A memorial painting is a hand-painted portrait of a loved one who has died, based on one or more photos from their life. It is a way of preserving their memory in a form that lasts. A work of art that hangs on the wall as a daily reminder of love. Here is a respectful guide to choosing the photo, the motif and the placement, and how a memorial painting can be part of the grieving process.
What is a memorial painting?
A memorial painting is a hand-painted portrait of a person or pet who has passed away. It is painted in oil on canvas from one or more photos that you send in. The result is a personal work of art that preserves the expression, the smile and the gaze in a way a photograph does not.
At fotoalsgemaelde.ch we make memorial paintings for both family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, partners, children) and pets. Every painting is unique and created with respect.
How a memorial painting can help the grieving process
Grief is a long process, and many people find that concrete actions - ordering a memorial painting, hanging it up, sharing it with the family - are part of the healing. It is a way to:
- Acknowledge the loss in a tangible way - to do something physical in memory of the person
- Preserve the face and expression - so we do not forget the details over the years
- Create a focal point for memories - a place in the home where we can talk about them
- Pass something on to the next generation - grandchildren who never had the chance to meet the person
- Mark milestones - the anniversary of their death, their birthday, Christmas - we can light a candle by the painting
Many customers describe the painting becoming a source of calm rather than pain. At first it can be emotional to see the finished painting, but over time it becomes a reassuring anchor.
How to choose the right photo
The choice of photo is the most important step. Here is what we recommend:
A photo that captures the person as they were
The best photo is not necessarily the most "professional" one - it is the one that best captures the person's character. The smile they always had. The twinkle in their eye. The way they held their head.
Many people choose:
- A photo from a significant occasion - a wedding, an anniversary, a holiday
- An everyday photo where the person was simply themselves - in the garden, with a pet, over a coffee
- A photo from their "best" years - for example before an illness, if that is relevant
What age should the subject be?
There is no single right answer. Ask yourself:
- How do I want to remember the person?
- Which period of their life were they most "themselves"?
- What would the family most like to see?
Some choose the person when young - for example from the first years of their marriage. Others choose the last phase of their life, when they were at peace. Both are valid.
One person or several?
A memorial painting can be:
- A solo portrait of the person who has died - the most classic choice
- A couple's portrait with the person standing beside their partner - a picture of love
- A family portrait with the person standing with children or grandchildren - even when they never met in real life
- With a pet - for example a late spouse with their former dog
We can combine several photos into one composition. This is especially valuable if the person never got to meet, say, a newborn grandchild - we can paint them together.
Combining several photos: one scene from many memories
One of the loveliest ways to make a memorial painting is to combine several photos. Examples:
- A grandmother and grandchild who never met - we place them in the same scene
- Parents and grown-up children who have no shared photo from their best years
- Siblings who passed away at different times - together again on the canvas
- A couple in their youth placed in their later home
It takes skilled handwork to make this look natural - light, shadows and perspective have to match. That is one of the reasons each work takes 2-3 weeks.
Background and symbolism
You can choose a background that carries meaning:
- A plain neutral background - timeless, keeps the focus on the face
- A natural setting - the sea, the forest, a favourite landscape
- The home - for example the garden they always tended
- A meaningful place - the holiday home, the sports club, the church
- Symbolic elements - a butterfly, a dove, a flower that held meaning
The symbolism is personal. Some families include a specific flower (for example peonies, which were their mother's favourite) or a piece of jewellery that was always worn. It is the small details that make the painting personal.
Where do you hang a memorial painting?
The placement is about both space and feelings. Many people choose:
The living room
The most popular spot. The painting becomes part of family life - Mum or Dad is still "there" when the family gathers. Hang it above a chest of drawers, beside the sofa or on a main wall.
The bedroom or a more private space
Some prefer to have the painting somewhere private where they can be alone with it - for example in the bedroom. This is often the case shortly after the loss, when feelings are still raw.
The entrance hall
A place you pass every day. A quiet greeting every time you come in or go out.
A memory corner
Some create a small memory corner with the painting, a candleholder, photos and personal objects. A sacred place in the home where you can pause.
Size: what is appropriate?
For a memorial painting a medium size is usually the most suitable:
- 50x50 cm (495 CHF): For a memory corner or a smaller wall
- 60x40 cm (495 CHF): The classic size for a solo portrait - our most popular choice
- 70x50 cm (645 CHF): If it is to hang above a chest of drawers or a piece of furniture
- 70x70 cm (795 CHF): For larger rooms or if the person is to have a real "presence"
Read our size guide for help choosing.
Framing: yes or no?
The floating frame is included in the price and gives the painting a more classic, gallery-style finish. For memorial paintings many people choose a frame because:
- It creates a visual "boundary" around the person
- It feels more finished and respectful
- A floating frame in black, white, natural, silver or gold - included in the price and a good match for a portrait
Others choose no frame for a more modern look. Both are valid.
Timing: when is it "too soon"?
There is no right answer. Some people order a memorial painting:
- A few weeks after the loss - as a concrete action in the midst of acute grief
- For the anniversary - a year after the death
- When they feel ready - which can be years later
We have customers who have ordered memorial paintings 20+ years after a loss - for example because the children are only now old enough to appreciate it. It is never too late.
A memorial painting of a pet
Many people also choose to have a memorial painting of their pet made. Dog, cat, horse - they are family. The loss is real, and the painting helps in the same way as it does with people. We recommend:
- A photo where you can clearly see the animal's eyes - that is where the "personality" sits
- Full body or portrait - decide before you send it in
- Possibly a background where they were happy - in the garden, in their favourite basket
A memorial painting as a gift
A memorial painting can be a thoughtful gift for:
- A parent who has lost their partner
- Siblings after the death of their parents
- A grandchild who lost a grandmother or grandfather at an early age
- A friend who has lost their pet
It can be a powerful gesture, but do ask the recipient first - some would rather help choose the photo themselves. An alternative is a gift card for a personal painting, so they decide when and how.
We paint with respect
We have made hundreds of memorial paintings, and we understand the weight of them. When you order, you can write in the comments field:
- The person's name (we never put it on the painting, but we know it and paint with respect)
- Any special wishes (for example a flower or a piece of jewellery)
- Information about the person that helps us capture their expression
- If the photo is blurred due to age, and what we should look out for
If you have questions before you order, you are welcome to contact us via the FAQ page. We take the time to answer properly.
Ready to preserve the memory?
You can start your order on the memorial paintings page or directly at painting from a photo. Choose the size, upload your photo and write any personal wishes. We get started within 1-2 days and deliver throughout Switzerland within 2-3 weeks.
We offer a satisfaction guarantee - if you are not satisfied, we will repaint it or give you your money back.