ALL >> Art >> View Article
Free Portrait Painting Tips, Techniques And Instructions

Being able to capture the likeness of a human being on canvas, using paint, is certainly a sought after accomplishment for many new painters. It can also be somewhat challenging. This article will cover some of the more basic portrait painting tips & techniques and help lessen some of the confusion many beginners face. With practice, you will soon be painting portraits like the masters.
If at all possible, I highly recommend you paint your portraits using a live model as opposed to a photograph. There is simply no substitution for painting from life.
Painting a successful portrait is all about how you observe the subject. You want to study the subject as a whole. Study the bone structure and try to see shapes and planes. Do not try and paint every little detail exactly as you see it.
For beginners, it is probably best to start out with a lighting effect where light and shadow are in high contrast. This will make for a much easier painting.
Focus on one section at a time. Finish each section before moving on to the next.
...
...
Keep the darks of your portrait at a thin consistency while your lights should be painted on thickly.
Many beginners struggle with mixing flesh tones. I know I did when I first started painting. Remember that skin comes in a variety of colors & textures, so there is no specific formula for mixing flesh tones in portrait painting. You will have to experiment and practice, until you find the right color mixtures for any particular subject. Never purchase any pre-mixed flesh colors. When mixing your colors be careful not to over mix, which can deaden a color.
Try and repeat the colors and values in your painting to create balance.
When painting hair, don't try and paint every individual strand of hair. Look at the hair as one object and then paint the lights and darks. Paint the hair in the direction of the shape of the head.
The muzzle area of the face (the space between the nose and mouth) is generally the same color as the flesh but cooler.
When painting backgrounds, don't make them too detailed or busy. If you do, you will draw focus away from your portrait.
Add bits of color where the shadow meets the light in your portraits.
Fleshier parts of the face are generally warm and bonier parts of the face, like the chin for instance, are generally cool in color.
The white in the eye is not white. To get an accurate color for the white in the eye you can take the subjects basic flesh color and then lighten it with a gray made from black and white.
I hope these portrait painting tips & techniques have helped. Portrait painting can be difficult, possibly even frustrating in the beginning. Never give up and keep practicing. You will get the hang of it.
Author Mrs Mary Johnson manages the beading techniques, tips and beading basics website where you can get a complete and comprehensive beading ebook for both beading beginners and pros and 2 quality bonuses when you get the ebook. She also provides access to quality beads and beading supplies online at low prices.
Add Comment
Art Articles
1. What Is Triptych Art Prints And How It Works?Author: Hannah
2. What Is Triptych Photography In Art?
Author: Hannah
3. Capturing Souls In Ink: Portrait Tattoo Artistry In San Antonio
Author: Hyper Inkers Tattoo Studio
4. Crescent City's Summer Estates Auction, July 18-19, With 617 Lots, Online And Live In New Orleans
Author: Adam Lambert
5. Sports Bobbleheads The Celebrity Icons Of Sports Celebrities
Author: Ryan Johnson
6. What Is The Pointillism Drawing Techniques?
Author: Hannah
7. Items Signed By Lincoln, Washington, Jfk, Picasso, Others Are In University Archives July 16 Auction
Author: John Reznikoff
8. What Is Pointillism Art Techniques?
Author: Hannah
9. Best Tattoo Artist In Texas: Spotlight On Pham Minh Phuc
Author: Pham Minh Phuc
10. 14th Putnam County Wine & Music Fest Is Proud To Announce Its Lineup
Author: Lauren Drummond
11. What Is A Triptych In Art?
Author: Hannah
12. Recovery Arts Project And Bigvision Announce Partnership To Combat Addiction Through The Arts
Author: Sean Daniels
13. A Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle Card Brings $59,000 In Miller & Miller's Online Sports Auction, June 22
Author: Ben Pernfuss
14. Matthew Cossolotto Appears On "get Authentic With Marques Ogden" And Speaks To Oberlin Rotary Club
Author: Matthew Cossolotto
15. Power And Grace: Explore The Beauty Of Horse Metal Wall Framed Art For Timeless Interiors
Author: Artisticks