Oil Portrait Commissioned from a Photograph
I have been painting portraits of people and animals since 2015. I work from photographs — yours, or assembled from several images. I show a sketch before starting.
Commission a portraitThe first consultation is free. I usually reply the same day.
Works
Portraits are painted to order and stay with their owners. These are the works I have permission to show.
What you can commission
Portrait of a person
One person, a couple or a family. I work from a photograph — one, or several if there is no good group shot. People from different photos, even from different years, can be brought into a single composition.
Children's portrait
Children don't pose, and that's fine. Any natural shot showing the face and character will do. From several images I will assemble the expression you want to see on the canvas.
Pet portrait
Dogs, cats, horses. What matters is not the breed but the gaze and the set of the head — what an owner recognises. The background can be anything: plain, a landscape, or the place they love.
A portrait as a gift
For a jubilee, a wedding, an anniversary. If the portrait is for a date, write early: oil dries in layers and that cannot be rushed.
What it costs
The price depends on the canvas size, the number of people and the level of background detail. Below are the ranges; I'll name the exact sum once I've seen the photograph and understood the task.
| What | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One person, bust | 30×40 cm | from €250 |
| One person, half-length | 40×50 cm | from €350 |
| Two people | 50×70 cm | from €500 |
| Family, 3–4 people | 60×80 cm | from €700 |
| Pet portrait | 40×40 cm | from €250 |
The price includes the sketch, the painting itself, protective varnish and packaging. Delivery within Europe is calculated separately, usually €20–40.
What affects the price
- The number of faces — each one needs separate work
- Background detail: plain is cheaper, a landscape or interior costs more
- Assembling a composition from several photographs — adds to time and cost
- Urgency — if it's needed by a date and time is short
How to choose a photo
A good photograph is half the portrait. Professional photography isn't needed: most often the best portrait comes from an ordinary phone snapshot taken at the right moment.
Sharp face
Zoom into the photo on screen. If the eyes stay crisp, the shot will work. If they blur, look for another frame.
Daylight
Best of all is window light or outdoors in soft shade. Direct flash flattens the face; yellow lamps distort skin tone.
Angle
Head-on or slightly turned. Shooting from below or above distorts proportions.
The original file
Not a screenshot, not something forwarded through a messenger — those compress the photo and lose detail.
What isn't necessary
A perfect background, hairstyle and clothing — all of that can be changed in the portrait. What matters is the face and the expression.
Not sure whether your photo will work? Send it — I'll look and answer honestly. The assessment is free.
How the work goes
You send a photograph
One or several, plus your wishes: size, background, what should be in the portrait. If the idea hasn't taken shape yet, describe it in words and we'll work it out together.
I reply with a price and a timeline
Usually the same day. I'll say honestly what can and cannot be done with that photo.
I show a sketch
A digital draft of the future portrait: composition, pose, colour scheme. Revisions at this stage are free — we change it until you're satisfied.
I paint the portrait
Oil, layer by layer. I send photos of the intermediate stages so you can see how it's going.
Varnish, packing, delivery
Once dry, I apply protective varnish, pack the work and send it. The canvas travels on its stretcher, unframed — a frame is better chosen locally.
Timelines
| What | Timeline |
|---|---|
| One person | 10–18 days |
| Two people | 2–3 weeks |
| Family, 3–5 people | 3–4 weeks |
| Assembly from several photos | +one week |
Timelines count from the moment the sketch is approved. Oil dries in layers, and that is the one thing that cannot be sped up without losing quality.
If the portrait is for a date
Allow a month. With two weeks I'll only take it on in express mode and only in a small format. With one week I won't take it on — better to give the gift on the anniversary than to receive poor work on time.
Frequently asked questions
Can a portrait be assembled from different photographs?
Yes, it's common practice. I take faces from different images and bring them into one composition with unified light and space. Almost half of family portraits are created this way.
I only have an old, poor-quality photo. Is it feasible?
Often yes. An old shot gives the structure of the face and its light and shadow; I'll confirm the colour with you or take it from other photos of the person. Send it and I'll say honestly what can be done.
Can the clothing or background be changed?
Yes. I adjust the clothing and paint any background: plain, a landscape, an interior, a meaningful place. What matters in the photo is the face.
What if I don't like the portrait?
That's exactly why the sketch exists — you see the future work before I pick up the oil paint. Revisions at that stage are free and unlimited.
Do you publish finished works?
Not without your consent. A portrait is a private commission. If I'd like to show it in my portfolio, I'll ask permission.
How do you deliver?
By courier, in rigid packaging, with tracking. Within Europe usually €20–40, taking 5–10 days.