Photographs are still some of the best inventions of digital technology; somewhere in our hearts, we love the paintings. There are so many crazy people around the world who are still curious about photo to painting. If you are also one of those creative personalities but are not able to put the colors into the right shape, then this article is really useful for you. Here we are going to talk about one of the easiest tricks to convert photographs into oil paintings. Even if you have the least idea about the oil painting technique, the steps below will make your task easier. So, spare a few moments to read ahead.

Steps to turn a photo into a painting:

Step 1: Selection of photographs

The very first thing that you have to do is choose a photograph with proper shadows and great highlights. Shadows and a great balance of light on highlighted areas help to create impressive dimensionality for oil painting.

Step 2: Trace the image:

Even if you are not perfect with your free drawings, don’t feel afraid to create an impression of your image. You can take help from a projector to trace things perfectly on another sheet. I prefer to mark the areas that differ with shadows and highlights.

Step 3: Choose your colors.

It is not good to work with a wide range of colors; rather, make efforts to choose the top 4-5 that can complete your painting effectively. Also, prefer to use linseed oil to improve flow in your painting, and be careful with the selection of the right brush.

Step 4: Start filling colors as per reference:

Now simply track your reference image and start filling colors into the new drawing accordingly. If you are drawing a face, then it is suggested to start with eyes. Also, always remember that highlights are always added at the end, so you have to consider the shadow areas first.

Step 5: Shadow blocking:

Once you have filled eyes in your portrait, the next task is to block the shadows and other dark areas in your painting. Feel free to create mixtures of colors to achieve the highest accuracy in your handmade oil painting.

Step 6: Fill the mid-tone colors.

The best idea recommended by professionals is to work from darker tones to lighter ones, so when you have already filled the darker part, it is good to add the mid-tones now. Cool down the skin color in your portrait with a few cooler tones and create a mixture of warmer tones.

Step 7: Time to add the lighter colors:

When you are already done with steps 5 and 6, it is time to play with the lightest colors now. Choose your colors wisely and prefer to create a cooler mixture that is close to your reference painting.

Step 8: Highlight details:

Once you have completed the painting with all the color tones, it is time to add a finishing touch to every essential part of the painting.

Step 9: Time to paint the background:

Once the facial part of your portrait is ready, the next task is to paint the background carefully. Your oil painting from the photo is ready now.

how to turn photo into painting