Custom Oil Painting from a Photo

We take photos every day—thousands of them, stored in phones, cloud drives, and forgotten albums. But how many of those images do we truly cherish? Now, transforming that photo into a hand-painted portrait is something else entirely.

Oil paint is the most timeless and prestigious medium for preserving memories, and for good reason. It was used for centuries by great artists and a lot of historical figures have commissioned their portraits. Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh all created their masterpieces in oil. Even royalty and aristocrats commissioned oil portraits to immortalize their likeness.

What Are the Best Occasions for a Custom Oil Painting?

Not sure when to order a custom painting? Here are some of the most meaningful moments to preserve as a hand-painted masterpiece:

• Weddings & Anniversaries – It's the day you want to remember for life, so why not choose an oil portrait to do it?
• Memorial Portraits – A Memorial portrait is a great way to honor a lost loved one with a heartfelt tribute that keeps their presence alive.
• Pet Portraits – Pets are a big part of our lives and we want to cherish them for as long as we can. You can get as creative as you want! 
• Family & Generational Heirlooms – You can turn a cherished family memory into an artwork that will be passed down for generations.
• Meaningful & Personalized Gifts – You can also surprise someone with a one-of-a-kind, deeply personal gift they’ll treasure forever.

Every painting is handcrafted by skilled artists. We want your most special moments to be preserved in timeless detail.

What Colors Are the Best for Custom Oil Paintings?

The colors in an oil painting set the mood, enhance the subject, and bring depth to the artwork. The right color palette depends on the emotion and style you want to convey. Here are some of the most popular choices and their impact.

1. Soft Pastels (Light Pinks, Baby Blues, Lavenders)

These delicate hues create a gentle, calming effect. They're perfect for romantic portraits, dreamlike scenery, and serene landscapes.

2. Rich Earth Tones (Deep Browns, Olive Greens, Warm Neutrals)

Classic and timeless. These natural shades bring warmth and depth to nature scenes, vintage-inspired portraits, and traditional paintings.

3. Vibrant Primaries (Bold Reds, Bright Blues, Lush Yellows)

If you want your painting to stand out with energy and intensity, primary colors add a bold, dynamic touch that works well for modern art, abstract designs, and expressive portraits.

4. Monochromatic & Black-and-White

Using variations of a single color or grayscale tones creates a sophisticated and timeless look. This style makes it easier the focus to be on details, textures, and emotional expression.

What Painting Style Should You Choose for Custom Oil Paintings?

Choosing the right painting style for your custom oil painting depends on the mood, emotion, and artistic feel you want to achieve.

Realism is ideal if you want a painting that closely resembles the original photo. The clearer your reference photo, the more detailed the painting looks! This style is an amazing choice for individual portraits, pet paintings, and memorial artworks where preserving likeness and emotion is essential.

For a softer, more expressive feel, Impressionism focuses on light, color, and movement through loose, flowing brushstrokes. This style beautifully conveys energy and warmth. It's an excellent choice for couple portraits, romantic scenes, or moments filled with emotion.

If you're looking for something modern and unconventional, Abstract art transforms the subject into a creative interplay of colors, shapes, and textures. This style moves away from realistic details and instead focuses on artistic expression, so it's great for bold and contemporary designs.

No matter which style you choose, a custom oil painting allows you to turn your cherished moments into a work of art that reflects your personal taste and artistic vision.

What’s the Process of Ordering a Custom Oil Painting?

The process of ordering a custom oil painting begins with selecting a high-quality reference photo that best represents the subject, whether it's an individual, pet, couple, or memorial portrait. If needed, our designers can make adjustments, such as changing the background, removing unwanted elements, or even merging multiple photos into one composition. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose your preferred painting style, color palette, and any other details that will make your artwork truly unique.

Once your preferences are set, the artist will create a digital mockup for your approval. This allows you to review the composition and request any revisions before the painting process begins. Once approved, our skilled artist will hand-paint your portrait using high-quality oil paints, carefully capturing every detail with precision and artistry.

Throughout the process, we keep you updated. We want to make sure your painting is just the way you want it. We want to make that moment memorable and wonderful for you.

How Can You Preserve a Custom Oil Painting?

To preserve a custom oil painting, keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity, as these conditions can cause fading and warping. Display the painting in a stable environment and avoid heat sources like the sun and drastic temperature changes.

Regularly dust the painting with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup. For deeper cleaning, consult a professional conservator to avoid damaging the surface.

If the painting is not already framed, consider using UV-protective glass and a sealed back to protect it from dust and environmental pollutants. Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels will make your custom oil painting remain vibrant and intact for several decades.