Everything you need before you commission.
Plain-English guides to choosing a photograph, picking a style, deciding on a size, understanding what you'll pay, and what to expect from a hand-painted oil commission.
Buying · 4 min read
How much does a custom oil painting from a photo cost in the UK?
A clear breakdown of what hand-painted oil portraits actually cost in 2026 — what you're paying for, how size affects price, and how we compare to PaintYourLife and high-street commission studios.
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Commissioning · 4 min read
How to choose the right photo for an oil portrait commission
The photograph you submit is the single biggest factor in whether your commission will look stunning or disappointing. This guide explains exactly what makes a photo paintable — and what to avoid.
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Styles · 4 min read
Choosing a painter's style for your family portrait
Should your family portrait be painted in the style of Sargent, Renoir, Vermeer, or a contemporary realist? A practical guide to picking a master's style that fits your photo, your home, and the feeling you want.
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Buying · 4 min read
What size oil painting do I actually need? A practical sizing guide
How to choose the right size for a commissioned oil portrait based on the wall it's going on, the room it's in, and the size of the subject. With a sizing chart and the most common mistakes.
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Subjects · 4 min read
Renaissance pet portraits: your dog or cat as a 17th-century noble
How we paint dogs in admiral uniforms, cats as duchesses, and horses as cavalry officers — what makes the style work, which pets suit it best, and how to commission one.
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Buying · 4 min read
Oil painting vs giclée print vs canvas print: what's actually worth paying for?
Hand-painted oil reproductions cost 5–10× a canvas print. Are they 5–10× better? An honest comparison of every common reproduction format, what each one costs to make, and when each is the right choice.
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