Tips for Creating Paintings From Photos

The importance of texture.

A key idea to remember in shot selection for the best transformation of your pictures into paintings is TEXTURE. The reason is that the painting technique shows up best when there is a variety of textured surfaces. Creating paintings from photos that look terrific can be so much easier when this is kept in mind. For instance, hair, flowers, grass and shrubs, brick and stone surfaces do well because of the texture. Smoother surfaces, like an extreme close-up of a baby, or a dog that is a short-haired breed, won't look good in turning pictures into paintings if they are not surrounded by other textures. So if given the opportunity, avoid large expanses of smoother surfaces and opt for surroundings that include plenty of color and textural variety.



Here are a few examples of paintings from photos that took advantage of this idea:

Scale is important also.

When we post a painting proof online for you to view it shows the overall suggested cropping as well as a few close-ups to demonstrate the amount of simulated digital brushstrokes. When ordering pictures into paintings made, remember that the size you order will also affect the appearance of the painting technique. Just as texture helps the filters 'grab hold' and show off the brushstrokes, the larger the paintings from photos ordered, the looser and more 'painterly' it will appear. For instance, the overall cropping shown on the proof almost appears photographic...it isn't until you view close-ups that you see the painting technique. Similarly, the smaller pictures into paintings orders, like the 11 x 14 or the 12 x 18 sizes will appear to be more realistic and photographic than paintings from photos in the larger sizes.




A primary subject.

As subjective as the topic is, I will risk saying that the more interesting conversions of pictures into paintings will usually have a primary subject or object somewhere in the composition. It may be large or small, but it is what draws the eye in. When creating paintings from photos we will often simplify the composition of distracting or modern elements (power lines, neighbors cars, garbage cans, etc.) many of the everyday objects that just may not contribute to a successful or optimal composition for photo art. By stripping out less desirable portions of uploaded images, our pictures into paintings endeavors are given a head start. This also helps us see and identify the primary subject easier. Creating paintings from photos is really a collaborative effort between you, the photographer, whether amateur or pro, and the staff of Your Photo To Painting, LLC.

Make it personal.

Even though there is nothing wrong with a beautiful landscape or seascape, those are the kind of painting subjects that can be purchased in any gift shop. It may be that that subject matter means something to you because it is a vacation memory or has ancestral value, but when making paintings from photos it is a good idea to personalize the composition by including a family member or a place you have a special memory from. By turning pictures into paintings that are more personal to you, you have added value and a reason to take up space with this canvas on your walls. They make more interesting conversation pieces when there is a story behind it. It may be that it is a less than perfect but only remaining photo of a long gone family pet. In cases like this, please request a special background treatment. We can move your pet from the old mauve 80s sofa and worn out carpeting to a nice outdoor setting that is both more pleasing and personal.