About This Project
Learn the fundamentals of creating lifelike oil portraits using traditional techniques. This tutorial walks you through preparing your canvas, blocking in forms, blending skin tones, and capturing expression and realism in portraiture.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Set Up Your Canvas: Start with a toned canvas to help establish midtones early.
- Sketch the Portrait: Use a neutral color like burnt umber to loosely sketch the facial proportions.
- Block in Shadows and Light: Begin separating values with thinned paint using large brushes.
- Mix Skin Tones: Blend a base mix of titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and ultramarine blue.
- Layer Gradually: Build form with layers, allowing drying time between sessions.
- Refine Details: Add eyes, lips, hair texture, and other details with fine brushes.
- Final Touches: Use a soft brush to blend edges and adjust highlights for realism.
Video Tutorial
Watch and learn at your own pace: