It takes about 2-3 weeks to have a hand-painted painting from a photo delivered by Fotoalsgemälde.ch. The process consists of four phases: photo analysis (1-2 days), the painting process (7-10 days), drying time for the oil (2-3 days) and shipping by insured parcel delivery (2-4 working days). It is a process that can't be rushed without compromising on quality - here is the full explanation.
The 4 phases in making your painting
When you order a painting from a photo, we get started straight away. Each phase has a defined purpose, and each phase has a good reason for taking exactly as long as it does.
Phase 1: Photo analysis and preparation (1-2 days)
Before we paint a single stroke, we go through your photo. We assess:
- Sharpness and resolution - can we see faces and details clearly enough?
- Lighting - is the subject evenly lit, or are there harsh shadows that need adjusting?
- Composition - does the subject suit the chosen canvas size?
- Any background changes - do you want a plain background or to keep the original?
If we find problems that will affect the finished result, we contact you. That happens, for example, if the photo is too blurry, or if two people have very different light sources. Better caught here than only after the painting has been painted.
Once the photo is approved internally, we prepare the canvas, mix the base colours and draw a light underdrawing on the canvas.
Phase 2: The painting process (7-10 days)
This is where most of the time is spent. The artist Michael paints in several layers - this is the classic oil painting technique:
- Base layer (days 1-2): Base colours and large areas are laid down first. This gives an overall foundation of colour and tone.
- Middle layers (days 3-5): Details in clothing, hair, background. Shadows and highlights begin to take shape.
- Detail layers (days 6-8): Facial features, eyes, hands - this is where the likeness really emerges.
- Finish (days 9-10): Final details, highlights in the eyes, fine hairs, any flowers or patterns in clothing.
Between each layer the paint has to dry partially, otherwise the colours blend uncontrollably. That is why you can't simply paint an oil painting in a day - the chemistry doesn't allow it.
Phase 3: Drying time (2-3 days)
When Michael has laid down his last stroke, the painting isn't ready for shipping. Oil dries slowly - the surface is dry after about 24 hours, but the deeper layers still contain moisture. We let the painting dry for 2-3 days before we pack it.
If we pack too early, we risk that:
- The wrapping leaves marks in the wet paint
- The colours are blurred by condensation in the package
- The canvas may be damaged in transit
The extra days are an investment in the painting arriving in perfect condition.
Phase 4: Packing and shipping (2-4 working days)
We pack the painting in specially designed packaging with several layers of protection: tissue paper, bubble wrap, corner protectors and a rigid box. The parcel is sent by insured, trackable parcel delivery (DHL/UPS) to your door anywhere in Switzerland, and delivery typically takes 2-4 working days from dispatch. Your painting arrives duty-paid and taxed (DDP) - no additional charges on delivery.
Why doesn't it take less time?
We occasionally get the question: "Can't you do it in 1 week?" The short answer is no - not without the quality suffering. Here is why.
The chemistry of oil paint
Oil paint doesn't dry by evaporation like acrylic paint - it oxidises. It is a chemical process that literally can't be rushed. If you paint a new layer on top of a wet layer, the colours blend and you lose detail and depth. That is why classical painters have used the same drying times for 500 years.
Level of detail and likeness
A good portrait painting has to capture the genuine likeness of the person being portrayed. That takes time with a brush, not mechanical speed. The eyes, mouth and nose in particular are the three things that decide whether the "person has been captured". Those details can't be done in 30 minutes.
Quality check
Before we send, we go through the painting in daylight to make sure that colours, contrast and likeness are in place. If Michael sees something that can be adjusted, he does it - it is part of the quality process.
What if I'm in a hurry?
If you need the painting for a specific date - for example a birthday, anniversary or holiday - we recommend ordering at least 3 weeks ahead. That gives a buffer for any revisions or delays in shipping.
If you are really short of time (under 2 weeks), we can in some cases offer express production for an additional charge. Contact us via our customer service and we will find a solution.
Alternative: buy a gift voucher
If the painting is meant as a gift and you can't make it within 2-3 weeks, the solution is a gift voucher for a personal painting. The recipient chooses the subject, size and photo afterwards - the gift voucher is valid for 2 years.
What happens if I'm not satisfied?
We show you a sketch along the way so you can comment before it is finished. If, despite that, you aren't satisfied when the painting arrives, we have a satisfaction guarantee. We repaint it for free, or you get your money back. It is part of why we have 4.5/5 on Trustpilot from 1,689 reviews.
Timetable: order in good time for special occasions
Here is an overview of when you need to order at the latest to have the painting in time for the most popular gift occasions:
- Birthday: Order 3 weeks before
- Christmas: Order by 1 December at the latest
- Mother's Day (second Sunday in May - 9 May 2027): Order by 18 April 2027 at the latest
- Father's Day (first Sunday in June - 6 June 2027): Order by 16 May 2027 at the latest
- Wedding anniversary: Order 3-4 weeks before
- New-baby gift: Order 2-3 weeks before the expected due date
Why 2-3 weeks?
We have our own artist, Michael, with a dedicated studio in Hong Kong, and that is what makes 2-3 weeks possible - without any loss of quality.
AI images are delivered in minutes, but are digital prints without the tactile depth and lifespan of an oil painting. Canvas prints (photo on canvas) take 3-5 days, but again they aren't painted - they are printed.
Ready to order?
Once you have chosen your subject and size, you can start directly on the painting from a photo page. The whole process is digital and simple - you upload a photo, we paint, and 2-3 weeks later your painting hangs on the wall.
If you would like to see examples of what we have made, take a look at our portrait painting gallery, family paintings or wedding paintings.