Blog - Page 5 of 27 - Realistic Acrylic Portrait School

How to Paint Golden Dog Fur with Glazes in Acrylic

Learn the art of painting realistic golden fur with layered glazing techniques

Introduction

Painting fur, especially the luxurious golden tones of a dog’s coat, can be both challenging and rewarding. This guide will walk you through the process of how to paint golden dog fur using acrylic glazes to achieve a realistic fur texture. Capturing the softness and depth that make your pet portraits stand out. By layering colors and adding subtle details, you can create a painting that feels lifelike and rich in detail.

Step 1: Preparing Your Painting

Before diving into the glazing process, ensure your painting is at the mid-point of completion. You should have the basic colors, values, and contrasts laid out. For this demonstration, the subject is an 8×10 commission portrait of a dog, with the fur already sketched and the initial layers of paint applied.

Step 2: Choosing Your Colors and Medium

The key to painting realistic fur lies in the selection of colors and the medium. For golden fur, start with a clear glazing medium mixed with raw umber dark—a deep, rich brown that’s essential for adding depth. This color will serve as the base for building up the layers of fur.

Step 3: Applying the First Glaze

Dip your brush into the glazing medium and add a small amount of raw umber. The goal is to create a translucent layer that enhances the existing colors without overwhelming them. Gently brush this glaze over the fur, focusing on areas where you want to deepen the shadows and add warmth. Use your finger to softly blend the edges, ensuring a smooth transition between the glazed areas and the underlying paint.

Step 4: Building Depth with Additional Glazes

Continue adding layers of glaze to build depth in the fur. To enhance the natural tones, mix a touch of alizarine crimson with the raw umber, creating a warm, reddish-brown hue. Apply this mixture to areas like the ears and around the eyes, where the fur naturally darkens. Remember to work in thin layers, gradually building up the color intensity.

Step 5: Adjusting Tones and Highlights

As you layer your glazes, you might find some areas becoming too warm or dark. To balance this, mix in a small amount of white with your glazing medium. White has a cooling effect, which can help to tone down overly warm areas. Apply this cooler glaze to sections of the fur that need to recede or appear lighter. For instance, if the body of the dog appears too dark compared to the reference photo, this cool glaze can help bring it closer to the desired tone.

Step 6: Adding Fine Details

Once you’ve built up the depth and tone, it’s time to add the finer details that make the fur appear realistic. Use a small, pointed brush to carefully darken areas between individual strands of fur, particularly around the dog’s eyes, nose, and forehead. These darker details will give the fur its texture and make the painting pop.

Step 7: Balancing Opacity and Transparency

While glazes add beautiful translucency to your painting, it’s important to balance this with some areas of opacity. Opaque layers, when used sparingly, can enhance the richness and substance of the fur. Mix your paint with less medium to create these opaque layers, and apply them strategically where the fur appears thickest or where you want to emphasize highlights.

Step 8: Final Adjustments and Highlights

As you near the completion of the painting, step back and evaluate the overall composition. Are there areas that need more contrast? Do certain sections of fur need to be lightened or darkened? Make these adjustments with additional glazes or opaque layers as needed. Finally, add the brightest highlights to the fur, using a nearly opaque mix of white and your chosen colors. These highlights should be applied sparingly, focusing on the areas where the light naturally hits the fur.

Tips and Techniques:

Work in Layers: Building up the fur with multiple thin glazes allows you to achieve a rich, realistic texture.
Use a Soft Brush: For blending glazes, a soft brush works best to avoid harsh lines.
Keep Your Palette Fresh: As the medium starts to dry, refresh your palette to maintain the fluidity of the paint.
Experiment with Color: Don’t be afraid to adjust your glazes with different color mixes to match the fur’s tone.

Painting golden dog fur with acrylic glazes is a technique that requires patience and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. By layering colors and carefully balancing opacity with transparency, you can create a portrait that truly captures the essence of your furry subject. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these techniques will help you elevate your pet portraits to new levels of realism.

Read more about my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more and check out my free courses here. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn and apply to your paintings. Happy painting!

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

New Portrait Painting Class Coming Very Soon!

/ New Course
/ By Matt Philleo

I’m SO excited for the new painting class that I will be opening up tomorrow!

So what’s the difference between that one and the old one?

Well, the first one, “Paint Your First Amazing Acrylic Portrait,” was launched waaaay back in 2017. One of my online followers, Dorothy, asked and asked and asked me when I was going to teach a class. I had taught in-person classes for a while, but I wasn’t sure if it was possible to teach online.

Despite my uncertainty, a very eager Dorothy, who was in her 80’s, bought a webcam and I walked her through on how to set it up. Then she asked me, “IF you were to teach a class, how much would you charge?”

I researched online, and it seemed like $97 was a good price. So I told her, and she said, “I’ll mail you a check.”

So now, I HAD to do the class!

I let the people on my email list of 141 people know and 10 signed up! And that was my original class. I taught it all live. I bought an online class teaching me how to teach an online class. They said, “it’s better just to do it imperfectly than to be a perfectionist and not do it at all.”

I took that to heart and decided to take action.

From several conversations with artists, I learned what they wanted in a class, and what frustrations they were experiencing while trying to paint a portrait in acrylic. I created my lesson plan based on that.

Quickly, I suspended my webcam with some sticks and wire on the ceiling and started meeting with the students once a week, and recording the lessons.

That first class was good—for a beta class—and hundreds of students got great results from it. But I know it could be better. I’ve gotten tons of feedback. Like hundreds of comments from students to know what to improve.

So what will be the difference between the classes?

Let me show you.

As you can see, God willing, the new class will be TONS better! I am excited to offer it to you.

Tomorrow, I’ll give you more details and open it up for enrollment.

Sign up here on my email list to get the invite:

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits

Blessings,

Matt

P.S. Do you have any questions about this class? Leave a comment below. I’m excited to teach you!

How to Paint Realistic Trees & Landscapes: Technique

I’ll show you what colors to use (and why), how to mix the paint with matte medium for the glazing technique

Introduction

Creating realistic trees and landscapes in acrylic paintings can be a rewarding yet challenging task. The secret to mastering this lies in the glazing technique, which allows for depth, luminosity, and a natural appearance. In this guide, we’ll walk through a detailed process to help you bring your landscape elements to life. And I’ll show you how I paint realistic trees & landscapes using a technique and a step-by-step process.

How to Paint Realistic Trees & Landscapes

Understanding the Glazing Technique

Glazing is a fundamental technique in acrylic painting, where you apply thin layers of translucent paint to build depth and vibrancy. This method is particularly useful when painting backgrounds, like trees in landscapes, as it preserves the underlying sketch while adding color and detail gradually.

Materials Needed:

Acrylic paints (ultramarine blue, phthalo blue, titanium white, raw sienna, raw umber dark)
Matte medium
Brushes (quarter-inch flats, rounds, filberts)
Palette for mixing colors

Step-by-Step Process:

Mixing the Glaze: Start by creating your glaze mixture. Combine a small amount of paint with a generous amount of matte medium. The matte medium is a clear acrylic without pigment, allowing for translucent layers that maintain the integrity of your initial sketch.
Choosing the Right Colors: Begin with subdued colors for the background, as these will give the illusion of distance. For instance, mix ultramarine blue with raw sienna to create a subdued green. To add variety, incorporate phthalo blue and titanium white, adjusting with raw umber dark to neutralize any intensity.

Painting Trees in the Distance

To create realistic trees in the background, focus on cooler, less intense colors. These colors recede visually, making the trees appear further away.

Block in the Shapes: Use a mix of phthalo blue, ultramarine blue, and a touch of titanium white for the distant trees. Lightly apply this mix to establish the overall shape, not worrying too much about staying within the lines—overlapping can be adjusted later with background colors.
Adjusting Tones: If your color is too vibrant, add raw umber dark, to tone it down, creating a more natural look. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your distant trees don’t overpower the foreground elements.
Layering with Glazes: Continue layering glazes to build up the form of the trees. Use a dry-brush technique to add subtle transitions between light and shadow, which will give your trees a more three-dimensional appearance. Remember, the goal is to see the abstraction within realism—simplify complex shapes into manageable forms.

Bringing the Midground to Life

The midground trees and landscape elements should be more defined than those in the background but still less intense than the foreground.

Creating Midground Colors: For the midground, slightly warm up your color palette by adding more raw sienna to the mix. This will create a gentle contrast between the cooler background trees and the warmer midground.
Detailing with Brushwork: Use smaller brushes to add details like branches and foliage. Focus on capturing the shapes and shadows without getting too detailed, as this can detract from the overall realism. It’s about striking a balance between simplicity and complexity.

Final Touches: Adding Depth to the Foreground

The foreground is where you can introduce the most detail and contrast, drawing the viewer’s eye.

Darkening the Shadows: To add depth, mix a darker shade by combining ultramarine blue, phthalo blue, and a bit of raw umber dark. Apply this to the base of the trees and other shadowed areas.
Highlighting with Glazes: Use warm glazes to highlight areas where light would naturally hit. This will make the trees and landscape pop, giving the impression of sunlight filtering through.
Maintaining Color Harmony: As you paint, continually ask yourself where else you can apply the current color mix. This promotes harmony across the painting and helps unify the different elements.

The glazing technique is a powerful tool for creating realistic trees and landscapes in acrylic paintings. By layering translucent colors and focusing on the subtle interplay of light and shadow, you can achieve a natural and immersive scene. Remember to be patient and allow the process to unfold gradually. With practice, you’ll find that your ability to capture the beauty of nature in your paintings will significantly improve.

Tips and Techniques Recap:

Use matte medium to create translucent glazes.
Start with cooler, subdued colors for distant trees.
Layer glazes to build depth and form.
Strike a balance between simplicity and detail.
Apply color harmony by reusing mixtures across the painting.

By incorporating these techniques, you’ll elevate your landscape paintings, making them more lifelike and captivating.

Read more about my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more and check out my free courses here. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn and apply to your paintings. Happy painting!

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

How To Paint Golden Fields Under Crimson Trees:30 Minute Acrylic

Capture the essence of autumn with this quick and vibrant acrylic landscape

Introduction

Autumn is a season of vibrant colors, with trees adorned in hues of crimson, orange, and gold. Capturing this beauty on canvas can be a rewarding challenge for any artist. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to paint a stunning landscape featuring golden fields under crimson trees using acrylic paints. This guide is based on a 30-minute painting session, so it’s perfect for those who want to create a quick yet impactful artwork. Let’s dive into the steps, colors, and techniques needed to bring this autumn scene to life.

Materials You Will Need

Canvas: 8×10 inch white canvas board
Acrylic Paints:
- Ivory Black
- Raw Umber
- Dark Burnt Sienna
- Raw Sienna
- Ultramarine Blue
- Alizarine Crimson
- Naphthol Red
- Pyrrole Orange
- Indian Yellow
- Titanium White
Brushes:
- Quarter-inch flat brush
- Medium flat brush
- Detail brush
Palette
Water and Cloth for Cleaning Brushes
Matte Medium (Optional)

Step 1: Setting the Scene

Before starting your painting, it’s essential to set up a scene in your mind or use a reference photo. For this tutorial, we’re inspired by a pictures autumn view from Wisconsin, where golden fields stretch under a canopy of crimson trees.

Blocking in the Horizon

Begin by establishing your horizon line on the canvas. This line should sit slightly below the center, following the golden mean, which is not quite the halfway mark but a bit above a third. This placement will help balance your composition.

Mix a base color using ultramarine blue, raw sienna, and titanium white to create a soft greenish tone for the distant trees. Use a medium flat brush to block in the horizon line and the general structure of the fields and hills.

Step 2: Painting the Fields

The golden fields are the focal point of this painting. To achieve the rich tones of harvested crops, mix burnt sienna, raw sienna, and titanium white to create a warm base color. Apply this mixture to the foreground, using broad, horizontal strokes to suggest the flow of the field.

For the mid-ground, lighten the base color by adding more titanium white and a touch of indian yellow. This area should be slightly lighter to create depth and distance. Apply firm pressure with your brush to create a sense of texture in the field.

Step 3: Creating the Distant Hills

The distant hills should be a lighter, more subdued version of the field colors. Mix titanium white, phthalo blue, and indian yellow to create a muted greenish-blue tone. Apply this color to the hills in the background, keeping your brushstrokes soft and horizontal.

This muted tone will help push the hills further back in the composition, creating a sense of depth.

Step 4: Adding the Crimson Trees

Now comes the exciting part—adding the vibrant crimson trees that will dominate the upper part of the composition. Mix pyrrole orange, alizarine crimson, and a touch of indian yellow to create a fiery red-orange color. Use a small flat brush to apply this color in dabs and strokes, mimicking the natural shape of tree foliage.

Pay attention to the placement of these trees. Group them in clusters to avoid a pattern-like appearance, which can make the painting look unnatural. Place the trees slightly off-center to create a more dynamic composition.

Step 5: Enhancing the Colors

To make the trees stand out even more, layer in highlights and additional tones. Mix titanium white with pyrrole orange for brighter highlights, and with indian yellow for golden touches. Apply these colors to the tops of the trees, where sunlight would naturally hit, creating a vibrant glow.

You can also add a few touches of bright green to the trees by mixing phthalo blue with indian yellow and titanium white. This will add variety and realism to the foliage.

Step 6: Introducing the Foreground Trees

To frame the scene, add darker trees in the foreground. Mix raw sienna, ultramarine blue, and ivory black to create a deep, dark green. Use a small flat brush to paint the silhouettes of trees and bushes in the foreground. These trees should be darker and more detailed to draw the viewer’s eye into the scene.

Step 7: Final Touches and Details

With the main elements in place, it’s time to refine your painting with final details. Add texture to the trees by using a dry-brush technique—lightly drag a nearly dry brush with a small amount of paint over the canvas to create the illusion of leaves and branches.

If needed, add more highlights to the tops of the trees and fine-tune the colors in the fields. You can also use a detail brush to add small branches or leaves that catch the light.

Finally, paint the sky using a mix of titanium white and a tiny amount of ultramarine blue to create a soft, pale blue. The sky should be light and slightly gray, complementing the warm tones of the landscape below.

Tips & Techniques

Use a Reference: Always have a reference photo or real-life scene in mind. This helps maintain accuracy and enhances the realism of your painting.
Layering Colors: Start with darker tones and gradually layer lighter colors on top. This technique adds depth and dimension to your painting.
Brush Control: For more control over the shapes and textures, use smaller brushes for details and larger brushes for broader areas.
Timing: Remember, this is a 30-minute painting session. Keep your strokes deliberate and avoid overworking any part of the painting.

Painting an autumn landscape in just 30 minutes is not only possible but also a rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can capture the essence of golden fields under crimson trees and bring a slice of autumn’s beauty to your canvas. Don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out perfect—each painting is a learning opportunity. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll master the art of quick, vibrant landscapes.

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

How to Use Halation to Improve Vibrance and Realism

Learn how to add warmth and depth to your portraits with this simple yet powerful technique

Introduction

When it comes to portrait painting, achieving vibrance and realism can be a challenging task. However, with the right techniques, you can bring your paintings to life with rich colors and dynamic contrast. One such technique is halation, a method that involves adding warmer tones at the edges of light and dark values. This blog post will guide you through the process of using halation to improve the vibrance and realism in your acrylic paintings, inspired by the works of artists like Wayne Thiebaud.

What is Halation?

Halation is a technique where warmer tones are applied at the junctions between light and dark values in a painting. This creates a glowing effect, adding depth and energy to the artwork. The term “halation” is derived from the word “halo,” which refers to the glowing ring often seen around a light source. In painting, this technique can be used to enhance the visual impact of the artwork, especially in scenes with dramatic lighting.

Why Use Halation?

The use of halation can significantly enhance the vibrance and realism of a painting. By adding warm tones, such as reds, oranges, and yellows, at the edges where light meets shadow, the painting gains a dynamic contrast that draws the viewer’s eye. This technique is particularly effective in creating a sense of depth and making the subjects in the painting stand out. Additionally, halation can evoke a warm, glowing atmosphere, which is especially useful in scenes with strong sunlight or other light sources.

The Halation Technique in Action

In the video, I’ll demonstrate the use of halation while working on a 30×40 acrylic portrait of Moses, Aaron, and Hur during the Amalakite battle. The scene is set with extreme lighting, where most subjects are in shadow with strong illumination hitting just the edges. Here’s how halation is applied in this scenario:

Choosing the Right Colors:
I uses a combination of pyrrole orange and indian yellow to create the warm tones needed for halation. These colors are vibrant and stand out well against the darker background, making them ideal for this technique.
Applying Warm Tones:
Using a round brush, I carefully applies these warm tones at the junctions between light and dark values. For example, around Moses’ face, the edges of the clothing, and even on the rocks and clouds. The goal is to highlight the areas where the light meets the shadow, creating a glowing effect.
Maintaining the Lighting Scenario:
The halation technique is particularly effective in scenes with dramatic lighting, such as the low sunlight depicted in this painting. By adding warm tones in these high-contrast areas, the painting maintains a consistent lighting scenario that enhances the overall realism.
Creating Visual Impact:
As the warmer tones are added, the painting begins to take on a more vibrant and energetic feel. The halation effect draws the viewer’s attention to the key elements of the painting, such as the faces of the subjects and the illuminated edges of their clothing. This not only improves the vibrance but also adds a sense of movement and life to the scene.

Tips and Techniques for Using Halation

Select the Right Colors:
When choosing colors for halation, opt for warm, vibrant hues like reds, oranges, and yellows. These colors should complement the existing palette of your painting while standing out enough to create the desired contrast.
Use a Fine Brush:
Precision is key when applying halation. Use a fine, round brush to carefully add the warm tones at the edges of light and dark values. This ensures that the halation effect is subtle yet impactful.
Balance the Effect:
While halation can add vibrance, it’s important not to overdo it. Apply the warm tones sparingly, focusing on the areas of highest contrast. This will prevent the painting from becoming too saturated and losing its realism.
Practice on Smaller Areas First:
If you’re new to halation, start by practicing on smaller areas of your painting. Experiment with different colors and brush techniques to see how the effect changes the overall look of the artwork.
Study the Masters:
Artists like Wayne Thiebaud have mastered the halation technique. Study their works to see how they use warm tones to enhance vibrance and realism. This can provide inspiration and guidance as you incorporate halation into your own paintings.

Halation is a powerful technique that can transform your acrylic paintings, adding vibrance and realism by carefully placing warm tones at the edges of light and dark values. Whether you’re working on a dramatic battle scene or a serene portrait, mastering halation will elevate your art to new levels of depth and energy. Start experimenting with this technique today, and watch as your paintings come to life with color and light.

For more tips and tutorials on acrylic painting, be sure to check out my website at www.realisticacrylic.com, and my free course. Where you can find a wealth of resources to help you improve your skills and create stunning artwork. Happy painting!

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

How to Paint Old Man with Black Cap in 30 Minutes

Learn the art of acrylic portraits with quick and effective alla prima technique

Introduction

Creating a compelling portrait in just 30 minutes might seem daunting, but with the right approach and technique, it’s entirely possible. This tutorial guides you through painting an old man with a black cap using the alla prima method—a technique where you complete the painting in one session while the paint is still wet.

This approach not only sharpens your skills but also helps you capture the essence of your subject with speed and accuracy.

Materials and Colors

Before starting, make sure you have the following materials:

Canvas: 8×10 inches, pre-toned
Brushes: Round brush, flat brush, and filbert brush
Palette:
- Titanium White
- Ivory Black
- Raw Umber Dark
- Burnt Sienna
- Raw Sienna
- Phthalo Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Alizarine Crimson
- Naphthol Red
- Pyrrole Orange
- Indian Yellow
- Matte Medium

Step 1: Setting Up the Canvas

Start by preparing your 8×10 inch canvas, ensuring it’s pre-toned to provide a neutral background. This helps in achieving the correct values and tones as you paint. For this tutorial, we’ll be painting an old man with a black cap using opaque colors, which differ from the usual glazing method.

Step 2: Blocking In the Composition

Using a mixture of ivory black and matte medium, lightly sketch the composition. Focus on the general shapes of the hat, eyes, cheek structure, beard, and shoulders. Keep in mind the overall proportions and the placement of key features. The old man’s shoulder is hunched, and his beard is prominent, so take care to capture these unique aspects of his posture.

Step 3: Establishing the Mid-Tones

Mix titanium white with raw sienna and pyrrole orange to create a warm flesh tone. Begin applying this to the highlighted areas of the face, such as the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Given the strong lighting on the subject, you’ll notice high contrast in these areas, which you should replicate in your painting.

Step 4: Adding Shadows and Depth

To create the shadows, mix ivory black with ultramarine blue and raw umber dark. Apply this mixture to the left side of the face, under the hat, and around the nose and mouth. These darker tones will give your portrait depth and dimension, making the facial features more prominent.

Step 5: Detailing the Beard and Mustache

For the beard and mustache, use a mixture of titanium white, raw umber dark, and a touch of indian yellow. Apply this color to the beard, allowing it to contrast slightly with the flesh tones. Add a cooler shadow on the left side of the beard by incorporating ultramarine blue into the mix.

Step 6: Enhancing Facial Features

Work on the finer details of the face, such as the nasolabial folds, eye sockets, and wrinkles. Use a smaller round brush to carefully apply darker tones to these areas, blending as needed to create smooth transitions. Add a touch of warmth to the nose and cheeks by mixing in alizarine crimson and burnt sienna.

Step 7: Painting the Black Cap

Switch to a larger round brush to block in the black cap. Use ivory black with a hint of ultramarine blue for the darker areas, and lighten the mixture with titanium white for the highlights on the cap’s surface. The filbert brush works well for adding subtle gradients and capturing the cap’s texture.

Step 8: Defining the Clothing

The old man’s clothing is mostly in shadow, so use the same dark mixture from the cap to paint his coat. Add wrinkles and folds using a lighter version of this color, applying it with a flat brush to suggest the form of his arm and chest.

Step 9: Final Touches and Highlights

Add the finishing touches by enhancing the highlights on the face, beard, and cap. For example, brighten the top of the cap with a mix of titanium white and raw sienna. Ensure that the transitions between light and shadow are smooth, and take a step back to assess the overall balance of the portrait.

In just 30 minutes, you’ve created a striking portrait of an old man with a black cap, capturing the essence of the subject through careful attention to detail and contrast. This exercise not only improves your speed and accuracy but also hones your ability to see and replicate values effectively. Keep practicing with different subjects and lighting conditions to further refine your skills and confidence in Alla Prima painting.

Tips and Techniques

Work Quickly: The 30-minute time limit forces you to focus on essential details and avoid overworking areas. Embrace the challenge to improve your speed and decision-making.
Use a Limited Palette: Simplifying your color choices helps you maintain harmony in your painting and allows you to focus more on values.
Capture the Essence: Rather than aiming for perfection, strive to capture the subject’s character and mood. The goal is to create a convincing likeness in a short time.

This method is excellent for artists who want to improve their efficiency and brush control while producing high-quality work. Keep practicing, and you’ll find yourself becoming faster and more confident in your portrait painting abilities!

Read more about my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more and check out my free courses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn and apply to your paintings. Happy painting!

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

How to Save Money on Your Acrylic Paint

Discover tips and techniques to maximize your painting budget.

Introduction:

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium loved by artists for its quick-drying properties, vibrant colors, and adaptability. However, the costs can add up, especially when you’re working on large projects or creating art regularly. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips on how to save money on your acrylic paint without compromising on quality. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, these strategies will help you stretch your budget further.

1. Choose Affordable Yet High-Quality Paint Brands:

One of the most effective ways to save money on acrylic paint is by choosing affordable yet high-quality brands. For instance, Nova Color is an excellent alternative to more expensive brands like Liquitex and Winsor & Newton. Manufactured in Culver City, California, Nova Color cuts out the middleman by selling directly to artists. This results in significant savings—often around a third or half the price of other premium brands.

Why Nova Color?

High Pigment Saturation: Nova Color offers vibrant, saturated colors, ideal for glazing techniques.
Quality Resin Binder: The high-quality polymer resin binder ensures the paint’s longevity and resilience.
Cost-Effective: You get the same quality at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart choice for artists on a budget.

2. Buy in Bulk:

Another effective way to save money is by purchasing your paint in larger quantities. For example, you can buy a gallon of matte medium from Nova Color for the same price you’d pay for a quart at a traditional art store. This approach is especially beneficial for artists who paint frequently, as it significantly reduces the cost per ounce.

Benefits of Buying in Bulk:

Lower Cost per Unit: The larger the quantity, the lower the cost per ounce.
Fewer Purchases: Reduces the frequency of purchases, saving time and potential shipping costs.

3. Efficient Paint Dispensing:

While bulk buying is cost-effective, it can be cumbersome to work with large containers of paint. Instead of using spoons to transfer paint from a gallon container to your palette—an often messy and inefficient process—consider transferring the paint into smaller, more manageable containers.

Use Squeezable Tubes:

I recommend using Coughlin squeezable tubes, typically found in camping supply stores or online retailers like Amazon. Originally designed for toiletries, these tubes work perfectly for acrylic paint. They are easy to fill, and the clip-sealed caps prevent leakage, making them an excellent tool for a neat and efficient painting process.

How to Use Squeezable Tubes:

Transfer the Paint: Pour your acrylic paint from the large container into the squeezable tube.
Fill Wisely: Fill the tube about halfway to two-thirds full, leaving space to avoid spills when sealing.
Seal the Tube: After filling, squeeze out any excess air and securely seal the tube with the clip provided.
Dispense as Needed: When you’re ready to paint, simply unscrew the cap and squeeze the desired amount onto your palette.

4. Proper Storage Techniques:

Proper storage of your acrylic paint can extend its shelf life and prevent wastage. Make sure to keep your paint containers sealed tightly when not in use to prevent them from drying out. Store your paint in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause the paint to thicken or separate over time.

Storage Tips:

Tightly Seal Containers: Always reseal your paint containers properly after each use.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight.
Use Smaller Containers for Daily Use: Transfer small amounts of paint into smaller containers for easier access and to avoid frequent exposure of the bulk paint to air.

5. Mix and Extend Your Paint:

Acrylic mediums can be used to extend the volume of your paint, allowing you to cover more area without needing more paint. Matte mediums, gloss mediums, and other acrylic additives can dilute the paint without compromising its consistency or color integrity.

Benefits of Using Acrylic Mediums:

Increased Coverage: Extend the paint to cover more surface area.
Enhanced Effects: Create different finishes, such as matte or glossy, depending on the medium used.
Maintained Quality: Dilute the paint while maintaining its color strength and consistency.

Saving money on acrylic paint doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of your artwork. By choosing the right brands, buying in bulk, using efficient dispensing methods, storing your paint correctly, and extending your paint with mediums, you can enjoy high-quality painting experiences while keeping your budget intact.

If you’re interested in trying out Nova Color or looking for affordable ways to extend your acrylic supplies, be sure to check out here.

If you found these tips helpful, please share this post, For more acrylic painting tips, visit my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more

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I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

Paint Amazing Highlights on a White Dress in Acrylic

How To Paint Amazing Highlights On A White Dress

Create stunning white dress highlights with these simple acrylic techniques

Introduction

Painting fabric, especially a white dress, can be a challenge for artists. Achieving realistic highlights that capture the light and movement of the fabric requires a careful blend of technique, patience, and a keen eye for detail.

In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the process of how to paint amazing highlights on a white dress. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these steps will help you elevate your painting skills and bring your fabric renderings to life.

Materials Needed

Titanium White
Indian Yellow
Matte Medium
Raw Sienna
Dark Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Umber
Various Brushes (Flat, Round, and Detail brushes)

Step 1: Preparing the Paint Mixture

Begin by preparing a mixture of Titanium White and Indian Yellow. This blend should be nearly opaque, with just enough matte medium to make it fluid. This mixture will serve as the base for your highlights, giving them a warm and slightly golden hue that mimics natural light.

When mixing, ensure the paint is fluid enough to move smoothly on the canvas, but not too thin. This balance will allow you to create sharp, defined edges where necessary while maintaining control over the application.

Step 2: Refining and Highlighting the Edges

Start by applying the highlight mixture along the edges of the dress. Focus on areas where the light naturally hits, creating a strong contrast between the fabric and its surroundings. In this scenario, sharp edges are essential for conveying the crispness of the fabric where it catches the light.

As you work, study your reference photo closely. This will guide you in determining where to apply the highlights and where to leave areas of the dress slightly darker. The goal is to create a dynamic contrast that brings out the folds and wrinkles in the fabric.

Step 3: Adding Highlights to Wrinkles and Folds

With the edges defined, move on to the wrinkles and folds of the dress. Again, refer to your reference photo to identify the lightest areas. Apply the highlight mixture with a light touch, following the contours of the fabric.

In areas where the fabric bends or creases, use a smaller brush to apply delicate strokes. This will enhance the three-dimensionality of the dress, making the fabric appear soft and pliable.

Tip: Brush Texture

As you apply the highlights, you may notice some brush texture on the canvas. This is acceptable as long as it’s subtle. The texture can add a sense of realism to the fabric, but if it becomes too pronounced, it may distract from the overall effect.

Step 4: Balancing Light and Shadow

Not all parts of the dress will be equally lit. Some areas, particularly those farther from the light source, will have darker values. To create a balanced composition, it’s important to revisit these areas and adjust the tones accordingly.

For instance, the area around the knee may require a mix of light gray (a blend of white and a small amount of darker pigment) to create the illusion of depth. Apply this mixture in thin layers, gradually building up the shadows until they contrast nicely with the highlights.

Technique: Wet-on-Wet Blending

In some cases, you may find it beneficial to blend the highlights directly into the darker areas while both layers are still wet. This wet-on-wet technique allows for smoother transitions between light and shadow, which can be particularly effective in depicting soft, flowing fabric.

Step 5: Introducing Nuances and Color Variation

To add realism to the dress, introduce slight variations in color and value. Mix a bit of raw sienna into your gray tones to warm them up and prevent them from becoming too cool and lifeless.

Apply these nuanced tones to areas where the fabric folds over itself or where it catches light at different angles. This will enhance the dimensionality of the dress, making it appear more natural and less uniform.

Step 6: Final Touches and Darker Shadows

As you near the completion of the painting, take a step back and assess the overall balance of light and shadow. Identify any areas that need further refinement, particularly in the shadows.

Mix dark ultramarine blue with burnt umber to create a deep, rich shadow color. Apply this mixture to the darkest areas of the dress, such as the folds near the hem or the creases around the knees. Use your brush to gently blend these shadows into the lighter areas, ensuring a smooth transition.

Step 7: Reflecting on the Process

Painting highlights on a white dress is more than just applying light colors to a canvas. It’s about understanding how light interacts with fabric, and using that knowledge to create a realistic, three-dimensional effect. Throughout this process, it’s important to maintain a balance between light and shadow, ensuring that neither overpowers the other.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to paint stunning highlights on a white dress, capturing the beauty and elegance of the fabric in your artwork. Remember, practice is key, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and color combinations until you find what works best for you.

Read more about my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more and check out my free courses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn and apply to your paintings. Happy painting!

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

How To Build Depth In Your Acrylic Landscape Background

Essential techniques to create depth and dimension in your landscape paintings

Introduction: The Importance of Depth in Landscape Painting

Creating a sense of depth in your landscape paintings is essential for achieving a realistic and engaging scene. Without depth, your landscape can appear flat and lifeless, lacking the visual interest that draws viewers in. In this tutorial, we’ll explore two effective ways to build depth in your acrylic landscape background, using a student’s painting as a practical example. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to transform your landscape paintings, making them more dynamic and lifelike.

Understanding Depth: The Foundation of Realism

Depth in landscape painting is achieved by manipulating color, value, and perspective. By carefully considering these elements, you can create a sense of space and distance in your work, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition. The two methods we’ll focus on involve using glazing techniques and color transitions to create a layered effect that adds depth to your background.

Method 1: Layering with Glazes

Step 1: Mix Your Glaze

Start by preparing a glaze using a mixture of raw umber dark and ultramarine blue. Adjust the mixture so that it leans more towards the blue side, then add a small amount of matte medium to make the paint translucent. Finally, introduce a touch of Indian Yellow to create a greenish tint that works well for shadows in your landscape.

Step 2: Apply the Glaze

Using a flat edge brush, begin applying the glaze to the midground and foreground areas of your landscape. The key here is to keep the foreground colors more vibrant and the values darker than those in the background. This contrast helps create the illusion of depth, with the background appearing lighter and cooler in tone.

Step 3: Adjust the Tones

As you apply the glaze, pay attention to your reference photo or sketch. Notice how the trees in the background are lighter and less saturated, while the midground and foreground are more intense in color. By carefully adjusting the tones and values, you can build up a realistic sense of depth.

Pro Tip: If you find that your glaze is too strong, you can always wipe off some excess paint on your palette before applying it to the canvas. This will help you maintain control over the transparency of the glaze.

Method 2: Color Transitions for Enhanced Depth

Step 1: Create a Vibrant Color Mixture

For this method, you’ll be using a more vibrant color palette to enhance the depth of your landscape. Start by mixing indian yellow with phthalo blue to create a bright, saturated green. If you want an even more vibrant color, you can add a touch of azo yellow.

Step 2: Apply the Vibrant Glaze

Switch to a wider brush for this step, as you’ll be covering larger areas of your painting. Apply the vibrant glaze to the midground and foreground, being careful not to extend it into the background. The goal is to create a gradient of color, with the most vibrant hues in the foreground and the cooler, more muted tones in the background.

Step 3: Build Up Layers

To create a smooth transition between the different areas of your landscape, apply the vibrant glaze in thin layers. Start with the foreground and gradually work your way back, reducing the intensity of the color as you move towards the background. This layering effect will help create a seamless transition, enhancing the overall depth of your painting.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the opacity of your glaze. By adjusting the amount of matte medium in your mixture, you can create different levels of transparency, adding more depth and dimension to your landscape.

The Power of Brushwork in Creating Depth

In addition to glazing and color transitions, your brushwork plays a crucial role in creating depth. When applying your glazes, use diagonal brush strokes to smooth out the color and create a sense of movement. This technique helps to blend the colors seamlessly, enhancing the overall realism of your landscape.

Final Touches: Adding Highlights and Shadows

To complete your landscape, add some final touches of highlights and shadows. Use a smaller brush to apply darker glazes in areas where the light is less intense, such as the midground trees and the base of the hills. This will help to further define the different elements of your landscape and reinforce the sense of depth.

For the highlights, mix a lighter, warmer color using indian yellow and phthalo blue. Apply this glaze to the areas where the light hits the tops of the trees and the ground, creating a striking contrast against the darker shadows. This final step adds a layer of vibrancy and realism to your landscape, making it come to life on the canvas.

Mastering Depth in Your Acrylic Landscapes

Building depth in your acrylic landscape paintings is all about mastering the use of color, value, and layering techniques. By incorporating glazes and vibrant color transitions, you can create a dynamic and realistic scene that captivates viewers. Remember, practice is key, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations and glazing techniques to find what works best for you.

With these methods, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning landscape paintings that are rich in depth and dimension. Happy painting!

Tips and Techniques Recap:

Use Glazes to Create Depth: Apply glazes with darker, more vibrant colors in the foreground and lighter, cooler tones in the background.
Layer Your Colors: Build up layers of color gradually, starting with darker values and adding highlights to enhance depth.
Experiment with Brushwork: Use diagonal brush strokes to blend colors smoothly and create a sense of movement.
Add Highlights and Shadows: Apply final touches of highlights and shadows to define the elements of your landscape and reinforce depth.
Practice and Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different color mixtures and glazing techniques to achieve the desired effect.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create landscapes that are not only beautiful but also rich in depth and realism.

Read more about my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more and check out my free courses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn and apply to your paintings. Happy painting!

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

5 Tips on How to Draw Better Pencil Portraits

/ Uncategorized
/ By Matt Philleo

Learn the art of pencil portraits with these essential tips

Introduction

Drawing pencil portraits is a rewarding but challenging art form that requires precision, patience, and the right techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always room to refine your skills. In this blog post, I’ll share five tips that will help you create more realistic and visually appealing pencil portraits. These tips will guide you through everything from preventing smudges to achieving perfect proportions, making your drawing process more enjoyable and effective.

Tip 1: Use a Palm Paper to Prevent Smudging

One of the most common issues artists face when working on pencil portraits is smudging. As you draw, the natural oils from your hand can transfer onto the paper, causing unwanted smears and even warping the surface. To avoid this, use what I call a “palm paper.”

A palm paper is simply a piece of paper or cardstock that you place under your drawing hand. This barrier protects your work from smudges and moisture. You can fold the paper in half and adjust its position as you move across the page. This simple yet effective technique will keep your drawings clean and preserve the integrity of the paper.

Tip 2: Use a Dark Lead for High Contrast

Achieving contrast is crucial for creating dynamic and realistic portraits. A dark lead, such as an 8B pencil, can make a significant difference in the depth and vibrancy of your work. While many artists are familiar with standard 6B pencils, stepping up to an 8B will allow you to reach even darker values, perfect for emphasizing areas like pupils, deep shadows, and fine details.

For the best results, consider investing in a pencil set that includes a range of leads from 2B to 8B. This variety will give you the flexibility to build up your shading gradually and achieve the desired contrast in your portraits.

Tip 3: Measure Proportions Using Paper Benchmarks

Accurate proportions are the foundation of any successful portrait. However, getting these proportions right can be tricky, especially when working freehand. A practical approach is to use paper benchmarks to measure and compare key distances within the face.

Start by observing your reference photo and identifying essential landmarks, such as the distance between the eyes, the width of the nose, and the position of the mouth. Use these measurements to create benchmarks on your drawing. For instance, you can draw horizontal and vertical lines that intersect at crucial points, helping you maintain consistency in your proportions.

Even if you prefer to draw freehand, these benchmarks can serve as a valuable guide to ensure that your portrait remains balanced and proportional.

Tip 4: Use Cross Hatching for Effective Shading

Shading is what gives your portrait depth and realism. One technique that can enhance your shading is cross-hatching. This method involves drawing tightly spaced parallel lines in one direction and then overlaying them with lines in the opposite direction. The result is a textured, layered effect that can simulate different values and textures in your portrait.

To practice cross-hatching, start with a simple area of your portrait, such as a cheek or a lip. Make sure your lines are tight and consistent. As you build up the layers, the shading will become more complex and nuanced, creating a more lifelike representation.

Cross-hatching is especially useful when you need to create smooth transitions between light and dark areas, as it allows for greater control over the density and intensity of your shading.

Tip 5: Blend Your Pencil Marks Lightly for Realism

Blending is another essential skill in pencil drawing, but it’s easy to overdo. While blending can soften edges and create smooth gradients, excessive blending can make your portrait look flat and lose the subtle textures that contribute to realism.

A simple way to blend without overdoing it is to use a tissue paper or blending stump. Gently apply it to the areas you want to soften, using circular motions to blend the pencil marks. The key is to use light pressure so that the texture of the pencil strokes remains visible, preserving the natural variation in your shading.

Avoid the temptation to overblend; instead, aim to maintain a balance between blended and unblended areas. This approach will add depth and texture to your portrait, making it appear more lifelike.

Tips

Improving your pencil portraits requires practice, but with these five tips, you can start seeing progress in your work right away. From preventing smudges with palm paper to mastering the art of shading with cross-hatching, these techniques will help you create more realistic and polished portraits. Remember, the key to success lies in patience and attention to detail. Keep practicing, and you’ll continue to refine your skills over time.

If you found these tips helpful and want to learn more, visit Realistic Acrylic Portrait School for additional tutorials and free resources. Drawing is foundational to painting, and mastering these techniques will serve you well in all your artistic endeavors. Happy drawing!

LEARN MORE

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this video. Please share it with your friends and family. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll greatly help you.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up for my free email tips and video class today.

Learn How to Paint Acrylic Portraits With My Free Mini-Video Course!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

P.S. Did you find this post helpful or encouraging? If so, send it in ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!