Hand-Drawn and Painted 

Coats of Arms & Family Trees 

Our Selection of Painting & Drawing Techniques

At OAL, we create family trees in various formats, including digital versions, but our passion lies in artistic and traditional expressions. We specialize in hand-painted and hand-drawn family trees and coats of arms, crafted with care using four distinct painting and drawing techniques to deliver a personal and timeless masterpiece.

Guide to Choosing the Right Painting Technique

When ordering your coat of arms or family tree, the first step is deciding between a colored painted version or a black-and-white drawing. Both styles offer unique charm and expression, depending on your personal preference and the aesthetic you envision for your wall.

The next step is selecting the technique:

• For black-and-white: Choose between pencil drawing and ink drawing.
• For colored works: Choose between watercolor and acrylic painting.

Coats of Arms: Why Color Matters

For heraldic paintings like coats of arms, we always recommend a colored version. In heraldry, colors are as significant as the symbols and figures, following strict rules to add depth, identity, and symbolism. A colored coat of arms provides more expressive opportunities for your family's legacy.

Watercolor vs. Acrylic Painting

Watercolor Painting
Watercolor offers a unique blend of elegance and versatility, allowing both transparent and vivid tones. This technique is ideal for heraldic paintings and family trees where precision and a classic, artistic style are key. The subtle layering and soft transitions create a timeless and organic expression.

Acrylic Painting
Acrylic is perfect for those seeking bold, vibrant colors and depth. Its strong opacity and durability make it ideal for larger works or designs with prominent shapes and contrasts. Acrylic's intensity and flexibility ensure your coat of arms commands attention and authority.

For larger works, acrylic is often preferred, as watercolors may not scale as effectively on large surfaces.

Pencil vs. Ink Drawing

Pencil Drawing
A soft, classic technique with fine lines and shading, offering depth and subtle elegance. Ideal for detailed designs requiring precision and an organic feel.

Ink Drawing
Sharp, high-contrast, and timeless, ink drawings are perfect for bold, graphic designs. This technique requires precision and is often a great choice for designs intended for digital use or printing.

Choosing the Right Size

• Coats of Arms: We recommend A3 size as standard, balancing detail with practicality for display. For a grander impression, A2 size is ideal.
• Family Trees: The size depends on the number of names and details. Larger formats are recommended to ensure readability and balance.

Selecting the Best Paper Type

Choosing the right paper enhances the appearance and durability of your artwork. Here are the options:

Handmade Parchment Paper

• Authentic and historical, ideal for heraldic works.
• Suitable for pencil, ink, and watercolor.

Acid-Free Art Paper

• Prevents yellowing and preserves details over time.
• Perfect for ink drawings and acrylic painting.

Watercolor Paper

• Absorbs water-based media for vivid colors and smooth transitions.

Canvas Paper

• Robust and textured, ideal for acrylic paintings, offering an oil-painting-like appearance.

White Drawing Paper

• High contrast, ideal for pencil and ink drawings. Works well for digital adaptations.

Custom Advice

Not sure which technique, size, or paper is best for your project? Our team is ready to guide you in selecting the perfect options to make your coat of arms or family tree a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.