Oil painting from photo

[crofty1984]

Hi all, I was thinking of getting an oil painting done from a photo my Mrs likes as a birthday present. I've seen quite a few adverts online, about £65-£100 which is my budget. I was wondering if anyone had experience of having it done or recommendations/advice?
Thanks,
Dan

[V8LM]

Had one done for a retirement present. Very good. We gave the artist free rein to interpret the photo as she liked (was of a building) and she sent various sketches. Cost a bit more than £100 though.

[theplayingmantis]

OP need to consider if they would realy want a painting of themselves,some ppl get funny about that kind of thing.

on this topic where are art questions posted on here, no section anywhere, books, literature, photography, no art...

[DoubleD]

£65 is probably about 2 hours of painting, thats not a long time to spend on it.

[stevep944]

Seems cheap to me if you want something decent looking.
I've done plenty of paintings from photos but i have to say I'd charge a lot more than that (depends on the subject though ). Mind you I am brilliant lol

[Troubleatmill]

Have you seen the bad tattoos thread on here?

Either get a family photo, or if you want a really good quality oil - up your budget by magnitude.


£100 isn't going to get you what she would like.

Cost of canvas ( el cheapo )
Oils
Thinners
Artists time


Most car tyres cost more than that!

[MitchT]

Love how people think us creative bods should work for about £5/hour and waive the cost of our overheads!

[JulianPH]

MitchT said:

Love how people think us creative bods should work for about £5/hour and waive the cost of our overheads!

Except every answer above already points out this is too cheap. You may be creative, but try being not quite so creative that you can't read before commenting!

[anonymous-user]

crofty1984 said:

Hi all, I was thinking of getting an oil painting done from a photo my Mrs likes as a birthday present. I've seen quite a few adverts online, about £65-£100 which is my budget. I was wondering if anyone had experience of having it done or recommendations/advice?
Thanks,
Dan

Are you sure that's not the price of the 'oil painting' filter applied on photoshop?

[MitchT]

JulianPH said:

Except every answer above already points out this is too cheap. You may be creative, but try being not quite so creative that you can't read before commenting!

I was pointing out the sentiment that I've encountered at various junctures throughout my working life, but don't let that stand in the way of an opportunity to make a condescending remark.

[crofty1984]

MitchT said:

JulianPH said:

Except every answer above already points out this is too cheap. You may be creative, but try being not quite so creative that you can't read before commenting!

I was pointing out the sentiment that I've encountered at various junctures throughout my working life, but don't let that stand in the way of an opportunity to make a condescending remark.

It did seem surprisingly cheap, which is why I asked. I'm certainly not one of those who will offer to pay in "exposure"!
Thanks for the advice all. I'm tempted to risk it just to see, but have other presents as backup!

[Riley Blue]

theplayingmantis said:

OP need to consider if they would realy want a painting of themselves,some ppl get funny about that kind of thing.

on this topic where are art questions posted on here, no section anywhere, books, literature, photography, no art...

No mention of it being a portrait, just from a photo the OP's Mrs likes.

I've previously asked for an 'Art & Antiques' section but my request fell on deaf ears.

[KAgantua]

Is she one?

[RC1807]

I have a friend that does this kind of thing.... it's a LOT more than £100 though!

[theplayingmantis]

Riley Blue said:

theplayingmantis said:

OP need to consider if they would realy want a painting of themselves,some ppl get funny about that kind of thing.

on this topic where are art questions posted on here, no section anywhere, books, literature, photography, no art...

No mention of it being a portrait, just from a photo the OP's Mrs likes.

I've previously asked for an 'Art & Antiques' section but my request fell on deaf ears.

my bad, skim reading is a problem i need to fix

[moustachebandit]

I recently had a watercolour done of my pooch for a christmas present to the OH. Cost £200 for a 40x40 canvas and looks great.

However the end result is very much dependent on the image they have to work from.

Search for Emma Bell Portraits on Facebook. Think she even has a promotion on at the moment. Exceptionally pleased with the end result and it was a professional service. There are quite a few around but I went for an artist who's style I liked.

Another artist I have found is Made by Harriet, who has a nice ink pen / water colour caricatured style (similar to quentin blake) Depending on the subject it might be another option.

What I will say though, is pick an artist who's style you like and specifically tell them to work to their style and give them free reign over the end result, you will get a better result.

If you pick an artist with some talent and flair, just accept they know significantly more about art than you do an let them get on with it.

Depending on subject I would also avoid going for anything to lifelike, its a painting, not a photo - and unless you are employing someone with exceptional talent anything lifelike will end up a bit uncanny valley.

Good luck.

[captain_cynic]

DoubleD said:

£65 is probably about 2 hours of painting, thats not a long time to spend on it.

Depends where. I knew a portrait artist when I lived in the Philippines, an American who'd do a portrait for US$20 an hour. He didn't need the money as he was retired but really enjoyed painting.

A local would have cost less.