The term 'Portrait' is usually used for paintings which portray the face of a person. But you will find that many portrait paintings presents the complete body of a person too.
Portrait paintings are usually created to represent the features and characteristics of an individual. The portrait artists try to emphasize the details of the features in the portrait Some times the artists also make some changes in the portrait if demanded by the individual whose portrait is being made.
The concept of portrait paintings originated in Egypt. If we go back to ancient times, we will find that well known personalities and individuals in high positions in society, used to get their portraits made so that they could be preserved for the future generations.
The Italian painting of high Renaissance, and other paintings by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffael and Tizian, marked the main era of portrait paintings.
Earlier, getting a portrait painting created by an experienced artist was a very expensive process. But with the introduction of modern communication mediums, now they can be got made at affordable prices.
If you want to gift a portrait painting to some one or just want a portrait of your loved ones made, you can easily get them made at reasonable prices. If you find an experienced painter to create portrait paintings for you, you will be astonished and excited to see the finished paintings. The finishing which good painters give to portraits, give them the effect of photographs.
You will find many websites from where you can get your portraits made. You can check the sample pieces which they have displayed and then decide from where you want to get your portrait painting made.