Custom Home Portraits

Ink-and-watercolor illustrations that capture a sense of home

A Craftsman house, built in 1915, with a red door and large front porch, hand-painted in a watercolor home portrait.
A century craftsman home with red entrance steps and a porch, built in 1922, watercolor home portrait.
A century home with brick pillars and a calligraphy address banner, in a watercolor home portrait.
A mid-century modern ranch home in a watercolor home portrait.
A mid-century home surrounded by blooming cherry trees, and a calligraphy address banner, in a watercolor home portrait.
Molly Chidsey - Lady Fern Graphics-66.jpg

Inside my studio

How I create your portrait of home

I start with your photo of the home. If it’s an older home, I can create a composition from multiple photos, taken over time.

Next, I create a line drawing of the home using the photo as a reference. This digital drawing becomes the canvas for the painting. I print the drawing on acid-free, 100% cotton watercolor paper, using a waterproof ink.

I paint your home portrait by hand, using high-quality professional grade watercolors. I sometimes highlight a special feature of the home with gold or iridescent paint, like I am doing here in the windows of this home portrait I created for a client.

The final touch is a calligraphy banner of the family name, address, or the home’s nickname. This step is optional, but a great way to create a lasting memory of home.

A hand holding a small paintbrush is adding watercolor to windows in a custom home portrait.

10% discount for realtors

Home portraits make great closing day gifts!

A tiny model of a new home for sale with a key for the new buyer.

“Best gift ever”

Molly Chidsey stands in the forest, in pink hair and blue jeans.

“Words can't describe my satisfaction! This past holiday season, some of my closest friends were able to buy a new home at the same time they were experiencing great loss. This ended up being the best gift I have ever given.

If you are looking for something custom that someone will keep forever, I highly recommend Lady Fern Graphics!”

- Rob, home portrait client

A one-of-a kind portrait of your home, hand drawn and painted in ink and watercolor. Whether you are looking for a special gift for a friend or family, or are a realtor seeking that perfect client gift, a home portrait is a sure way to bring a smile to someone’s face. Choose between three sizes, all created for you by hand on 100% cotton archival watercolor paper.

Choose to add a custom calligraphy banner to embellish your portrait. For example, street name, address, family surname, or home nickname.

After purchasing, I will contact you to provide a street-level photo of the home you wish to have me paint for you. If you do not have a single photo that achieves the look you want for the portrait, I can stitch together a composition from up to three photos. Please note that there will be an extra charge for creating a composition from multiple photos.

Pricing starts at $200 for an 8”x10” home portrait illustration.

Sizes:

  • 8”x10”

  • 11”x14”

  • Larger sizes available upon request

Shipping available in the United States and Canada.

How it works

Me in my studio, creating with watercolor.

What my satisfied clients say

  • Custom art for home office

    “I wanted some art to hang at my desk to remind me to pause and reflect on what matters most. Molly took this idea and created a beautiful hand-lettered piece of a line of poetry that encourages me to live a life true to myself. I cherish it and look at it several times a day!” — Jenna G

  • Special keepsake

    “I wanted to gift something special to a friend who is moving into her new home. Molly worked with me to create a whimsical one-of-a kind piece that will undoubtably be displayed as a keepsake in my friend’s home for years to come.” — Neha P

  • Custom family artwork

    “The generosity of Molly’s spirit and her deep love of nature and magic shine through in her beautiful work. Her images and lettering combine a delicacy and whimsy with strength, attention to detail and vibrancy that is impressive and lovely - just like the artist herself. ❤️” — Hila R

  • Custom family tree

    “Molly brings her sense of whimsy and magical thinking to everything she does, and her hand-lettering is no exception. Woven within the beauty of each carefully crafted stroke is a lightness that holds your gaze as they gather together and dance across the page…and you find yourself smiling along with them, no matter what the message.” – Diane C

  • Custom home portrait

    “You did a wonderful job of capturing the beauty of the home, and the sentiment of grateful happiness that I wished to convey! The gift was so appreciated by the recipient, who absolutely loves it!