For many people, an oil painting is synonymous with "real art". It is the medium the old masters used - Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet - and it is still artists' first choice when a painting has to last for generations. But what exactly is an oil painting? How does it differ from acrylic paintings or photo prints? And why is it still the most expensive and most prized form of hand-painted art?
In this guide we go into depth. You will get an explanation of the technique, the history behind it, its durability - and how we at Fotoalsgemälde.ch create hand-painted oil paintings from your own photos. Let's start with the definition.
What is an oil painting - in brief
An oil painting is a painting in which the artist uses oil-based pigment as the colour medium. The pigments (the colours themselves) are mixed with a drying oil - traditionally linseed oil - and applied in layers to a canvas or a wooden panel. As the oil hardens over weeks and months, it forms a permanent, glass-like surface layer that preserves the colours for hundreds of years.
That is what makes the oil painting so special: it takes time. Each layer has to dry before the next can be applied. It is a process that demands patience - but the result is a painting with depth and texture that no other technique can match.
Historical context - where does the oil painting come from?
The oil painting as we know it was developed in Flanders (present-day Belgium) in the early 1400s. The Van Eyck brothers are regarded as pioneers - they perfected the layer-upon-layer technique (glazing) that gave paintings the depth and glow we associate with Renaissance art today.
From Flanders the technique spread to Italy, where masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Titian took it to new heights. In the 1600s the Dutch (Rembrandt, Vermeer) used oil painting to capture light in ways that still fascinate today. And right up to modern art - from Monet to Lucian Freud - oil painting has been the preferred medium.
What makes an oil painting special?
Depth and layers
Oil dries slowly. This means the artist can blend colours directly on the canvas, build layer upon layer and create transitions that seem almost three-dimensional. An oil painting has a depth you can see and almost feel.
Durability of 100+ years
When the oil hardens, it becomes a stable polymer that withstands moisture, light and temperature changes better than virtually any other painting medium. An oil painting that is packed and hung correctly lasts 100-400 years without visible deterioration. That is why museum collections from the 1500s still look surprisingly fresh.
Repairable
If an oil painting is damaged - for example cracks in the canvas or minor surface damage - a conservator can restore it. You can't do that in the same way with a photo print or an acrylic painting. It is yet another reason why oil paintings are traditionally what people pass down.
Techniques and styles within oil painting
Glazing
Thin, transparent layers of colour applied over a dry base. Glazing gives depth and light - it is how skin is made to look alive in a portrait.
Impasto
Thick, buttery strokes where the paint stands up from the canvas. Often used for details that need to catch the light - white dresses, leaves, reflections. Vincent van Gogh is probably the best-known impasto artist.
Alla prima
"Wet-on-wet" - painting the whole picture in a single session while the paint is still wet. Often used for portraits and quick studies where mood matters more than technical perfection.
How we make oil paintings at Fotoalsgemälde.ch
With us, you order a hand-painted oil painting from your own photo. The whole process takes 2-3 weeks from the moment you send the photo until the painting is on your doorstep. Read more about the process here, or here is the short version:
- You send the photo. It can be anything from a family picture to a pet portrait. The better the quality, the better the painting.
- We make a draft. Our artists sketch the subject and send you a digital preview so you can approve the composition and colours.
- We paint by hand in oil. Layer by layer, over several days. It isn't a print - it is genuine art.
- You receive a preview before dispatch. If anything needs correcting, we correct it. 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
- We pack and ship. You will have it within 2-3 weeks.
We have 1,689 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars on Trustpilot. That isn't because everything goes smoothly every time - it is because we keep correcting until you are happy. An oil painting is an investment, and you deserve to get it exactly right.
Oil painting vs. other types of painting
Oil painting dries slowly, has the deepest colour glow and lasts 100+ years. Highest price level.
Acrylic painting dries quickly, has a slightly flatter look and lasts 50-80 years. Mid price range.
Watercolour dries in a flash, is transparent and more fragile over time. Lower price range.
Photo print on canvas is not a painting, but a digital print. Lasts 5-15 years. Lowest price range.
If you are looking for a personal portrait that becomes an heirloom, an oil painting is the right choice. If you simply want a decorative piece for a guest room, a photo print can work perfectly well.
Questions about oil painting
How long does an oil painting take to dry completely?
The surface is typically ready for transport after 1-2 weeks. Full hardening of all layers takes 6-12 months. You can certainly hang the painting in the meantime - it just isn't ideal to move it around a lot.
Should you varnish an oil painting?
Yes, ideally after 6-12 months, once the oil has fully hardened. Varnish protects against dust, UV light and moisture. It isn't strictly necessary, but it is recommended if the painting hangs somewhere exposed.
Can you order an oil painting on canvas from a photo?
Yes - that is exactly what we do. You send a photo, and we paint it by hand in oil on canvas. Order your own here.
What does a hand-painted oil painting cost?
From 495 CHF for 60x40 cm - floating frame and free shipping included. The price is one fixed amount per size; a large painting of 100x70 cm costs 1'095 CHF.
Ready to get your own oil painting? Order a hand-painted oil painting from a photo - or take a look at our portrait collection if you are looking for inspiration.