Understanding the Cost of Custom Paintings

Have you ever seen a beautiful custom painting online or at someone’s house and thought, “Wow, that must be expensive”—but had no idea why?

You’re not alone. A lot of people love the idea of turning a photo into a painting but get confused when they see prices all over the place. One artist charges $50, and another charges $500 for what looks like the same thing!

That’s because custom art isn’t one-size-fits-all. The price can change a lot depending on things like the size, the type of paint, how many people are in the picture, and how detailed the work is.

But don’t worry—We will break it all down in simple terms, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why.

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” — Henry Ward Beecher

Key Takeaways

• Larger paintings usually cost more, but small pieces with lots of detail can also be expensive.

• Pencil and digital art tend to be more affordable, while oil and acrylic paintings typically cost more due to materials and labor.

• More subjects, complex backgrounds, and photorealistic styles take more time and skill, increasing the final price.

• Standard turnaround is included in most quotes, but rush orders often come with extra fees.

• Digital files are the most cost-effective, while physical paintings with custom frames can significantly increase the total cost.

• Emerging artists may offer lower prices, while well-known professionals charge more based on reputation and demand.

• Always ask what's included and what counts as an additional charge.

• From all-in-one platforms like Photo2Painting to independent artists on Etsy or Instagram, there's something for every budget and style.

Size Matters—But It’s Not the Whole Story

When it comes to pricing, size is one of the first things that affects how much you’ll pay for a custom painting. Larger paintings usually cost more—not just because they take up more space, but because they take more time, materials, and effort to create.

Let’s break it down.

• Small paintings (like 8x10 inches) are perfect for gifts, small portraits, or simple scenes. They’re generally more affordable and quicker to complete.
• Medium sizes (around 16x20 inches) offer more room for detail, making them great for home décor or portraits with one or two people. They fall into the middle range for pricing.
• Large pieces (like 24x36 inches or bigger) are made to stand out. But with that wow-factor comes extra cost, since the artist has to spend more time and use more materials to bring the scene to life.

That said, size isn’t everything. A small painting with intricate features, fine details, or a realistic style can actually be more expensive than a larger one with a simple design. It all depends on what’s in the picture and how much work is involved. Think of it this way: a large canvas is like a big stage—it gives the artist more room to perform, but it also takes more energy to fill it with something meaningful.

So while bigger usually means pricier, always consider what kind of detail or style you're asking for. Even a small canvas can become a big job, depending on your vision.

Medium Used: From Pencil to Oil Paint

Another big factor in the price of a custom painting is the medium—in other words, what tools and materials the artist uses to create your piece. Some mediums are fast and affordable. Others are slow, expensive, and require a high level of skill and patience.

Let’s look at how different mediums affect the final cost.

(Source: Etsy, Fiverr)

Choosing the right medium isn’t just about style—it directly affects the time, materials, and skill required, all of which shape the final cost.

So, when commissioning a painting, think about more than just the look. Ask yourself: How much time and technique will this take? The answer will help you understand the price—and appreciate the process.

Complexity and Detail: How Much Work Goes Into It?

When it comes to custom art, what’s in the painting matters just as much as how big it is or what it’s made with. A simple portrait with a blank background will always cost less than a highly detailed scene full of people, patterns, and personality.

That’s because more detail means more hours—and more hours mean a higher price. Let’s break it down,

• Simple compositions (like one person or pet with a plain background) are faster to create and more affordable.
• Multiple subjects, for example, a family of four or a couple with two pets—add time and complexity.
• Detailed backgrounds, like cityscapes, forests, or home interiors, require extra planning and precision.
• Photorealistic styles, where the artist tries to make the painting look like a high-resolution photo, take the longest. These usually cost more than loose or playful styles.
• Extra elements like ornate clothing, jewelry, tattoos, patterned fabrics, or architecture (windows, staircases, etc.) also raise the price because they’re more labor-intensive.

Think of it like this: you're not just paying for what's in the painting—you're paying for the time it takes to make it look right.

How Complexity Affects Price

Tip: If you’re on a budget, you can still get a beautiful painting by choosing fewer subjects and a simpler background. Want to include more? Ask your artist about pricing tiers—they might offer bundled rates or reduced detail options to fit your needs.

Timeframe: Rush Orders Cost More

Time can be just as valuable as the painting itself—especially if you need it in a hurry.

Most artists include a standard turnaround time in their base pricing, usually anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the size and complexity of the artwork. This gives them the space to work carefully, plan details, and deliver a polished final piece without stress.

But if you need your painting done faster—like within a week or even a few days—that’s where rush fees come in. Urgent requests often mean the artist has to drop other projects, work overtime, or speed up drying and shipping processes. And all of that takes extra effort.

The quicker the deadline, the more pressure there is—and the higher the cost. A rush fee might add anywhere from 10% to 100% or more to the final price, depending on how fast you need it.

So if you're commissioning a painting for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gift, it’s always best to plan ahead. Giving the artist plenty of time not only saves you money—it also gives them room to do their best creative work.

Shipping and Framing Costs

Once your painting is complete, the next question is: how will you receive it, and what will it look like when it arrives?

If you’re ordering digital artwork, the process is simple and budget-friendly. No packaging, no shipping delays, and no extra costs—you’ll get a downloadable high-res file, ready to print at home or through a service.

But when it comes to physical paintings, things get a bit more involved.

Shipping a painting safely takes time, care, and materials. Artists typically use sturdy packaging to protect your artwork during transit. That might include cardboard boxes, foam corners, bubble wrap, and protective sleeves. The larger the piece, the more expensive the shipping—especially if it’s international or needs express delivery. You might also be responsible for customs fees or import taxes, depending on your location.

Now, let’s talk frames—a detail that can dramatically change both the look and the price of your painting.

How Frame Choices Affect Cost

• No Frame (Canvas only)

Cost: $0 — The painting is delivered rolled or stretched on canvas without a frame, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who prefer to frame it themselves.

• Basic Frame (Simple wood or metal)

Cost: $20–$50 — You’ll get a clean, functional, and lightweight frame, typically in black, white, or natural wood tones—perfect for gifts, minimalist spaces, or casual displays.

• Standard Decorative Frame

Cost: $50–$150 — This option includes a more stylish frame with modest molding or texture, often with matting and hanging hardware—ideal for portraits or home décor.

• Custom or Premium Frame

Cost: $150–$400+ — Made with high-end materials like hardwood, museum-quality glass, or gold accents, this frame is professionally mounted and best for heirloom pieces, wedding portraits, or gallery-style presentations.

So, while framing is technically optional, it can play a big role in both the final look and the final price of your piece. Be sure to ask your artist if framing is available—and whether it's included or priced separately.

The Artist’s Experience and Reputation

One of the biggest factors in the cost of a custom painting is who’s painting it. Artist experience, skill level, and reputation can all dramatically impact the final price.

An emerging artist—someone who’s still building their portfolio or just starting to offer commissions—will typically charge less. These artists often deliver excellent work at affordable prices as they gain exposure and build reviews. If you're open to discovering new talent, this can be a great way to get a beautiful piece without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, established artists with professional training, awards, large online followings, or gallery experience often charge more. Their name carries weight, and you’re also paying for their years of practice, fine-tuned technique, and growing demand.

Even online popularity can bump up the cost. Artists with thousands of followers or booked-out schedules tend to charge premium rates—not unlike a designer label.

Where to Find Artists

Here are some of the most popular places to find artists for custom paintings.

• Photo2Painting 

A reliable, easy-to-use service that matches you with skilled artists across multiple styles (oil, watercolor, digital, and more). You just upload your photo, pick a style and size, and their team handles the rest. Ideal for those who want quality without the stress of browsing artist portfolios. You can see custom paintings here. 

• Instagram 

Use hashtags like #customportrait or #petportraitartist to find artists with portfolios and a strong following. Great for browsing by style. 

• Etsy 

A go-to platform for highly rated artists offering everything from simple sketches to gallery-quality paintings. Many offer reviews and framing options. 

• ArtStation / Behance 

Professional portfolio platforms where you can discover experienced artists, especially for digital or stylized work. 

• Fiverr / Upwork 

Affordable marketplaces where emerging or freelance artists offer commissions at lower rates. 

• Reddit (r/ArtCommission) 

A community-based space to connect with artists directly. Be sure to check reviews or sample work. 

• Local art schools

Students and recent grads often take commissions for lower prices and can deliver surprisingly high-quality work.

No matter where you look, choose someone whose style matches your vision—and whose experience fits your budget.

Revisions and Custom Requests

When you commission a painting, you're not just paying for the final piece—you're also paying for the process. And part of that process often includes revisions.

Most artists include a limited number of revisions—usually 1 or 2 rounds of small edits—in the base price. These could be simple changes like adjusting eye color, fixing a small detail, or softening a background. But if you need multiple changes, or you're asking for something more involved (like swapping outfits, changing facial expressions, or reworking the entire composition), the cost will likely go up.

The same goes for special requests, such as,

• Adding a detailed background that wasn’t in the original photo
• Combining people or pets from multiple photos into one scene
• Including symbolic elements, custom text, or fantasy themes

All of these require extra planning, sketching, and painting time—so expect an additional fee.

Before placing your order, it’s important to ask,

• How many revisions are included in the price?
• Are there extra charges for major changes?
• Can I see a sketch or draft before the artist starts painting?

Knowing what’s included upfront helps you stay on budget and ensures a smoother experience from start to finish.

Conclusion

A custom painting isn’t just a product—it’s a personal experience. Every brushstroke reflects someone’s time, skill, and attention to your story. From the size and medium to the artist’s reputation, style, and the little details you ask for, every choice influences the final cost.

Whether you’re spending $50 or $500, understanding what goes into that price helps you make a decision that fits your budget and your vision. And when you finally hang that piece on your wall—something made just for you—it’s worth every penny.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” - Thomas Merton

So go ahead—choose the photo, find your artist, and let something beautiful begin.