Photographer Chris Bamber, who has set up a business with Chinese artists who make paintings from photos. Picture Peter Boam.
A NEW business turning snaps into hand-painted works of art has been established by an Island photographer working with artists thousands of miles away.
Chris Bamber created pixpainted.com after a search of the internet led to the discovery of talented copy artists in China, capable of transforming any image into an oil painting.
He was so impressed after sending a photograph of his young daughter running on a beach to one artist he wanted to establish a business that would give everyone the same opportunity.
"When the picture of my daughter came back, I thought it was incredible. Really I am a frustrated artist myself.
"I have spent 22 years taking photographs but I would love to be able to paint some of the things I capture on camera," said Chris, of Mayfield Road, Ryde.
Chris brought together a team of artists specialising in different subject matter and through pixpainted.com users can electronically upload a shot, which will then be copied by one of the team.
"They are highly technical copiers. From ordering to delivery a painting takes about six weeks and the client gets approval and can ask for any changes," he said.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk