How to paint a portrait in oil on canvas?

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Portrait painting is one of the most difficult trends in art. To paint a portrait in oil on canvas, you need to understand the human anatomy, be able to observe proportions. Working with oil paints has its own characteristics and only at first glance seems easy. However, if there is desire and diligence, even a beginner in painting can make a wonderful gift to a loved one - a self-painted portrait.

Tips for Beginners

To understand how to paint a portrait in oil on canvas, there are many tutorials and video tutorials for beginners. For successful work, it is important to know certain rules of oil painting technique and features of portraiture.

When writing a sketch immediately on the canvas, only experienced artists work, who, in case of a mistake, can easily correct the situation with paint. For beginners, it is better to work on the form of a drawing on a cardboard sheet, where you can achieve the desired image without fear of ruining the canvas. The finished sketch is transferred to the canvas.

The soil is selected in soft colors, too dark shades should be avoided. paint betteruse a quality, well-known brand. Thinner should be added only when it is really necessary. A new coat of paint should be applied to a fairly dry, but not completely dry, bottom layer.

To draw a good portrait, you need to study the proportions of the human face and practice as much as possible. One of the main conditions for successful work is the absence of fear of ruining the canvas, painting a bad portrait, etc. Courage in improvisation and self-confidence will help you achieve the desired result faster.

Preparation for work

Before you get started, you need to prepare all the necessary tools. To write a portrait you will need:

• a person who agrees to pose for a portrait;
• photo, if a portrait is painted in oil on canvas from a photo;
• canvas, which should be pre-primed with a special tool;
• charcoal or pencil for sketching;
• paints chosen in advance for writing a portrait;
• turpentine for thinning paints;
• brushes.

Before you start working, it is important to carefully analyze the colors and shades of the sitter's face, to study his features. You should also consider the general background of the picture and its color scheme, decide on the light and angle. Best of all, when the image is thought out in advance, and before starting work, the artist already imagines the mood of the picture.

If there is no suitable candidate for sitters, you can always paint a self-portrait usingmirror. To see yourself from different angles, use several mirrors.

Steps of work

The first thing to start with is building a composition. When building it, you can use various techniques: symmetrical and asymmetrical lines, contrasts of colors and shapes, repeat certain elements. Don't forget about perspective. This will help make the portrait in oil on canvas more lively and voluminous. There is a linear and aerial perspective. The first is built when working directly with the image. Air - while working with paints, chiaroscuro.

After building the composition, you can go directly to the drawing. First, the lines of the shoulder girdle are worked out, and then they begin to determine the main lines of the head. There are standard proportions, anchor points and lines to build the shape of the head.

Working with paints is the final stage when painting a portrait. Paints are applied in several layers. The first layer is called underpainting. For underpainting, 2-3 tones are usually used. With the help of color and tone, the space of the picture is broken. Next, glazing begins. Forms are gradually refined and worked out in detail.

Basic rules for how to paint a portrait in oil on canvas

Sketching is the foundation of all portrait work. Usually, charcoal or a pencil is used to sketch under oil paints. When working with primed canvas, charcoal is used, as it is easier to erase.

It is important to correctly determine the color of the face and hair, as thiswill depend on the entire color system of the work. Start writing from the area of the face that is best clear. Making underpainting, first proceed to the largest plane. After working out large objects, they proceed to the details. White is used minimally, achieving the desired color by diluting dark colors with light, but different shades.

The finished portrait in oil on canvas should convey the beauty of nature. Working through all the details is not a sign of completion of the work. The main task is to convey the mood and character of the image, and not the complete identity of the appearance.

How to paint an oil portrait on canvas from a photo

To paint a portrait from a photograph, it is better to use a high-quality shot that shows all the nuances. Before starting work, you must carefully study the photo: the position of the person's head, the proportions and features of the face.

The steps for creating a portrait from a photo are exactly the same as from nature. But when working with photography, there are some peculiarities. The image in the photo is flat and does not convey the entire color range of the face. Due to the peculiarities of the flash on the face of a person, a lot of glare may appear in the photo, which will greatly complicate the work on the drawing.

To paint a portrait, it is better to use studio photos or several copies from different angles. Exact copying of a photograph should be avoided, it is better to try to feel and depict the character, the nature of a person in the photo.

Visit master classes

You can learn how to paint a portrait in oil on canvas with the help of various master classes, which are held both live and online. To visit the master class, you should carefully prepare, choose the artist from whom you would like to take lessons.

Painting master classes allow you to see the whole process of creating a portrait live, to get acquainted with new techniques. At the same time, it should be remembered that thoughtless repetition of the leading master class by the artist is unlikely to teach something new. For the lessons to be effective, it is necessary not only to choose an experienced and talented artist, but also to try to comprehend the methods and techniques shown by him.