How to Paint a Portrait

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from filmFlicka and more videos in the Painting Techniques category.

You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at http://www.howcast.com/videos/new or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at http://www.howcast.com/filmmakers/apply.

It's like a personal photo, except classier, and you can make the model look slightly more attractive than they really are.

To complete this How-To you will need:

An easel
A volunteer model
Directional lights
A camera
Drawing and painting surfaces
A sketching medium, like charcoal or pencil
Brushes
Paints

Step 1: Set up

Set up your easel.

Step 2: Let the model dress

Let the model, who should be dressed and coiffed in the way they want to be immortalized, get comfortable.

Step 3: Pose the model

Pose the model in a way that is comfortable, but interesting.

Tip: Do not let the model show teeth. They'll end up looking like a monster, or worse.

Step 4: Light from the side

Light the model from the side with a powerful, directional light. Avoid flat light.

Step 5: Take pictures

Take a lot of photos.

Step 6: Give your model a break

Give your model a short break.

Step 7: Sketch your model

Sketch your model in charcoal, conté, pencil, or pastels.

Tip: Try to get a handle on the composition, contrast and the shape of the face. Pay special attention to particularly interesting features, like the shape of the model's eyes or nose.

Step 8: Give model another break

Give your model another break.

Step 9: Do more sketches

Do at least one more sketch, with the final one in color.

Tip: You may wish to use watercolors or acrylics for this last rendering. Oils also can be used, but the cleanup time is longer, which takes more out of your model and slows down the discovery process.

Step 10: Release the model

Thank and release your model.

Step 11: Develop the pictures

Develop or import and print the photos.

Step 12: Prepare

Prep your painting surface, supplies, and materials.

Step 13: Use the sketches to remind you

On the final piece, use the sketches and photos to remind yourself about what you saw as important features.

Tip: The photos will give you a literal translation, but the sketches are where the real artistry will be found.

Step 14: Block shapes and colors

Begin the portrait by blocking in the general shapes and colors.

Step 15: Refine your shapes

Refine your shapes.

Step 16: Limit but innovate

Look for ways both to limit and make surprising use of your color palette.

Step 17: Paint until done

Paint until you're satisfied. It's tough, so the first few—or few dozen—might not turn out great.

Thanks for watching How To Paint a Portrait! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• recreation
• art
• arts
• create
• diy
• do
• it
• yourself
• doing
• essential
• skills
• face
• instructional
• learn
• to
• make

[khalil6161]

she dnt even flush the toilet

[katexatexcake]

you're a waste of space

[cubomania3]

oh m gosh I just finished watching the whole thing, it seems so overly fussy - to anyone wanting to try this just forget all the hassles, do some drawings if you want but just go right at the painting without so many steps in the process !!!! Trust yourself, you will develop a style of your own too especially if you don't let so many steps strangle you

[cubomania3]

You don't have to have certain lights, any window will do especially if you are just practising

[iamgoddard]

Excellent tutorial! And awesome painting at the end. But he should watch the Howcaste video on 'how to set up an art studio', esp the part about good lighting! :)

[SIRATJI]

if your using a camera make sure the flash is off or your lighting may be haywire

[XMandyAnNikkiLuvUX]

but painting involves more talent so tecniquly ur just 2 retarded 2 try

[BinkieMcFartnuggets]

Thanks to cameras you don't really need to sit there the whole time, or stand there naked, so if the painter tells you to stay there all night, just get out of there as soon as you can, he's probably up to no good.

[TeenageAznBoy]

omg that painting of her in the end looks so real....scary