--- title: "The Artist's Process: Custom Oil Portraits by Deepanjali" description: "Explore the realistic oil painting process behind custom portraits. See how hand-painted oil portraits are created with patience and quality materials in Mumbai." canonical: https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/the-artist-s-process last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Understanding the Oil Painting Process Tribe Verified · Hand-painted oil portraits, shipped across India By [Deepanjali](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss) · Ships across India · ₹5,500 per portrait (A4 size) (estimate) Part of [Custom Oil Portrait Painting](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/gallery) Behind every portrait, there is a patient process of layering, blending, and waiting. Here is how I turn a blank canvas into a memory. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Every painting begins with a well prepared canvas. This video shows me applying a coat of gesso primer to a stretched canvas, creating a smooth and durable surface that is ready for oil paint.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4035477-0218-4db7-a8e6-33b12fbaf25f) - [Video: Here I am preparing a round canvas board for a new painting. Applying gesso is a crucial first step that ensures the paint adheres well and the colors look their best.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/49ce84b9-31b1-4706-8eb7-38f09d037f6f) - ![A quiet moment in the studio, with sunlight catching the canvas as I work. For me, the act of painting is a form of therapy and a peaceful escape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0bdcb4b7-b3fc-4ee2-88ef-6cc5244bba69) ## About The Artist's Process If you are looking for instant results, this process is not for you. Every portrait begins with a grid methodology to ensure facial accuracy, followed by multiple layers of oil paint. This slow approach is vital for depth and realism. When you commission a piece, please understand that the curing process requires several weeks to ensure the final artwork is durable and professional. My work follows a strict, meditative routine. I begin with gesso priming on the canvas. This is the foundation, and skipping it would compromise the quality of the paint adhesion and color vibrancy. For portraits, I rely on the grid method to map out features, ensuring the likeness is true to your photograph. Once the sketch is set, I build the image using Camlin Artist Grade oil paints. I prefer a slow buildup of layers rather than rushing into the details. This gives the skin tones and textures, like wedding fabric or pet fur, a realistic depth that flat paint cannot achieve. After the final brushstroke, there is a necessary waiting period. Oil paint needs time to breathe and cure. Depending on the complexity and size of your portrait, this takes anywhere from two to six weeks. I finish every piece with a protective varnish that guards against yellowing and humidity. Sabr rakh, as I often remind myself, is the secret to a good painting. You are not just getting a wall decoration. You are getting a piece of art that has been given the time it deserves. ## About Deepanjali I am Deepanjali, and for me, painting is therapy. I spend hours in my little art bubble, blending colors until faces appear on the canvas. It is a slow, quiet journey, but I love every single brushstroke. [See all of Deepanjali's services](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss) ## More from Custom Oil Portrait Painting by Deepanjali - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/featured) - [Wedding & Family Portraits](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/wedding-family-portraits) - [Spiritual & Divine Art](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/spiritual-divine-art) - [Pet Portraits](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/pet-portraits) - [Portraits of Personalities](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/portraits-of-personalities) - [Additional Portraits & Studies](https://mytribe.in/deepartworkss/custom-oil-portrait-painting/additional-portraits-studies) ## Similar work from other experts - [Turning Your Photos into Handmade Oil Portraits](https://mytribe.in/_jain_aashi_/custom-oil-portraits/from-photo-to-painting-the-process) by Aashi Jain · Custom Oil Portraits · Ships across India; Made at studio in Sector 78, Noida - [My Painting Process: From Blank Canvas to Finished Work](https://mytribe.in/sanket_thorat_07/fine-art-commissioned-paintings/the-process-from-blank-canvas-to-final-piece) by Sanket Thorat · Fine Art & Commissioned Paintings · Ships across India - [My Painting Process: From Sketch to Masterpiece](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-portrait-paintings/the-artistic-process-from-sketch-to-masterpiece) by Flourish Art by Palak Mehta · Custom Portrait Paintings · Studio in Mumbai; Ships across India - [Behind the Brush: My Painting Process](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/custom-portrait-paintings-taking-limited-orders/behind-the-brush-my-painting-process) by Rattan · Custom Portrait Paintings (Taking Limited Orders) · Ships across India - [Hand-Painted Portraits: From Initial Sketch to Final Canvas](https://mytribe.in/kamils_artt/custom-portrait-painting/the-painting-process-from-sketch-to-canvas) by Kamils Art · Custom Portrait Painting · Ships across India; Visit gallery in Udupi - [Behind the Scenes: The Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/art_of_karishma/custom-sketches-portraits/behind-the-scenes-the-creative-process) by Karishma Nain · Custom Sketches & Portraits · Ships across India and internationally, made from my studio in Delhi ## Book To book Deepanjali, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Deepanjali%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20process%20on%20the%20website%20and%20would%20like%20to%20discuss%20a%20custom%20oil%20portrait.)