2025 Winter Acrylic Painting Challenge, Lesson 6 Shading and Color Nuances

/ Uncategorized
/ By Matt Philleo

Shading and color nuances refining depth in your portrait

In this lesson, we focus on refining shading and developing color nuances to bring more depth and realism to our acrylic portrait. By applying glazes strategically, midtones are blended seamlessly, and the transition between highlights and shadows becomes more natural. This technique helps in building the structure of the face, clothing, and background while maintaining smooth tonal gradations.

Before beginning, ensure that your palette is well-prepared. The paints should be moist, making them easier to blend. Using aluminum foil as a mixing surface can provide a fresh start without affecting previous colors.

Recommended Brushes and Materials:

1-inch flat brush
3/4-inch flat brush
Round brush (size 5 or 6)
Matte medium
Aluminum foil (for palette preparation)

Step 1: Strengthening the Background Contrast

To enhance the overall contrast, the background must be adjusted. This is done by deepening the grass and reeds while subtly refining the hills in the distance.

Mixing the First Glaze:

Raw umber dark – for depth
Burnt sienna – to warm up the undertones
Matte medium – for smooth application

Using a flat brush, apply this glaze in the upper left corner, gradually blending down. Light pressure should be used in some areas to maintain a sense of atmospheric perspective.

Step 2: Adjusting the Right Side with Cooler Tones

To balance out the warmth in the painting, a cooler glaze is introduced.

Mixing the Cool Glaze:

Raw umber dark – base tone
Ultramarine blue – cools down the mix

Apply this glaze carefully to the right side, creating a contrast with the warmer reeds on the left. This step ensures variation in color temperature, making the painting feel more dynamic.

Step 3: Developing Mid-tones in Clothing and Facial Features

Now that the background has been balanced, attention shifts to shading the portrait’s clothing and facial features.

Mixing the Midtone Glaze:

Raw umber dark – primary base
Burnt sienna – to warm it up
Titanium white – to introduce opacity
Raw sienna – softens the transition

Apply this glaze using a round brush in areas that require subtle shading. The transition between shadows and highlights should be gradual. Midtones help define the shape of the jacket, adding depth to folds and creases.

Step 4: Enhancing Contrast with Darker Glazes

To refine the shading and increase contrast, a darker glaze is applied. This helps in defining areas such as:

The lapel and collar of the jacket
The brim of the hat
The creases in the vest and buttons

Mixing the Deep Contrast Glaze:

Raw umber dark – for depth
Ultramarine blue – enhances shadows
Alizarine crimson – adds richness
Titanium white – to control opacity

Using a detail brush, gently layer this glaze on darker sections, such as the folds of the jacket and the underside of the hat brim. The contrast between these darker areas and the lighter highlights enhances the three-dimensional quality of the portrait.

Step 5: Fine-Tuning Facial Shadows

Shading the face requires a delicate approach to maintain soft transitions. A semi-opaque glaze is mixed using:

Titanium white – to soften
Raw sienna – for a warm undertone
Burnt sienna – adds richness

Apply this glaze to areas such as the shadowed side of the face, beneath the hat, and along the bridge of the nose. Soft strokes ensure the blending appears natural without harsh transitions.

Tips and Techniques for Better Shading and Color Nuances

✅ Use a variety of brushes – Flat brushes are ideal for larger areas, while detail brushes help refine intricate shapes.

✅ Layer gradually – Build up tones slowly rather than applying heavy pigment all at once.

✅ Balance warm and cool tones – A mix of warm browns and cool blues enhances realism.

✅ Keep glazes transparent – Overloading paint can create muddy colors and reduce depth.

✅ Blend softly – Use light pressure when transitioning between tones for a smoother effect.

Incorporating shading and color nuances is crucial for achieving depth in an acrylic portrait. By carefully layering glazes, adjusting midtones, and refining shadows, the painting develops a more lifelike quality. The next lesson will continue refining these details, ensuring the portrait reaches a polished and professional finish.

Would you like to try this technique in your next painting? Share your progress in the Realistic Acrylic Portraits Facebook Group and join fellow artists in the 2025 Winter Acrylic Painting Challenge!

🔹 Join the challenge today: RealisticAcrylic.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is shading and color nuance important in portrait painting?
Shading creates depth, while color nuances ensure natural transitions between highlights and shadows, making the portrait look more realistic.

2. How do I avoid a chalky appearance when adding highlights?
Mix titanium white with raw sienna or burnt sienna to balance opacity and warmth. Applying too much white alone can make highlights look unnatural.

3. What is the best way to control glaze transparency?
Using matte medium ensures that glazes remain translucent. Adjust the paint-to-medium ratio depending on how strong or subtle you want the effect.

4. How many layers of glazing should be applied?
Multiple thin layers should be applied rather than a single thick one. This method allows for better control over color depth and smooth transitions.

5. Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying between layers?
Yes, but use a low heat setting to avoid cracking or warping the paint.