Obviously the least expensive way is to do it yourself. In order to convert a canvas photo to an art painting you will need to use photo editing software.

The best photo editing software available is without doubt Adobe Photoshop. Unfortunately the program is quite expensive. Adobe does, however, have a “light” version that you can use called Adobe Photoshop Elements. If you intend to create canvas photo art Elements works very well. You can download both programs for free for a one-month trial period.

Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements uses filters which allow you to create different kinds of "paintings" such as Watercolor canvas photos or Sketch Drawing canvas photos. By playing with the different available filters you can choose which painting style suits you best.

When you have chosen and applied the filter your canvas photo is ready and you can simply print it as a normal photo on canvas.