Oil Portraits From Photos
Turn a favourite photograph into a hand-painted oil portrait on canvas.
Whether you would like an individual portrait, a family painting, a wedding portrait or a painting of a much-loved pet, we will help you choose a composition that suits your photograph and the finished piece you have in mind.
We can work from a single photograph or combine people from separate photographs. If you would like changes to clothing, colours or the background, we can prepare an initial mock-up for you to approve before painting begins.
Browse examples of our completed portraits below, or send us your photographs for a personalised quote.
Request a personalised quoteA portrait created around your photographs
Your photograph is the starting point. You may want to preserve the original scene, simplify the background or bring people together in one painting using separate photographs.
We also create colour portraits from old black-and-white photographs. Where colours are not recorded in the original image, we can discuss your preferences before work begins.
You will receive a photograph of the finished painting for approval before dispatch, with the opportunity to request reasonable minor amendments.
Selected portraits
A selection of completed paintings. Select any painting to view it in full at a larger size.
Explore our portrait galleries
Browse our completed paintings to see different subjects, compositions and approaches. Open each painting to view it in more detail.
From photograph to finished oil painting
These examples show how a photograph can become a finished oil painting, from an aged family photograph to a portrait with a simpler background or a more developed composition.
The customer wanted a realistic oil portrait in colour, painted from a black-and-white photograph. With no colour photographs available, we used our judgement to interpret the hair, eye and lip colours.
The customer asked us to turn an old black-and-white photograph into a colour oil portrait. We researched the uniform colours and suggested a colour for the dress, choosing background tones to complement the clothing. The colours are an interpretation rather than a confirmed record of the originals.
The customer requested a studio-style background with complementary tones. We chose tones that suited the subject.
How it works
Send us your photographs
Share the photographs you would like us to work from, together with your preferred painting size and any changes you have in mind. If you are unsure about the size or composition, we can help you consider the options.
Agree the details and quotation
We will review your photographs and confirm the proposed composition, size, price and estimated timescale.
If you request changes to clothing, colours or the background, we can prepare an initial mock-up for approval before painting begins.
Secure your commission
A 50% deposit secures your commission and allows us to begin work. The deposit is non-refundable.
Our typical timescale is 5–6 weeks. We will confirm the estimated timing in your quotation.
Review your finished painting
When the painting is ready, we will email you a high-resolution photograph for approval.
Reasonable minor amendments are free before final approval. Substantial changes to the agreed composition will be quoted separately.
Approve and arrange delivery
The remaining 50% is payable after you approve the finished painting and before dispatch.
Worldwide delivery is free for rolled canvases. Overseas shipping for framed portraits is quoted individually according to the destination and the finished artwork.
Portrait FAQs
What photographs should I send?
Please send the clearest, highest-resolution photographs you have. Sharp images help the artist see facial features and other important details.
If your only photograph is old, faded or less clear, send it to us for review. We can advise on what is achievable from the available material.
Can you combine people from separate photographs?
Yes. We can use separate photographs to bring people together in one family or group portrait. Send us the images you would like used and explain the arrangement you have in mind.
Can you change the background, clothing or colours?
Yes. These are common requests. We can prepare an initial mock-up showing the proposed changes for you to approve before painting begins.
Please discuss the changes you would like when requesting your quotation.
Can you create a colour portrait from a black-and-white photograph?
Yes. We can create a colour oil portrait from an old black-and-white photograph.
Where the original colours are unknown, we can discuss your preferences and any additional reference material you have.
How much does an oil portrait cost?
The price depends on the size and complexity of the painting, including the number of people or animals and the detail required.
Send us your photographs and preferred size for a personalised quote. Displayed portrait prices include VAT. The applicable VAT treatment for overseas orders will be confirmed in your quotation.
How long does a commission take?
Our typical timescale is 5–6 weeks. We will confirm the estimated timing when preparing your quotation.
If you have a particular date in mind, please tell us before ordering so we can advise on availability.
How do payments work?
A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your commission and allows work to begin.
The remaining 50% is payable after you approve the finished painting and before dispatch.
Will I see the finished painting before it is sent?
Yes. We will email you a high-resolution photograph of the finished painting for your approval before dispatch.
Can I request amendments?
Yes. Reasonable minor amendments are free before final approval.
Substantial changes to the composition agreed at the start of the commission will be quoted separately.
How will my portrait be delivered?
Rolled canvases are securely packaged in an art tube, with free worldwide delivery.
If you would like a framed portrait delivered overseas, we will provide a bespoke shipping quote based on the destination and finished artwork.
Can I have my portrait framed?
Yes. Please mention framing when requesting your quotation so we can discuss suitable options and confirm the additional costs.
Ready to discuss your portrait?
Send us your photographs and tell us what you would like painted. We will review the material and provide a personalised quote.
