The Painting Process

How your painting is made

From the first pencil lines to the final inspection, every canvas is built by hand, layer by layer, by professional artists. Here’s exactly how it happens.

Watch it happenSee closeup proof
★ 4.8 rated by 550+ customers100% hand-painted in oilsYou approve before we ship
5Stages, sketch to final inspection
21–28Days, painted and delivered
10+Years’ experience per artist
YouApprove it before it ships

Watch: a family’s photo becomes a painting

The family’s photograph is clipped to the easel; the canvas grows beside it, brushstroke by brushstroke. No printing, no digital filters — just an artist, oils and hours of careful work.

This is exactly what happens when you send us your photo.

  • Painted from the photo you send us
  • Progress photos as your painting develops
  • Unlimited free adjustments until you’re happy
Start your portrait

The five stages of every painting

Stage 1The sketchThe contours are set out first — diamond grids and specialised tools keep every dimension and distance accurate.
Stage 2The first layerColour is blocked in roughly. At this stage the contrast with the final result is still very large.
Stage 3The main outlinesThe picture slowly becomes clear. After each layer the painter waits until the paint is nearly dry — patience is essential.
Stage 4The detailsThe final result emerges. A master painter evaluates the work, steering the artist and advising where needed.
Stage 5Final inspectionFinishing touches, then a full quality inspection — ready to be photographed for your approval, packed and delivered.
Sketched contours with the first rough layer of paint
1–2Sketch and first paint
The main outlines and forms becoming clear
3The picture takes shape
Fine details applied, close to completion
4–5Details and final inspection

The same process is applied to every canvas we paint — famous reproductions and originals alike. Browse the masterpieces →

A portrait, step by step

Portrait step 1 - the first sketch on canvas
1The first sketch
Portrait step 2 - the filler and priming layer
2Filler and priming
Portrait step 3 - building texture and details
3Texture and details
Portrait step 4 - the fine details completed
4The fine details

All portraits are painted by professional artists with at least ten years’ experience, using the highest-quality oils on durable artist canvas. Commission yours →

The same care for every pet

Hand-painted pet portrait example
Hand-painted pet portrait example
Hand-painted pet portrait example
Hand-painted pet portrait example
Hand-painted pet portrait example

Every pet portrait gets the same texture, character and detail as our fine-art reproductions. See the pet portraits →

Begin with just a 20% deposit

When your painting is finished we send you photographs to check and approve. Not 100% happy? We amend it until it’s exactly how you like — free of charge. Nothing ships until you say yes.

Start your portrait →

Frequently asked questions

How long does a painting take?

Approximately a 21–28 day turnaround: hand-painted, dried, framed, packed and delivered. The exact time depends on the size, style and complexity of the work.

Can I follow the progress of my painting?

Yes — email us at any time and we’ll send you a progress report with photos of your artwork as it develops.

Do you make reproductions look old?

No. We don’t apply imitation crackle or artificially age the canvas, stretcher or frame — our paintings are faithful tributes, never forgeries.

Do you copy the master’s signature?

No. Your reproduction is faithful in every respect except two: it carries no forged signature, and the size differs slightly from the original (about an inch is added to original-size requests).

Start your portrait →