7 Steps to Get a Custom Oil Painting Online (No Art Skills Needed—We Tested 10 Services)

Want a family photo turned into a Renaissance-style portrait? Or a favorite landscape reimagined as an Impressionist masterpiece? Thanks to online services, custom oil paintings are no longer just for art collectors—anyone can commission one, right from their couch. But how does it actually work? At theArtPaint, we tested 10 top platforms to break down the process into 7 simple steps, plus pro tips to ensure your painting turns out perfect.

Step 1: Pick a Reputable Online Service

Not all custom art sites are equal. Start by vetting platforms—look for ones with:

• Real examples: Avoid sites with only stock photos; check for customer reviews with unedited “before (photo) and after (painting)” shots.

• Artist profiles: The best services let you see the painter’s style (e.g., realism vs. abstract) and experience.

• Clear policies: Refund options if you hate the final piece, and timelines for revisions.

Our top picks? Services like PortraitFlip (fast turnaround) and theartpaint.com (specializes in classic styles). Steer clear of sites with vague “artist teams” and no physical address—scams are common here.

Step 2: Choose Your Photo (The Right One)

Your painting’s quality starts with your reference photo. Blurry, dark, or low-res shots make it hard for Artists to capture details. Follow these rules:

• Lighting: Natural light works best (avoid harsh flash, which creates glare).

• Focus: Ensure faces, pets, or key objects are sharp.

• Background: Cluttered backgrounds (e.g., messy rooms) can distract—crop out extras if needed.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, email the service your photo first. Most will tell you if it’s usable (for free!).

Step 3: Decide on Style, Size, and Canvas

This is where you get creative:

• Style: Do you want Van Gogh-inspired brushstrokes? A sleek modern look? Or a vintage “old master” feel? Most sites let you pick from 5–10 styles.

• Size: Small (8x10in) for desks, large (36x48in) for walls. Prices jump with size—expect \(50–\)150 for small, \(300–\)1,000+ for large.

• Canvas: Linen is durable (great for long-term display) but pricier; cotton is budget-friendly and works for most pieces.

Example: A 16x20in family portrait in “Impressionist” style on cotton canvas averages \(180–\)250.

Step 4: Add Special Requests (Be Specific!)

Want to tweak the photo? Most artists will:

• Remove a person/object (e.g., “Take out the dog in the corner”).

• Adjust colors (e.g., “Make the sky more blue”).

• Change clothing (e.g., “Turn dad’s t-shirt into a suit”).

Be very clear—vague requests like “make it nicer” lead to mistakes. Attach reference images if needed (e.g., “I want the background like this Monet painting”).

Step 5: Pay and Track Progress

Once details are locked in, you’ll pay a deposit (30–50% is standard) to start. Reputable sites send updates:

• A “sketch” or “underpainting” (first layer) within 3–5 days.

• A final photo of the painting before shipping (so you can request tweaks).

Avoid services that demand full payment upfront—this leaves you no leverage if you hate the result.

Step 6: Approve (or Ask for Revisions)

Most services let you request 1–2 free revisions. Common fixes:

• Adjusting a smile that looks forced.

• Darkening/lightening a area.

• Sharpening a blurry detail.

Don’t be shy—this is your art! But be reasonable: Major changes (e.g., “Redo the entire background”) may cost extra.

Step 7: Receive and Display Your Painting

Once approved, your painting ships in 7–14 days (packed in a tube or frame, depending on your choice). When it arrives:

• Check for damage (most insure shipments).

• Let it “breathe” for 24 hours if it was rolled—canvas can wrinkle in transit.

• Frame it (optional but recommended) to protect from dust and light.

Pro Tips to Avoid Regrets

• Read fine print: Some sites charge extra for rush orders (3–5 days vs. 2–3 weeks).

• Test small first: If it’s your first time, order a small 8x10in piece to gauge quality before splurging on large.

• Check for signatures: Many artists sign the back—adds authenticity (and value if you ever sell it).

Table: Top 3 Online custom oil painting Services (Our Tests)

Custom oil paintings turn moments into heirlooms—and thanks to online services, the process is easier than ever. Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a piece that feels personal, not just “commissioned.”

Ready to start? Check our full review of the best custom art services in 2025, or upload your photo to get a free quote today.

theArtPaint.com—where your memories become masterpieces.