Portrait Painting Techniques That Express Realism - Oils, Acrylic or Watercolor
Portrait painting that expresses realism is achievable if you practice and use correct techniques.
It does not matter if you are using oil, acrylic or watercolor paint.
Here are three techniques that will help bring your portraits to life no matter which medium you are using.
There are not too many guides available that teach you step by step just how to paint portraits or people.
It does not matter if you are using oil, acrylic or watercolor paint.
Here are three techniques that will help bring your portraits to life no matter which medium you are using.
- Always accurately sketch a drawing first.
Have you ever noticed that often times the eyes in a beginners portrait look too far apart or that the mouth is down too low? Well, getting a persons features even a fraction off, will distort a portrait.
Getting an accurate sketch should actually take a considerable amount of time and effort. - Apply the paint in layers.
It doesn't matter if you are painting with watercolor, acrylic or oil paint.
After you've applied the initial skin color to your portrait, you are only just starting.
I like to start my portraits with what I call an "underpainting".
An underpainting is a light version of the skin tone.
This is just the beginning.
Build upon this first layer with varying color and tones. - Less is more.
Here is a technique for painting realistic eye lashes.
When you are ready to add the final details to the eyes, use a very fine tipped paint brush.
Apply an ink like consistency of paint and use quick strokes to paint in just a couple of lashes.
Step back and look at your work.
You may only need a few tiny quick strokes to achieve your realistic eyelashes.
There are not too many guides available that teach you step by step just how to paint portraits or people.