Creating a 2-D rendition on canvas requires either the ability to masterfully wield a paintbrush or the strength to flatten a fruit bowl. Leave artful brawn to the professionals with today's Groupon: for $89, you get a photo rendered as a 14”x14” oil painting from Canvas Memories (a $254.25 value, including HST).

Canvas Memories staffs a team of 20 professional oil artisans who hand-paint re-creations of customers' favourite photos. Painting-seekers send in digital files of chosen images such as family portraits, wedding shots, or close-ups of cherished porcelain bathroom tiles. Artists then consult the frozen memory as they draw an initial sketch across the 100 per cent linen canvas. Brushes dance over tableaux to fill in lines with oil paints before the skilled canvas-coater adds highlights to enhance each rendering's realism. Customers' custom 14”x14” masterpieces arrive rolled up at doors approximately one to three months later, after photos finally stop blinking every time the artist attempts to paint them. Purchasers may choose to upgrade to a larger canvas size, such as 20"x20", for an additional fee.

Though Canvas Memories sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.