KENDRA BENISANOCONTEMPORARY PORTRAIT PAINTER

Ordinary, unguarded moments, focusing on likeness, expression, and what happens when familiar faces are translated into shape and color.

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Commission a PortraitI make oil paintings and graphite drawings from photographs, with an emphasis on expression, likeness, and the details that make someone feel like themselves. My portraits use expressive marks and, in oil, bold color to capture a particular person and moment.You don’t need a professional photograph or a fully formed idea. I’m happy to help you choose a reference and decide on a size.Oil PortraitsOriginal oil paintings with visible brushwork and expressive color.5" × 7" - $200
8" × 10" $275
9" × 12" $350
11" × 14" $400
Larger works - from $600Graphite PortraitsOriginal drawings that explore expression through line, shading, and the contrast of graphite on paper.Starting at $75. Pricing depends on size and number of subjects.All prices include one subject and the original, unframed artwork. Additional subjects are 50% extra per person and may require a larger size. Framing and shipping are additional.How It Works1. Share your idea.
Send a few photographs and tell me who you’d like portrayed. Include your preferred size, budget, and any deadline—or let me know if you’d like help deciding.2. We choose the direction.
We’ll agree on the reference photograph, composition, size, price, and estimated completion time before I begin.3. I make your portrait.
Your photographs guide the likeness and expression, while the marks, colors, and textures reflect my approach to painting or drawing. The examples in my portfolio give you a sense of what to expect.4. We arrange delivery.
Once the portrait is complete and ready to travel, we’ll coordinate delivery. Oil paintings need drying time, so please mention any gift or event deadline when you first get in touch.Choosing a PhotographLook for a clear photograph with enough detail to see the face, preferably in natural light and without heavy filters. A candid expression, familiar gesture, or ordinary moment can make a compelling portrait.If you’re choosing between several images, send them along. If you have only one photograph of someone, I’m happy to look at it and discuss what’s possible.Get in TouchTo request a portrait, visit my commission page on Ko-fi. If you’d like to talk through an idea first, email me! There’s no need to have everything figured out.Request a portrait on Ko-fiEmail me
[email protected]

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Paintings

drawings

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2nd Birthday
2026 · Oil on panel · 14 × 18 in.
Selected for Decadence, NoNo Tattoo Collective (2026).
$600 · Available through exhibition

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2nd Birthday
2026 · Oil on panel · 14 × 18 in.
Selected for Decadence, NoNo Tattoo Collective (2026).
$600 · Available through exhibition

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Yiayia
2026 · Oil on paper · 14x 11 in.
NFS

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The aftermath/aftermask
2026 · Oil on panel · 20 × 24 in.
$1000

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London
2026 · Oil on paper · 11x 14 in.
Selected for 60th National Mother Lode Art Exhibition, Placerville Arts Association (2026).
$500 · Available through exhibition

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Claudio
2026 · Oil on panel· 14 x 18 in.
NFS

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Ellie
2026 · Oil on paper· 11 x 14 in.
NFS

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Help Me in the Kitchen
2026 · Oil on paper· 14 x 11 in.
Exhibited in Dead Serious, 120710 (2026)
$300 · Available through exhibition

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Shannel
2026 · Oil on paper· 11 x 14 in.
Exhibited in All About Women 2026, Marin Society of Artists (2026).
$300 · Available

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One More Minute
2026 · Oil on paper· 14 x 11 in.
Exhibited in Blooming Into Being, South San Francisco Cultural Arts Program (2026).
$300 · Available through exhibition

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Libby
2026 · Oil on canvas paper· 9 x 12 in.
NFS

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Uh Oh
2026 · Oil on stretch canvas· 12 x 9 in.
NFS

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Hen
2026 · Oil on paper· 14 x 11 in.
NFS

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Pia
2026 · Oil on canvas paper· 9 x 12 in
$200 · Available

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SELECTED EXHIBITIONS2026
Dead Serious
120710 gallery · Oakland, CA
Juried Exhibition

Decadence
NoNo Tattoo Collective · Oakland, CA
Group Exhibition

60th National Mother Lode Art Exhibition
Placerville Arts Association · Placerville, CA
National Juried Exhibition

Blooming Into Being
City of South San Francisco Cultural Arts Program · South San Francisco, CA
Juried Exhibition

All About Women 2026
Marin Society of Artists · Online
Juried Exhibition

XO Mojo Pop-Up
XO Mojo · Oakland, CA
Pop-Up Exhibition

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Kendra Benisano is a painter based in Oakland, California. Working primarily in oil, she paints people she knows in ordinary, often unguarded moments. She enjoys using bold color and simplified shapes to hold onto likeness and personality.