrait capturing a child's essence rather than being a photo-realistic depiction, these are commissioned pieces of the highest standard from the incredibly intricate and hand-crafted creative process to the museum-quality printed product.

The unique, whimsical styling of a Red Thread portrait is not the result of a point-and-click computer program that transforms a photo but, instead, is an intricate and painstakingly crafted illustration. A single eye may be made up of as many as 20 different shaped elements, each drawn from scratch then individually coloured, placed and blended.

How is a portrait commissioned?

The creation of a Red Thread portrait is a collaborative process. Once you've placed an order, email up to three high resolution photos of your child looking directly at the camera. You can leave all the design elements up to Lisa or you can tell us your preferred color palette and your child's favorite toys or images (e.g the background may contain cars, dinosaurs, butterflies, flowers). Lisa will be in touch to talk about the portrait before she starts work.

Prior to printing, you will receive, via email, a low-resolution image for your final approval.

How is the portrait printed?

Red Thread portraits are printed to genuine museum quality. Our printer uses the world's best heavy-weight cotton canvas as well as the Giclee printing process which creates vivid saturated colours and crisp detail. The image wraps around all sides of the stretcher frame, leaving the work ready to hang without further framing. Our stretcher frames are made from renewable meranti timber rather than the usual inferior pine, which is prone to warping and cracking. Your artwork is finished with acid free framer's tape, screw-in eyes and quality cord and is ready to hang as soon as it's unwrapped.

The laminating process provides a protective coating against dust, water and little fingers and protects against fading for 75 years. The printed canvas can be carefully cleaned with a damp cloth.

Sizing and pricing

Portraits can be printed on stretched canvases up to 1 meter square. The portrait fee depends on the size. Lisa is happy to answer any questions regarding commissioning a portrait, so click here to send an her an email, or click on the contact page.

Can I have the portrait printed on anything else?

Yes! Cards!

Imagine sending notes, invitations or thank-you cards that have been personalized with your child's portrait. Your cards can also have a message on the front or back at no additional cost if you wish.

Sizing and pricing

Card size (folded): 115cm x 175cm

Printed on 300gsm white card.

Blank inside.

50 cards and envelopes: $150

100 cards and envelopes: $250

Here is an example of the hundreds of shapes that make up the hidden structure of a portrait.

How to order

To enquire about or order a portrait of your child just click here or go to the contact page and an email will be set up addressed to Lisa. Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Lisa will reply ASAP. Refer to the essential info page for delivery info.