Photographs are the some of the best inventions of digital technology still; so why do portrait painting? Because somewhere in our heart, we love photos into paintings more than digital art. There are so many crazy people around the world who are still curious to convert their favorite photo/picture to painting, especially for custom family portrait and custom pet portrait. If you are also one of those creative personalities but are not able to put the colors into right shape then this article is really useful for you. Here we are going to talk about one of the easiest tricks to convert photographs into oil paintings. Even if you have the least idea about the oil painting technique, the steps below will make your task easier. So, spare few moments to read ahead on photo to painting guide.

How To Change Photo Into Watercolor Painting

How to turn photo into painting?

Step 1: Selection of photograph:

The very first thing that you have to do is choose a photograph with proper shadows and great highlights. Shadows and a great balance of light on highlighted areas help to create impressive dimensionality for custom oil painting.

Step 2: Trace the image:

Even if you are not perfect with free had drawings, don’t feel afraid to create an impression of your image. You can take help from a projector to trace things perfectly on another sheet. Prefer to mark the areas that differ with shadows and highlights.

Step 3: Choose your colors:

It is not good to work with wide range of colors rather make efforts to choose the top 4-5 that can complete your painting effectively. Also, prefer to use linseed oil to improve flow in your painting and also be careful with the selection of right brush.

Step 4: Start filling colors as per reference:

Now simply track your reference image and start filling colors into the new drawing accordingly. If you are drawing a face then it is suggested to start with eyes. Also, always remember that highlights are always added by the end so you have to consider the shadow areas first.

Step 5: Shadow blocking:

Once you have filled eyes in your portrait then next task is to block the shadows and other dark areas in your painting. Feel free to create mixtures of colors to achieve the highest accuracy in your handmade oil painting.

Step 6: Fill the mid-tone colors:

The best idea recommended by professionals is to work from darker tones to the lighter ones so when you have already filled the darker part, it is good to add the mid-tones now. Cool down the skin color in your portrait with few cooler tones and create a mixture of warmer tones.

Step 7: Time to add the lighter colors:

When you are already done with the step 5 and step 6, it is time to play with the lightest colors now. Choose your colors wisely and prefer to create a cooler mixture that is close to your reference painting.

Step 8: Highlight details:

Once you have completed the painting with all color tones, it is time to add a finishing touch to every essential part of the painting.

Step 9: Time to paint background:

Once the facial part of your portrait is ready, next task is to paint the background carefully. Your oil painting from photo is ready now.

Ready to turn your picture into oil painting/commission a portrait from photo?

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By filling up a photo to art order form, we have the ability to supply high-quality 100% Hand-painted oil painting in any painting style that are seamlessly made from your favored photos. We can even turn photo into renaissance painting. They are perfect custom photo gifts for wedding anniversary, birthday etc.

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