Custom Oil Portrait as a Wedding Anniversary Gift

An anniversary is a date you know about well in advance, which makes it a good occasion for a gift that takes time to make. A custom oil portrait painted by hand from your photos is one option. It is not right for every couple, and it needs some planning. Here is when it works, which photos to use, how to time it and what it costs.

When a painted portrait suits an anniversary

A portrait works best for couples who already like art in their home and have a wall where a painting can hang. It suits milestone anniversaries, a gift from children to their parents, or a couple marking their own years together. If the people receiving it prefer to choose their own décor, or have little wall space, a smaller painting or a different gift may be the kinder choice.

Choosing the photos

Most people start with the couple on their wedding day or the couple as they are now. Both work. What matters is that the faces are clear and well lit.

• Wedding photos. A professional wedding photo is often a strong reference. Send the original file if you can, not a screenshot or a photo of a printed album page.
• Older photos. If the wedding was many years ago and only prints exist, send the clearest scan you can make. I will tell you honestly what is possible before you commit.
• Several photos. If the couple is not together in one good frame, I can build one composition from several photos. Tell me how you would like them arranged.

Clothing or background changes can be agreed in the sketch. More on references: how to choose a photo for a family portrait.

Planning around the date

Most portraits take 4 to 8 weeks from the deposit. Larger or more complex paintings can take longer, and shipping comes after that. Work backwards from the anniversary:

1. Request a quote with the date, your photos and the size you have in mind.
2. Pay the 50% deposit and approve the composition sketch.
3. See progress photos while the portrait is painted by hand.
4. Give final approval, pay the balance, and the painting is packed and shipped.

If you can, get in touch two to three months before the date. If it is closer than that, still ask: I confirm the timeline in your quote, before any deposit, so you know where you stand.

Size and price

Commissions start at $2,000 USD for a small painting up to 16×20 in. Medium works around 24×30 in start from $3,200, and large works 30×40 in or bigger from $4,800. A couple is two subjects, and the final quote depends on the size, the background and the level of detail. You always get a quote before any deposit is paid. Full pricing detail is in how much a custom oil portrait costs, and help with wall space is in how to choose the right size for your portrait.

Payment and shipping

A 50% deposit starts the work and the balance is due before shipping. I accept PayPal or Wise. Finished paintings are packed carefully and shipped worldwide, including to the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, Europe and the UAE.

Keeping it a surprise

You can handle the whole commission yourself. Gather photos quietly from albums or shared folders, measure the wall where it might hang, and include the date when you request a quote. You approve the sketch and the finished painting, so the couple does not need to be involved. If a pet should be in the painting too, mention it; the pet portraits and family portraits pages show how that is handled. Still deciding? See oil portrait vs digital print and hand-painted family portrait as a gift.

Related

• Family portraits
• Custom oil portrait from photo
• How much does a custom oil portrait cost?
• Hand-painted family portrait as a gift
• How to choose a photo for a family portrait
• How to choose the right size for your portrait