Turn Your Photo Into an Original Oil Painting
A photograph captures a moment. A painting can transform it into something lasting.
I create custom oil paintings from photos, individually painted by hand in my studio. Your photograph serves as the starting point, but the finished work is not a print, filter or digital reproduction.
Composition, color, atmosphere and details are translated into oil on canvas using traditional painting techniques.
Whether it is a portrait, landscape, house, travel memory, wedding scene or another personal subject, each painting is developed individually with you.
From Photo to Oil Painting
1. Send Your Photo
Send me the photograph you would like to transform into a painting. Multiple photos can also be combined into one composition.
2. Composition & Draft
I review the reference and develop the composition, format and details. If necessary, elements can be added, removed or rearranged before painting begins.
3. Hand-Painted in Oil
Your artwork is painted entirely by hand on high-quality canvas using professional oil paints.
4. Approval & Worldwide Delivery
You receive photos of the completed painting before shipment. After approval and sufficient drying time, the artwork is securely packed, insured and shipped with tracking.
What Can Be Painted From a Photo?
Portraits
Transform a personal photograph into a hand-painted oil portrait of an individual, couple or family.
Landscapes & Special Places
Turn a landscape, vacation photograph or meaningful location into an original oil painting.
Houses & Architecture
Homes, historic buildings and architectural subjects can be translated into detailed or more expressive paintings.
Weddings & Personal Memories
A wedding photograph or important moment can become a permanent, hand-painted artwork.
Animals
Pets, horses and other animals can be painted individually from your photographs.
Custom Compositions
Several photographs can be combined into one painting. People, backgrounds and individual elements can be rearranged to create a composition that never existed as a single photograph.
More Than a Copy of Your Photograph
A custom oil painting from a photo does not have to reproduce every detail mechanically.
The photograph is the reference. The painting can go further. Colors can be adjusted, backgrounds simplified, unwanted elements removed and several photographs combined. The degree of realism can also be defined individually — from highly detailed and realistic to loose, expressive and painterly.
It is an original painting developed from your image.
Why Choose a Hand-Painted Oil Painting?
Oil painting has a visual depth that cannot be reproduced by printing.
Transparent layers, subtle transitions, visible brushwork and the physical surface of the paint give the finished artwork its own presence.
Each painting is:
- painted entirely by hand
- created individually from your reference
- made with professional oil paints and high-quality canvas
- available in custom dimensions
- developed and refined personally with you
- securely shipped worldwide
Let’s talk about your project
For more than 30 years, I have worked with painting and commissioned artworks.
I create each custom oil painting personally in my studio — from the first review of your photographs and the composition to the final brushstrokes.
Over the years, I have created commissioned paintings for private clients, collectors, companies and institutions internationally.
Custom Sizes & Formats
Your painting can be created in almost any format.
From intimate portraits to large-scale statement paintings, the dimensions can be adapted to the subject and the space where the artwork will be displayed.
Popular sizes:
16 × 20 in
20 × 28 in
28 × 40 in
35 × 47 in
Larger custom formats are available on request.
Oil on high-quality canvas · Custom framing available · Worldwide insured shipping
Sarah M.
“Thank you so, so much, and please excuse me if I got on your nerves. I didn’t realize how much time the process really takes. All the same, thank you again — it’s truly wonderful.
I wish you all the very best.”
Jay S.
“Mr. Kriese painted a wonderful picture for us exactly according to our wishes. From the first contact to the finished artwork, we have been extremely pleased. We can wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Kriese’s work.”
Peter J.
“I just wanted to let you know that your painting brought great joy as a Christmas gift.Attached is a photo with the handmade frame. Thank you again very much for your work.”
FAQ – Custom Oil Painting From Photo
Can you turn any photo into an oil painting?
Most photographs can be used as a reference for a custom oil painting. The quality of the reference influences the amount of visible detail, but older or imperfect photographs can often still be interpreted successfully.
Can you combine several photos into one painting?
Yes. People, landscapes, buildings and other elements from different photographs can be combined into a single composition. A draft can be prepared before painting begins.
Can you remove or change elements from my photo?
Yes. Backgrounds, objects, colors and individual details can be changed, simplified or removed.
Does the painting have to look exactly like the photo?
No. You can choose between a highly realistic interpretation and a more painterly or expressive approach. The desired style is discussed before work begins.
How long does a custom oil painting take?
Depending on size and complexity, the painting process generally takes several weeks. Oil paintings also require sufficient drying time before they can be safely packed and shipped.
Will I see the painting before it is shipped?
Yes. You will receive photographs of the finished painting before shipment. Adjustments can be discussed before final approval.
Do you ship oil paintings to the United States?
Yes. Paintings are professionally packed and shipped internationally with tracking and insurance.
What do you need to provide a quote?
Send your reference photograph, preferred dimensions and any specific requests regarding composition or style. You will then receive a clear quote and estimated timeframe.
FAQ – Commissioned Paintings
Yes. Pricing is consistent regardless of the client’s location.
International commissions are handled under the same artistic and professional standards as local projects. Shipping and potential import costs are discussed separately and transparently.
Many clients see commissioned paintings as long-term value pieces rather than short-term purchases.
Beyond their personal and emotional significance, original artworks often retain or increase their value over time, especially when created as singular works with clear artistic authorship.
Customs duties or import taxes depend on the destination country and local regulations.
In most cases, artworks are shipped with proper documentation to ensure a smooth customs process. Any applicable import fees are typically the responsibility of the recipient, but I am happy to advise in advance if questions arise.
Once the painting is completed and fully cured, it is professionally packed and shipped via specialized art logistics partners.
All artworks are securely protected and insured during transit. I handle the shipping organization and keep you informed throughout the process.
Yes. International painting commissions are a core part of my practice.
My clients include private collectors, couples, and institutions worldwide. Each project is approached individually, with clear communication and careful coordination across time zones.
Yes. Commissioning a painting from abroad is absolutely possible.
I regularly work with clients from different countries and continents. The entire process — from the initial request to the final delivery — can be handled smoothly and personally via email and video communication if desired.
For your request, I need the desired size of the painting and a brief description of the subject.
The best way is to send your reference images and details by email.
Each artwork is created based on reference material. A careful and precise working process ensures a high artistic standard and a truly unique commissioned painting.
The delivery time depends on the size and complexity of the commissioned painting.
For less elaborate motifs created with fast-drying materials, the production time is approximately 20 business days.
If framing and shipping are required, please allow an additional 3–5 business days.
Larger oil paintings require a longer drying period before they are ready for shipment. In these cases, the production time is approximately 20–30 business days, plus shipping time.
All artworks are shipped fully insured worldwide.
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Online Bank Transfer
Transfer the amount directly from your account. You will receive an invoice for the deposit and a proof of purchase. -
Cash Payment
Cash payment is possible by prior arrangement. -
Secure Credit Card Payment
Credit card payments are processed securely via Stripe using a protected payment link.
Commissioned artworks are available in any size and in a wide range of styles.
Before the painting process begins, we decide together on the appropriate format and materials for your artwork. I am happy to advise you on the most suitable technique for your project.
Possible materials include, among others: oil paint, acrylic paint, pastel, pencil, tempera, pigments, lacquers, and watercolor.
All painting techniques are priced equally — there is no additional charge for choosing a specific medium.
Upon confirmation of the commission, a 70% deposit is required. Once payment is received, I begin creating your painting. During the painting process and after completion, you will receive photos of the artwork.
If the painting does not yet fully meet your expectations, I will make further adjustments until you are satisfied.
There are no limits to your desired subject.
You are welcome to send me multiple reference photos, which I will combine into a cohesive concept. Before I begin painting, you will receive one or more draft designs, allowing you to review everything carefully and decide whether the concept feels right.
Once you are happy with the proposed design, I will begin creating your commissioned painting.
