Canadian Portrait Artists
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Custom Oil Portraits from Photos

REAL COMMISSIONS · FROM PHOTOGRAPH TO FINISHED PAINTING

Your photographs. An original oil painting.

Explore seven real commissions, from old family photographs and wedding memories to much-loved pets. See the reference photographs, preparatory drawings, colour layers and finished portraits—and the stories behind them.

Choose an artist & start your enquiryExplore the cases

Tap a finished painting to see its original photograph. Open each case to see the drawing and colour stages.

Finished oil portrait of child with a calfTap to see the original photoReference photograph of child with a calfOriginal photographOriginal photograph · Tap to return to the painting

REAL COMMISSION 01

A childhood farm photograph, painted as a birthday gift

Keira commissioned this oil painting as a birthday gift for her mother, bringing a treasured photograph of her childhood on the farm into colour.

Finished oil portrait of child with a calfTap to see the original photoReference photograph of child with a calfOriginal photographOriginal photograph · Tap to return to the painting
See the drawing and painting process
Preparatory drawing: child with a calf
Composition drawing
First colour layer: child with a calf
First colour layer

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REAL COMMISSION 02

An old wedding photograph, made into a Christmas gift

Yves turned his parents’ old wedding photograph into an oil painting as a Christmas gift for his mother.

Finished oil portrait of bride and groomTap to see the original photoReference photograph of bride and groomOriginal photographOriginal photograph · Tap to return to the painting
See the drawing and painting process
Preparatory drawing: bride and groom
Composition drawing
Painting in progress: bride and groom
Painting in progress

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REAL COMMISSION 03

Two reference photographs, one portrait of Jono

A portrait of Jono for a new home, combining the cat’s photograph with a separate photograph of the room and dried flowers.

Finished oil portrait of black cat in an interior with dried flowersTap to see the two original photosReference photograph of a black cat for a custom oil portraitOriginal photo 1 — JonoInterior reference photograph with a vase of dried flowers for a combined-photo cat portraitOriginal photo 2 — InteriorTwo original photographs · Tap to return to the painting

Two separate photographs combined: Jono + the interior → one oil painting.

See the drawing and painting process
Composition drawing: black cat in an interior with dried flowers
Composition drawing
Painting in progress: black cat in an interior with dried flowers
Painting in progress

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REAL COMMISSION 04

A friend’s much-loved cat, painted as a birthday gift

Moira commissioned this framed portrait of her friend’s much-loved cat as a birthday gift, keeping its familiar sleeping pose and purple chair.

Finished oil portrait of sleeping cat on a purple chair, shown in its frameTap to see the original photoReference photograph of sleeping cat on a purple chairOriginal photographOriginal photograph · Tap to return to the painting
See the drawing and painting process
Preparatory drawing: sleeping cat on a purple chair
Composition drawing
First colour layer: sleeping cat on a purple chair
First colour layer

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REAL COMMISSION 05

A custom oil portrait of Harlee

Andriano commissioned a portrait of Harlee, focusing on the dog’s expression and distinctive markings rather than the car interior in the photograph.

Finished oil portrait of tan and white dogTap to see the original photoReference photograph of tan and white dogOriginal photographOriginal photograph · Tap to return to the painting
See the drawing and painting process
Preparatory drawing: tan and white dog
Composition drawing
First colour layer: tan and white dog
First colour layer

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REAL COMMISSION 06

A father’s younger years, celebrated on his 60th birthday

Christopher commissioned this portrait for his father’s 60th birthday, using a photograph of his father as a young man in uniform on horseback.

Finished oil portrait of rider in a red uniform on a black horseTap to see the original photoReference photograph of rider in a red uniform on a black horseOriginal photographOriginal photograph · Tap to return to the painting
See the drawing and painting process
Preparatory drawing: rider in a red uniform on a black horse
Composition drawing
First colour layer: rider in a red uniform on a black horse
First colour layer

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REAL COMMISSION 07

Remembering a son through his smile

Gaby commissioned this framed portrait for a friend in memory of her son, preserving the joyful smile in the chosen photograph.

Finished oil portrait of laughing boy in a pink shirt, shown in its frameTap to see the original photoReference photograph of laughing boy in a pink shirtOriginal photographOriginal photograph · Tap to return to the painting
See the drawing and painting process
Preparatory drawing: laughing boy in a pink shirt
Composition drawing
First colour layer: laughing boy in a pink shirt
First colour layer

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How to commission an oil portrait from your photographs

  1. Choose a direction. Browse the galleries below and note the artist or painting you connect with.
  2. Send your photographs. Include the clearest original files available, the number of people or pets and an approximate canvas size.
  3. Discuss the composition and quote. Our Toronto studio helps you consider the background, artist, size and estimated timing before you proceed.
  4. Follow the painting. An agreed proposal and a 30% deposit begin the commission. Progress photographs or videos keep you involved; the remaining 70% is payable after approval and before dispatch.

Typical delivery is approximately 4–10 weeks, depending on the artwork and the agreed schedule. Read the full portrait commission process and discuss any gift date before booking.

Choose an artist for your portrait

Begin with the work you love. Open a gallery to compare several paintings, or select Request Artist below to start your enquiry. Let our Toronto studio know which artist you prefer, or ask us for a recommendation.

Request a quote or artist recommendation

Each artist has a distinct approach and sets their own rates. The examples on this page demonstrate different commissions; they are not a promise that every artist paints in every illustrated style.

Questions about painted portraits from photos

Can you paint from an old or faded photograph?

Old photographs can provide meaningful reference material, as the farm and wedding commissions show. Send the best scan or original digital file you have. We will discuss which details are visible, any limitations and whether other reference photographs would help. A painted interpretation is different from digitally restoring the photograph.

Can separate photographs be combined into one painting?

Yes, where the references can support a workable composition. Jono’s portrait uses separate photographs of the cat and the interior. For people or family groups, differences in lighting, pose and camera angle need to be considered before the composition is agreed.

Does the painting need to copy the photographic background?

No. Harlee’s portrait focuses on the dog rather than the car interior in the reference photograph. Discuss whether to simplify the background, retain a meaningful setting or provide a separate background reference.

What makes a useful reference photograph?

Clear facial features, natural expressions and visible detail are helpful. For pets, include photographs that show the eyes, coat colour and distinctive markings. Avoid small screenshots and heavy filters where possible. If you are unsure, send a few alternatives for assessment.

How much does a custom portrait cost?

The price depends on your chosen artist, canvas size, number of subjects and composition. Starting prices are based on one person or pet, excluding framing. We confirm the personalised quote before you decide to proceed; ask about framing and delivery as part of your enquiry.

Can the portrait be made as a birthday, anniversary or remembrance gift?

Yes. These real commissions include birthday, Christmas and remembrance gifts. Tell us about the occasion, any deadline and what you would like the painting to preserve. For a remembrance portrait, we can discuss the photograph and composition at your pace.

Explore more family portraits, wedding and couple portraits, individual portraits, dog portraits, cat portraits and equine portraits.

Begin with a photograph that matters to you.

Choose an artist, share your idea and let us help you plan the next step.

Choose your portrait artistRequest Quote