A custom oil portrait turns a personal photograph into a painting made for you. Here is how to choose a reference, plan the composition and order a hand-painted canvas at RomKart.
1. Choose a clear reference photo
Send the original image file when possible, rather than a screenshot or a photo downloaded from social media. Look for good lighting and clear details around the face, eyes and other features you want included. For a pet portrait, a photograph taken near your pet's eye level is often a useful starting point.
You can send more than one photograph to explain a pose, outfit or background. If you want people from separate photos brought into one composition, contact me before ordering so we can discuss the references.
For examples of useful lighting, clarity and cropping, see my guide to choosing a photo for your custom oil portrait.
2. Decide what the portrait should include
Tell me who or what you would like painted, the number of subjects, the background and any important details. A simple head-and-shoulders portrait has different space requirements from a full-length figure, family group or detailed setting.
If you want to change clothing, remove an object or adjust the background, include those instructions when sharing your photographs. It is easier to settle the direction before painting begins.
3. Choose your canvas size and orientation
Measure the wall where the painting will hang and allow room for any frame you plan to add. A horizontal canvas can suit a group composition, while a vertical canvas can work well for an individual portrait. The right choice depends on your reference and available space.
Check the size options on your chosen product page. If you need a size that is not listed, ask me about it before placing your order.
For a practical wall-measuring checklist, read the oil painting size guide before choosing your canvas.
4. Review the composition before painting
I discuss the visual direction with you and prepare a composition preview for review before a custom portrait is painted. This is the time to confirm subject placement, background, orientation and the details that matter to you.
Painting generally takes approximately 7–15 business days, depending on size and complexity, once the required information and approvals are in place. This is production time; shipping takes additional time. A hand-painted canvas will naturally have its own brushwork and small variations from the reference.
5. Plan for delivery and framing
Unless a product page states otherwise, your painting is supplied unframed and shipped rolled in a protective tube. Frames, stretcher bars and hanging hardware are not included. Room settings and frames in display images are examples.
Arrange stretching and framing locally after the canvas arrives. For current transit estimates and packaging details, read the Shipping Policy. Review the Return & Refund Policy before ordering personalized artwork.
The rolled canvas and framing guide explains the difference between unframed and unstretched canvas, and what to ask a local framer.
Custom portrait or painting reproduction?
A custom portrait starts with your own photographs and instructions. A painting reproduction starts with an existing artwork that you want recreated in oil on canvas. If you are looking for a landscape or another established composition, browse the oil painting reproductions instead.
Start your custom oil portrait
Explore the Custom Portraits collection or send me your reference photos and questions. Include your preferred size, the number of subjects and any deadline you have in mind so we can discuss a suitable approach. You can also visit the FAQs for answers about ordering and delivery.
