When learning to paint a painting, many artists want to learn to paint portraits, this is not an easy task without knowing some basic techniques and tips. I will try to enlighten you on what I have learned in my lifelong career as an artist. I hope this helps you feel comfortable and gives you the confidence you will need to take on this genre.
Try to have a live subject to draw, this will help a lot, but if you can’t make the person live in front of you, ask for a clear picture that is big enough to not destroy your eyes using a magnifying glass. glass, I have met many artists who have done this over the years.
When you want to make an oil painting of say a person, first use a red pencil to draw the whole person, make sure you get the composition of the main structure of the face right, this is very important and a base for everything. others to come. . Observe all aspects of the character of the face.
Once this is done, you must first paint the eyes. Once you can see the soul through the eyes, only then can you bring it to life. Work on the eyes for as long as you need because this can make or break a portrait.
When painting different nationalities of people you used different painting techniques. When painting Caucasians, the colors used are: Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ocher (just a little), Titanium White and, very importantly, nuance it with Prussian Blue. It will really bring out a renaissance softness to the skin like meat.
Verses, when painting the ethnic people of the Americas, you will use: Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Cadmium Red, Titanium White (just a little of some of these colors). For this complexion type, EVERYONE has an orange/gold tint even when skin tones are wonderfully richer. The richer (deeper) the tones, there will be hints of velvety purple and gray mixed with light blues for the highlights. By applying Titanium Whites and then blending those colors gradually until you get the darker complexion that is needed; With that in mind, it’s important to remember that those undertones will have purple tones.
I reveal this information because many books won’t touch on this subject, but let’s face it, there are many beautiful skin types to color in the world and you better learn how to paint them all.
When painting the features of the subject, try to see the whole image with light and dark areas. Make sure your experience is very basic; you don’t want the viewer’s eye to be distracted. And the last thing about how to paint a portrait is that you need to practice, practice, practice. But have fun while you’re at it, because if you’re stressed it will show in your painting.
