Jason Eric Merritt

Family Photos into Fine Art

Jason translates the essence of any photograph into an oil painting and family heirloom.
Group Portraiture

Baker-Pitts Family
Oil on Canvas | 48" x 48"

Baker-Pitts Family
(detail)

Baker-Pitts Family
(installed)

Individual Portraiture

Anthony
Oil on Canvas | 24" x 36"

Anthony
(detail)

Chloe
Oil on Canvas | 20" x 20"

Chloe
(detail)

Animal Portraiture

Rosie May
Oil on Canvas | 24" x 30"

Rosie May
(detail)

Flora & Fauna

Bee
Oil on Canvas | 20" x 36"

Getting Started

Clients begin by identifying potential photographs for Jason to use as the inspiration for his painting. Jason will then consult with clients on the final selection of a photograph from their collection. Jason will also guide clients through any remaining decisions, such as choosing the size of the canvas or the installation site. Once the parameters of the commission have been determined, Jason will provide a detailed quote and estimated time of completion.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!
About The Artist

Jason Eric Merritt is an award-winning fine artist. Born and raised in Nebraska, Jason studied painting at the School at the Art Institute of Chicago and earned a BFA in Painting and Sculpture from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. After college, Jason moved to New York City and turned his attention to graphic design. He has 20 years of experience as a designer and art director, and has helped establish the aesthetic for various companies, from architecture firms to tech start-ups.

But Jason never gave up on his true love: oil painting.

Over the years Jason has found great pleasure in the technical challenge of working with oils and in experimenting with technique. His experiments have led to a variety of distinctive styles – from abstract works that play with texture and movement, to photorealistic paintings inspired by nature, to portraiture.

As a new dad, Jason was struck by the ephemeral nature of his son’s childhood, captured in thousands of photos that, by and large, never left his phone. He was inspired by one particular photo of his infant son lying on a rich, green velvet tapestry and decided to translate the photo into a formal portrait – much to his wife’s delight.

Since then, Jason has honed a style of portraiture that brings together technology and technique in order to amplify the subtle emotional magic of photographic images. Jason’s sensitivity allows him to capture the essence of the subject and the emotional depth of the image. As a father, husband, uncle, and as a kid-at-heart, Jason cherishes the opportunity to celebrate the moments that define our families.

Testimonial

“…beautiful beyond words…”

“The painting is beautiful beyond words. You are an amazing artist. We appreciate the work, time, and attention you put into helping us capture such a special time in our lives - the day we brought home our youngest child from the hospital and completed our family. You turned our photo into a family heirloom and we’re so grateful.”

Tammy & Ed

FAQ
How much does a painting cost?

A number of factors contribute to the painting’s final cost. Primary considerations include the size of the canvas, the number of subjects, and the general complexity of the image.

How do you select your source photos?

Jason works individually with each client to review their preferred images. He has learned through experience which images translate most successfully to a new medium. (For advice on how to identify potential source photos, click here.)

Selecting an Image
Not every photograph makes a great painting. As you start collecting potential images to share with Jason, keep in mind that the strongest contenders will be…
  • in focus – The subject(s) should be completely in focus – especially the face(s). If you are looking at photos on a device, zoom in to make sure each subject is in focus.
  • high resolution – When it comes to translating a photo into a painting, the higher the resolution, the better! High resolution images lend themselves to greater detail. Low res images (for example, smartphone photos taken in low light) are often unusable – no matter how artful the image!
  • candid – The best paintings take as their inspiration a moment captured in time, rather than a moment forced by a well-meaning photographer. That doesn’t mean that professionally taken photographs are off limits – but try to choose images that aren’t overly posed.
  • your intellectual property – There’s something amazing about taking a family snapshot and turning it into a family heirloom – amateur photographers inspire some of the best paintings! However, if you want to suggest a photo taken by a professional photographer, please make sure that you have the rights to the image or explicit permission of the artist to use the image.
Other things to consider:
  • Consider the composition of the image: make sure that your subject(s) is/are completely within the frame of the photograph. Ideally, there will be a margin around the subject(s) so that there is some background for context in the image.
  • Make sure that your subject is well-lit. Ambient light generally works best. Avoid harsh direct light (e.g. the noon sun!)
Are there limits to how large or small the painting can be?

The largest canvas is 46” x 60” and the smallest canvas is 10” x 10”.

Can you make multiples?

Yes, however, each painting will be its own unique piece of art. Also, there may be constraints based on size or number of iterations.

Is there any way to visualize the finished painting before it is complete?

Yes. Jason can provide a virtual scale mockup of the painting as it will appear in your home.

Do you provide any finishes to the completed artwork?

Yes. The finished painting are delivered unvarnished, its sides will be painted flat black, and a hanger-wire will be installed. Finishes can be added or altered as required for the installation space.

Will the painting be framed?

No. Currently, Jason does not provide framing for his paintings, however, he is happy to consult on the selection of a frame or a framing service.

How long will it take to receive my painting?

A number of factors contribute to the painting’s estimated time of completion. Each painting comes with its own set of challenges to be covered during your initial consultation.

Can you complete a commission within a certain timeframe?

Yes. Time-sensitive commissions are generally accepted depending on Jason’s availability and the timing of the request.

How will I receive my painting?

If you live in New York City, Jason will deliver the painting to you directly. Clients from outside of New York City will be responsible for the cost of delivery and can choose from several options – from white glove delivery of the finished painting, to shipping the finished canvas only (which will require reframing locally).

Do you work with professional photographers?

Yes. Joint ventures with like-minded artists are welcome! Jason enjoys partnering with professional photographers to provide a la carte painting services for their clients. Please email Jason if you are interested in working in partnership.

Get in Touch

Write to jason@jemerritt.com, call 917 740 5695, or use the form below to recieve a free quote.

Recieve a Free Quote
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