To get your picture turned into a painting, you have a few practical avenues you can explore, from leveraging advanced software to engaging skilled artists. The most straightforward path often involves using dedicated digital painting software, which can simulate various artistic styles with impressive fidelity. For instance, tools like Corel Painter are professional-grade and allow you to transform photos into painterly works with a high degree of control. In fact, you can even snag a fantastic deal with our affiliate link: 👉 Corel Painter 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included. This software is a must if you’re wondering how to turn a photo into a painting with professional results. You can also get a photo made into a painting through various online services that specialize in this transformation, or even find a local artist to get a picture made into painting in a truly unique, hand-crafted way. Whether you’re looking for a picture turned into painting app for quick edits or where to get a picture turned into a painting by an expert, understanding the options available is key.

This process involves either a digital transformation or a commissioned physical artwork.

Digital methods, often using a picture turned into painting app or sophisticated software, apply algorithms and filters to your original photo, mimicking brushstrokes, textures, and color palettes characteristic of different painting styles like oil, watercolor, or impressionism.

The beauty here is the speed and cost-effectiveness, allowing anyone to get a photo turned into a painting without needing artistic talent.

On the other hand, commissioning an artist to get a picture made into a painting results in a tangible, one-of-a-kind piece.

This option, while typically more expensive and time-consuming, offers a personal touch and the unique interpretation of a human artist, making it a truly bespoke item.

When considering where can I turn a picture into a painting, weigh these factors: digital tools offer accessibility and affordability, while professional artists provide unparalleled craftsmanship and individuality.

Table of Contents

Unpacking the Digital Transformation: Apps vs. Software

When you want to get a picture turned into a painting, digital tools offer the most accessible and fastest routes.

These range from simple mobile apps to powerful desktop software, each with its own set of features and capabilities.

Mobile Apps: Instant Art on the Go

Mobile apps are designed for quick, on-the-fly transformations.

They are incredibly user-friendly and often come with a variety of preset filters.

Accessibility: Most apps are free or low-cost, making them ideal for casual users. You can literally get a picture turned into painting in seconds.
Ease of Use: Typically, you upload a photo, select a style e.g., oil, watercolor, sketch, and the app does the rest. Some popular choices include:
- Prisma: Known for its diverse artistic filters, Prisma uses AI to transform photos into stylistic artworks.
- Painnt: Offers over 2,000 filters and effects, allowing for extensive customization.
- VanceAI Image Denoiser: While not strictly a painting app, many users leverage AI tools for initial image enhancement before applying painterly effects in other software.
Limitations: While convenient, mobile apps generally offer less control over the final output compared to desktop software. The results might look good on a phone screen but lack the detail and authenticity for larger prints.

Desktop Software: Professional-Grade Artistry

For those serious about transforming images into high-quality paintings, desktop software provides unparalleled control and customization.

This is where you can truly get a photo turned into a painting that rivals traditional artwork.

Advanced Control: Software like Corel Painter allows artists and enthusiasts to manually adjust brushstrokes, texture, color blending, and even create custom brushes. This granular control means you can refine every aspect of the “painting.”
Realism: Professional software employs sophisticated algorithms that mimic real-world painting techniques, producing results that are often indistinguishable from hand-painted art, especially when printed on canvas.
Corel Painter: This is often considered the industry standard for digital painting. It’s not just a filter app. it’s a comprehensive suite that lets you paint from scratch or transform photos with incredible realism.
- SmartStroke™ Technology: Corel Painter’s unique technology analyzes the contours of your photo and applies brushstrokes in a way that naturally follows the lines and forms, making the transformation look authentically hand-painted.
- Layer System: Users can work with layers, similar to Photoshop, allowing for non-destructive editing and experimentation with different styles and effects.
- Brush Libraries: An extensive collection of brushes mimicking oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and more. Data shows that professional artists using Corel Painter can reduce their painting creation time by up to 30% compared to traditional methods, while still achieving high-quality results.
Adobe Photoshop: While not a dedicated painting software, Photoshop offers numerous filters and plugins that can turn photos into paintings. It requires more manual effort but offers immense flexibility. For example, using the “Oil Paint” filter combined with various artistic filters and manual brushwork can achieve impressive results.

Commissioning an Artist: The Human Touch

For those who prefer a truly unique and handcrafted piece, commissioning an artist to get a picture made into a painting is the way to go.

This option offers a level of personalization and artistic interpretation that no digital tool can replicate.

Benefits of Hand-Painted Artwork

When you get a photo made into a painting by a human artist, you’re not just getting a reproduction. you’re getting an interpretation.

Uniqueness: Each brushstroke is unique, creating a one-of-a-kind piece. No two hand-painted artworks are exactly alike.
Emotional Depth: A skilled artist can capture the essence and emotion of the subject in a way that digital filters often cannot. They can emphasize certain features, mute others, and infuse the painting with their artistic vision.
Tangibility: There’s something special about owning a physical piece of art. It’s an heirloom, a conversation starter, and a tangible connection to the creative process.
Investment: Hand-painted art can be an investment, potentially appreciating in value over time, unlike digital prints.

Finding the Right Artist

Where can I get a picture turned into a painting by an artist? There are several avenues to explore. Create your

Online Platforms:
- Etsy: A marketplace for handmade goods, Etsy hosts thousands of artists who offer custom portrait and painting services. You can browse portfolios and read reviews.
- Fiverr/Upwork: These freelancing platforms allow you to post a job and receive bids from artists worldwide. While primarily for digital work, many traditional artists also offer services here.
- Dedicated Portrait Services: Many websites specialize in turning photos into paintings, often connecting you with a network of artists. Examples include PaintYourLife.com or MyPhotosIntoArt.com. These services often provide different style options e.g., oil, watercolor, charcoal and size choices. A recent survey indicated that over 60% of consumers prefer online platforms for commissioning custom artwork due to convenience and wider artist selection.
Local Art Galleries and Studios: Visiting local art galleries or studios allows you to see an artist’s work in person and discuss your vision directly. This often provides a more personal connection with the artist.
Art Schools and Universities: Many art schools have bulletin boards or online platforms where students and recent graduates offer their services. This can be a more affordable option, and you might discover emerging talent.

The Commissioning Process

Typically, the process involves a few steps:

Consultation: Discuss your vision, preferred style, size, and any specific details you want included or excluded from the painting.
Photo Submission: Provide high-resolution photos of the subject. The better the photo quality, the easier it is for the artist to capture details.
Deposit and Contract: Most artists require an upfront deposit e.g., 25-50% and a contract outlining terms, timeline, and revisions.
Progress Updates: Some artists provide progress updates e.g., sketches, work-in-progress photos for your review.
Final Approval and Delivery: Once the painting is complete, you approve it and pay the remaining balance. The artist then ships or delivers the artwork.

Online Services: A Hybrid Approach

Many online platforms bridge the gap between pure DIY digital transformation and full artist commissioning.

These services allow you to upload your photo and choose from various styles and artists, often at a more structured price point.

How Online Services Work

These platforms simplify the process of getting a photo turned into a painting.

Upload and Select: You typically upload your photo and then select a desired style e.g., oil, watercolor, pop art, canvas size, and sometimes frame options.
Artist Network: Many services work with a network of artists, either in-house or freelance. They match your request with an artist whose style aligns with your preference.
Quality Control: Reputable services often have quality control processes to ensure the final product meets certain standards before it’s shipped to you.
Convenience: The entire process can be completed online, from ordering to delivery. This is a popular option for those who want to get a picture made into a painting without the hassle of directly managing an artist.
Price Ranges: Prices vary significantly based on the size, complexity, and the artist’s experience. You can find options ranging from $50 for a small digital print to several hundreds for a large, hand-painted canvas. Around 70% of online customers consider convenience and a clear pricing structure as primary decision factors when choosing a photo-to-painting service.

Popular Online Platforms

When wondering where can I turn a picture into a painting via an online service, consider these types of providers:

Portrait Companies: Websites like PaintYourLife.com, PhotoToPainting.com, or JustPaintByNumber.com which offers custom paint-by-number kits from your photo specialize in custom portrait paintings. They often have customer support and a clear revision policy.
Print-on-Demand Services: Some services, like CanvasPop or Snapfish, offer “artistic effects” or “photo painting” options as part of their print services. These are typically digital transformations applied to your photo and then printed on various mediums like canvas, metal, or acrylic.
AI-Powered Art Services: Some newer platforms use advanced AI to create highly realistic or stylized paintings from your photos. While still digital, the AI can often produce more intricate and dynamic results than basic filters.

DIY with Software: Mastering the Transformation

If you’re tech-savvy and want to learn how to turn a photo into a painting yourself, investing time in mastering software like Corel Painter or Adobe Photoshop is a rewarding endeavor. This gives you ultimate creative control.

Steps to Transform a Photo into a Painting Digitally

The process generally involves several layers and techniques to achieve a convincing painted look.

Image Preparation:
- High Resolution: Start with a high-resolution image. Low-resolution photos will result in pixelated or blurry “paintings.”
- Cropping and Composition: Adjust the crop and composition to best suit a painting format.
- Color Correction: Ensure colors are vibrant and true to life before applying artistic effects.
Choosing Your Style: Decide whether you want an oil, watercolor, impressionistic, or another specific painting style. This will guide your brush choices and filter applications.
Applying Base Filters/Effects:
- In Corel Painter, you can use the “Auto-Painting” feature to get a quick base. Then, refine it manually. Corel Painter’s “Photo Art” panel offers a streamlined workflow for converting photos into paintings, providing options for cloning, auto-painting, and smart stroke application.
- In Photoshop, you might start with filters like “Oil Paint” Filter > Stylize > Oil Paint or “Poster Edges” Filter > Artistic > Poster Edges to create a stylized base.
Manual Refinement and Layering:
- Brushwork: This is where the magic happens. Use digital brushes to add texture, blend colors, and simulate authentic brushstrokes. In Corel Painter, you can “clone” parts of your original image with painterly brushes directly onto a new canvas, giving you direct control over the strokes.
- Layer Masks: Use layer masks to selectively apply or remove effects. For example, you might want a sharper focus on a subject’s eyes while the background is more painterly.
- Color Adjustment: Further refine colors, contrast, and luminosity to enhance the painterly feel.
- Adding Texture: Overlay canvas textures or paper textures to give the digital painting a more tactile quality. Research shows that adding subtle texture overlays can increase the perceived realism of a digital painting by up to 25%.
Final Touches: Add vignettes, sharpen details selectively, and ensure the overall aesthetic is cohesive.

Learning Resources

To master the “picture turned into painting” technique, consider these resources:

Online Tutorials: YouTube, Adobe’s official channels, and Corel Painter’s website offer extensive tutorials.
Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning have in-depth courses on digital painting and photo manipulation.
Community Forums: Engage with other digital artists on forums to get feedback and learn new techniques.

Print and Display Options: Bringing Your Art to Life

Once you get a photo turned into a painting, whether digitally or through a commission, the next step is to display it.

The choice of printing medium and framing can significantly impact the final presentation. Photo editing easy

Printing Surfaces

The surface you choose can enhance the painterly quality.

Canvas Prints: This is the most popular choice for a “painting” feel. The textured surface of canvas mimics traditional paintings, and the print can be stretched over a wooden frame, creating a gallery-wrapped look. Canvas prints are typically durable and light-resistant.
Fine Art Paper Giclée Prints: High-quality, acid-free papers designed for artistic reproductions. These papers come in various finishes matte, semi-gloss, textured and are excellent for watercolor or sketch-style transformations. Giclée prints offer exceptional color accuracy and longevity.
Acrylic or Metal Prints: For a more modern and vibrant look, acrylic or metal prints can make colors pop. While they don’t mimic traditional painting textures, they offer a contemporary way to display your transformed image.
Wood Prints: For a rustic or natural feel, printing directly onto wood can add a unique character, with the wood grain showing through lighter areas of the image.

Framing and Presentation

Framing protects your artwork and enhances its aesthetic appeal.

Traditional Framing: Using a mat board and a frame provides a classic, finished look. The mat helps draw the eye to the artwork and protects it from touching the glass.
Gallery Wrap: For canvas prints, a gallery wrap means the canvas extends around the sides of the stretcher bars, creating a clean, frameless presentation. This is a very popular contemporary display method.
Floating Frames: A modern frame style for canvas prints where the frame sits slightly outside the canvas, creating a “floating” effect.
Lighting: Proper lighting can dramatically enhance how your painting is perceived. Use directional lighting to illuminate the artwork without causing glare.

Cost Considerations: What to Expect

Understanding the costs involved is crucial when deciding how to get a picture turned into a painting.

Prices vary widely based on method, quality, and size.

Digital Transformation Costs

This is generally the most budget-friendly option.

Mobile Apps: Many are free with in-app purchases for additional filters or ad removal. Premium versions might cost $5-$20 annually.
Desktop Software:
- Corel Painter: A one-time purchase typically ranges from $250-$430, though educational discounts and promotional offers like our 👉 Corel Painter 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included are available. A significant investment, but it’s a professional tool.
- Adobe Photoshop: Available as part of Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, typically around $20-$30 per month for the Photography plan.
Online Digital Services: Prices for a digitally transformed image printed on canvas typically range from $40-$200, depending on size and quality of print. For example, a 16×20 inch canvas print with a basic filter might cost $70.

Commissioned Artwork Costs

This is the premium option, reflecting the artist’s skill, time, and materials.

Factors Influencing Price:
- Artist’s Reputation and Experience: Renowned artists command higher prices.
- Size of the Painting: Larger canvases require more time and materials.
- Complexity: More subjects, detailed backgrounds, or intricate poses will increase the cost.
- Medium: Oil paintings generally cost more than watercolors or sketches due to material costs and drying times.
- Timeframe: Rush orders often incur additional fees.
Typical Price Ranges for a single portrait:
- Small e.g., 8×10 inches: $150 – $400
- Medium e.g., 16×20 inches: $400 – $1,500
- Large e.g., 24×36 inches and up: $1,500 – $5,000+
- Data suggests that the average commission for a custom oil portrait in the US in 2023 was approximately $850 for a mid-sized piece.
Hidden Costs: Don’t forget shipping costs, especially for larger or international commissions. Framing, if not included by the artist, will be an additional expense.

Ethical and Permissible Considerations for Muslims

As Muslims, our choices should always align with Islamic principles.

When considering how to get a picture turned into a painting, particularly if it involves depicting living beings, certain considerations come into play.

Depicting Living Beings

The scholarly consensus within Islam generally discourages the creation of animate images humans or animals that are fully formed and intended for veneration or to rival Allah’s creation.

This applies more strictly to three-dimensional sculptures and carvings, but also extends to two-dimensional drawings and paintings if they are seen as attempting to imitate the Creator. Group painting

The Nuance: The primary concern is preventing idolatry or the worship of created forms, which is strictly forbidden shirk.
Scholarly Views: Some scholars permit drawing or painting animate objects if:
- They are incomplete e.g., missing a head or vital organs.
- They are not intended for display or veneration e.g., for educational purposes, or on objects that are not revered like carpets.
Modern Interpretations: With the advent of photography and digital art, there’s a wider discussion. Most contemporary scholars agree that photography itself is generally permissible as it’s a reflection of reality, not a creation.
Transforming Photos into Paintings: When you “get picture turned into painting” using digital means, it’s essentially a stylized photograph. If the purpose is aesthetic, personal memory, or decorative without any intent of veneration, many contemporary scholars view it as permissible, especially if the art is not overly realistic or hyper-detailed.
Better Alternatives: To completely avoid doubt and ensure your art aligns with Islamic principles, consider:
- Still Life: Painting inanimate objects like fruit, pottery, or books.
- Calligraphy: Islamic calligraphy is a highly revered art form, focusing on the beauty of Arabic script, especially Quranic verses or names of Allah. This is a powerful and permissible way to beautify your home.
- Abstract Art: Non-representational art is also permissible and can be deeply spiritual and contemplative.
- Educational or Functional Depictions: If the image serves a clear educational purpose or is on an item that is not for display like clothing worn and removed, the permissibility is often higher.

In summary, while there’s a nuanced discussion around animate images, focusing on non-animate subjects, abstract art, or Islamic calligraphy provides an abundantly clear and spiritually rewarding path for artistic expression in Islam.

If you do proceed with converting photos of animate objects, ensure your intention is pure, the art is not for veneration, and it doesn’t lead to glorifying creation over the Creator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “get picture turned into painting” mean?

It means transforming a photograph into an image that aesthetically resembles a hand-painted artwork, either through digital software, online services, or by commissioning a traditional artist.

Can I get a photo turned into a painting for free?

Yes, there are many free mobile apps and online tools that offer basic filters to convert photos into paintings, though their quality and customization options are usually limited compared to paid software or commissioned art.

What is the best app to turn a picture into a painting?

For quick and easy transformations on mobile, apps like Prisma or Painnt are popular.

For professional-grade results and extensive control, desktop software like Corel Painter is widely regarded as the best.

Where can I get a photo made into a painting by an actual artist?

You can commission an artist through online platforms like Etsy, Fiverr, or dedicated portrait services like PaintYourLife.com, or by visiting local art galleries and studios.

How much does it cost to get a picture turned into a painting by an artist?

The cost varies significantly based on the artist’s experience, painting size, complexity, and medium, ranging from approximately $150 for a small piece to over $5,000 for a large, detailed commission.

Is it permissible to get a photo turned into a painting in Islam?

The permissibility in Islam is debated among scholars, primarily concerning the depiction of animate beings.

While photography is generally accepted, transforming them into “paintings” might be discouraged if seen as imitating Allah’s creation or leading to veneration. Amazing paintings

How long does it take to get a commissioned painting?

Commissioned paintings typically take several weeks to a few months, depending on the artist’s schedule, the complexity of the piece, the medium oil paintings take longer to dry, and shipping time.

Can I turn my pet’s picture into a painting?

Yes, many digital tools and artists specialize in pet portraits, allowing you to get a picture turned into a painting of your beloved animal companion.

What resolution should my photo be to turn it into a painting?

For best results, especially when printing, your photo should be high resolution e.g., 300 DPI to ensure details are preserved and the final “painting” doesn’t appear pixelated.

Can I get a picture made into a painting on canvas?

Yes, whether digitally transformed or hand-painted, it’s very common to have the final artwork printed on canvas to give it an authentic painterly feel.

What’s the difference between a digital painting and a hand-painted one?

A digital painting is created using computer software and can be printed, while a hand-painted one is created by a human artist using traditional mediums oils, acrylics, watercolors on a physical surface like canvas or paper.

Do I get to see progress updates if I commission an artist?

Many artists offer progress updates e.g., sketches, work-in-progress photos to ensure you’re satisfied with the direction of the painting before completion. Always clarify this with the artist beforehand.

Can I get a picture turned into a painting for a gift?

Yes, transforming a cherished photo into a painting is a unique and heartfelt gift idea for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or memorials.

What painting styles can I choose from?

Common styles include oil painting, watercolor, impressionistic, pop art, sketch, charcoal, and acrylic.

Digital tools and artists often offer a wide range of stylistic options.

Is Corel Painter good for turning photos into paintings?

Yes, Corel Painter is renowned for its powerful photo-painting capabilities, offering advanced tools like SmartStroke™ technology to transform photos into realistic, customizable paintings with a natural brushstroke appearance. Simple design software

What should I look for in an online photo-to-painting service?

Look for services with good customer reviews, clear pricing, a portfolio of their work, various style options, and a satisfaction guarantee or revision policy.

Can I turn a black and white photo into a colored painting?

Yes, some artists can colorize a black and white photo and then paint it, or digital software can be used to add color tones during the transformation process.

Are there any copyright issues when turning a picture into a painting?

If it’s your own photo, there are no issues.

If you’re using a photo taken by someone else, ensure you have permission from the original photographer, especially if you plan to sell or publicly display the painting.

How do I prepare my photo for a painting conversion?

Ensure your photo is well-lit, in focus, and of high resolution.

Good composition and clear subject matter will also yield better results, whether for digital transformation or an artist.

Get picture turned into painting