About

Portraits by NC - Orange County, CA Studio

Hand-painted, custom oil portraits and unique handmade miniatures by Artist Enzie Shahmiri

Hi, my name is Enzie (pronounced "NC"), and I am a California-based portrait artist, designer, and miniaturist. I am driven by a love for beauty and thrive on creativity—whether I am painting custom oil portraits, designing art-inspired products, or crafting intricate miniatures for clients around the globe.

Every piece that leaves my studio is a true labor of love. To ensure the highest level of quality, I personally oversee every single step of the process. From the initial oil washes on stretched canvas to the final, meticulous packaging, I handle it all myself. When you order from my studio, you are receiving a truly handmade piece, crafted and cared for from start to finish by the artist.

THE ARTIST

My portrait painting career began in 1999 when I decided to turn a lifelong passion for painting oil portraits of pets and people into a professional studio. As a classically trained oil painter, my work has won numerous awards and has been showcased in galleries across New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Over the years, my paintings and photographs have been featured in books, magazines, a documentary, and even minted on a commemorative coin.

As my career grew through gallery exhibitions, I began collaborating with interior designers, product licensing firms, and brands to create custom decorative artwork. For licensing inquiries, please feel free to reach out directly.

THE MINIATURE STUDIO

When COVID hit, I purchased my first miniature kit as a way to channel my creative energy and process anxiety—and a profound love affair with miniatures was born. In between my large-scale painting commissions, I began losing myself in the details of crafting tiny worlds.

Before I knew it, a passionate side business had developed. Today, I am frequently commissioned by individual collectors, interior designers, and agencies to build highly detailed, custom dioramas, room boxes, and custom furniture. My miniature work allows me to combine structural design with painterly realism, creating unique spaces that capture a moment in time.

THE GIFT SHOP

Over the years, my portrait clients expressed a growing interest in unique, everyday gift items they could share with friends and family. That inspired me to open the Gift Shop, where you can find my exclusive artistic designs on a curated variety of products. Many of these items can be fully customized for a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Every now and then, I also sneak in a special product that I didn't create myself, but fell in love with and felt would bring beauty to your home.

THE BLOG

What started as a simple journal to show clients how I create my custom artwork has blossomed into an interactive, educational, and creative space. Today, I dive deep into behind-the-scenes looks at how I bring my paintings and miniatures to life, sharing my techniques and step-by-step knowledge through dedicated tutorials. Of course, I still sprinkle in updates on my other favorite creative pursuits along the way! I love showing how fulfilling it is to fill your daily life with beauty, so visit the blog and have a peek behind the scenes. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter so you never miss a tutorial or post!

BRAND COLLABORATIONS

Thanks to social media and sharing my creative journey online, a variety of wonderful brands and household names have reached out to collaborate on content creation and custom miniature designs. I have had the distinct pleasure of partnering with innovative miniature brands like Rolife to customize and elevate their signature kits, alongside creating bespoke content for corporate clients. Working with corporate brands allows me to push my creative boundaries in exciting new ways. To see a detailed portfolio of my past corporate projects and brand partnerships, please click here.

PHILANTHROPY & COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

From the very beginning of my career, I realized that art has a profound power to connect people, build community, and drive positive change. I am deeply committed to utilizing my studio, my creative work, and my platform to elevate and support meaningful initiatives worldwide.

Through dedicated project collaborations, corporate alignments, and direct charitable contributions, I have had the distinct honor of partnering with an array of exceptional organizations and non-profits. My studio regularly drives impact through monetary donations, custom artwork contributions, and the sponsorship of portrait gift certificates for high-profile fundraising campaigns and live auctions.

Distinguished Organizations & Projects I Have Been Honored to Support:

• United Nations UNHCR – Partnering in relief efforts by supporting the UN's global refugee agency.
• The Shea Center – Supporting therapeutic horse-related programs that transform the lives of individuals with disabilities.
• Bikers Against Drunk Drivers - Portrait of Founder Danny Perkins
• Boxer Rescue Los Angeles – Advocating for animal welfare and helping secure permanent homes for shelter dogs.
• Nothing But Nets – Joining the global fight against malaria to protect vulnerable children and families.
• Finger Lakes Adopt a Greyhound (FLAAG) – Contributing to the dedicated rehoming and care of retired racing greyhounds.
• BABC Scholarship Program – Fostering educational advancement and leadership opportunities through the British American Business Council.
• Mahak Charity – Aligning with international efforts to provide essential medical and holistic support to children battling cancer.
• Gary L. Hoop Foundation – Assisting vital medical charities dedicated to aiding children facing severe health crises.

Want to bring a piece of the studio into your world?
Explore the Gift Shop or contact me to commission a Custom Oil Portrait.