2025 Winter Acrylic Painting Challenge, Lesson 4: Beginning Your Portrait with Glazes

How to create depth and vibrancy with translucent layers

Welcome to Lesson 4 of the 2025 Winter Acrylic Painting Challenge! Despite the frosty weather outside, we’re turning up the creative heat in the studio. This lesson, focuses on beginning your portrait with glazes, a transformative technique that brings depth and vibrancy to your artwork.

If you haven’t joined the challenge yet. Sign up at realisticacrylic.com to access a free welcome kit that includes a supply list, palette layout guide, and reference photos. Let’s dive in!

What Are Acrylic Glazes?

Acrylic glazing is a technique where translucent layers of paint are applied over a sealed base to create depth, vibrancy, and subtle color variations. The secret lies in using matte medium to thin the paint, allowing light to pass through the layers, enhancing the richness of the colors.

Materials You’ll Need:

Paint Colors: Raw Umber Dark, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Alizarine Crimson, Napthol Red, Organic Orange, Indian Yellow, Titanium White.
Brushes: 1-inch flat, 3/8-inch flat, and a round brush (size 12 recommended).
Other Supplies: Matte medium, palette, spray bottle, paper towel, and a reference photo.

Steps to Begin Your Portrait with Glazes:

1. Prepare Your Canvas

Start with a sealed sketch. Use a mix of matte medium, titanium white, and a hint of ultramarine blue to create a muted base layer. This step ensures your sketch remains intact while providing a smooth surface for glazing.

2. Mix Your Glazes

Use a ratio of 90% matte medium to 10% paint.
Test your glaze on a white card or scrap paper to ensure it’s translucent.
Remember: It’s better to go lighter than you think, as glazes can always be layered for more depth.

3. Block in the Large Areas

Focus on creating contrasts between:

Warm and Cool Tones: Identify warm areas (reds, oranges) and cool areas (blues, greens) in your reference photo.
Lights and Darks: Use a scale from white to black to determine the value contrasts.

4. Apply the First Glaze

Use the 1-inch flat brush to lay down your initial color.
Begin with the darkest warm areas, such as clothing or background reeds.
Work in sections, keeping a wet edge to ensure smooth transitions.

5. Build Gradually

Layer additional glazes to develop the richness and subtle tonal shifts. Use thin, even strokes and avoid overworking the paint.

Tips for Success:

Keep Your Paint Moist: Use a spray bottle to lightly mist your palette as you work.
Posture Matters: Hold your brush at an angle for better control, especially when cutting around detailed areas.
Engage with Others: Share your progress in the Realistic Acrylic Portraits Facebook Group for encouragement and feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why use matte medium instead of water?

A: Matte medium maintains the integrity of the paint while creating a translucent effect. Water can weaken the paint film and reduce vibrancy.

Q: How many layers should I apply?

A: There’s no set number. Apply as many layers as needed to achieve the desired depth and richness, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly.

Q: Can I use gloss medium instead?

A: It’s possible but not recommended for this technique. Matte medium provides better control and reduces unwanted shine during the glazing process.

Glazing is a game-changer in portrait painting, allowing you to add depth and realism with ease. By starting with thin, translucent layers, you can build up your painting gradually, achieving vibrant and lifelike results.

Don’t forget to post your work in the Realistic Acrylic Portraits Facebook Group and connect with fellow artists. Whether it’s your first portrait or your tenth, this challenge is designed to help you create a masterpiece you’ll be proud of.