Blog - Page 8 of 27 - Realistic Acrylic Portrait School

The Secrets on How to Realistically Shade White Clothing

/ Real Time Tutorial Video Tutorial
/ By Matt Philleo

The secrets to perfectly shading white clothing in acrylic paint.

White clothing in portraits can be challenging to paint, especially when aiming for a realistic look. Unlike darker hues, white requires a delicate balance of shading and highlighting to convey depth and texture without losing its brightness. In this tutorial, you’ll learn the secrets to realistically shading white clothing using acrylics, ensuring your portrait stands out with life-like detail.

Understanding the importance of value over color

When it comes to painting realistic portraits, value—the lightness or darkness of a color—is far more critical than the actual color itself. Many artists tend to focus heavily on color, especially when working on skin tones or clothing, but the true key to realism lies in mastering value. By correctly identifying and applying the right values, you can create a strong sense of depth and form, making your artwork more convincing.

To aid in this process, consider using a value checker tool. This simple yet effective tool allows you to compare the values in your painting with those in your reference photo, ensuring accuracy and enhancing the realism of your work. You can find a downloadable value checker tool online, which can be easily set up on your canvas for quick reference.

Key techniques for shading white clothing

1. Strategic Placement of Darker Areas

Identifying Shadowed Regions: White clothing, although light, will have areas where light doesn’t reach, resulting in shadows that are darker than you might expect. Observing your reference photo carefully, identify these shadowed regions, such as under the arms, around folds, and where the fabric tucks into itself.
Mixing the Right Shades: Start by mixing a gray using raw umber, ultramarine blue, alizarine crimson, and titanium white. These colors will allow you to create a range of gray tones that can simulate shadows on white fabric. Adjust the mixture as needed to achieve the correct shade—warmer or cooler depending on the specific area you are working on.

2. Layering for Depth

Building Up Shadows Gradually: Instead of applying a single dark tone, build up shadows in layers. Begin with a lighter gray and gradually darken the area with additional layers. This approach allows you to control the depth of the shadow and create a smoother transition between light and dark areas.
Enhancing Realism Through Glazing: Glazing is a technique where thin layers of translucent paint are applied over dry layers to subtly alter the color and value. This method can be particularly effective when shading white clothing, as it helps to blend the shadows seamlessly into the lighter areas without harsh lines.

3. Balancing Warm and Cool Tones

Using Color Temperature to Your Advantage: White clothing often reflects the surrounding environment, which can result in slight variations in color temperature across the fabric. Warmer areas may have a hint of raw umber or alizarine crimson, while cooler areas might reflect ultramarine blue. By subtly shifting the color temperature in your shading, you can add a level of sophistication and realism to your painting.
Avoiding Flatness: It’s crucial to avoid making the white clothing appear flat. By carefully blending warm and cool tones, and paying attention to the subtleties in your reference photo, you can maintain the fabric’s texture and three-dimensionality.

Tips for Achieving Professional Results

Use a Small Round Brush for Precision: A size 4 round brush is ideal for applying shadows in tight areas and for adding fine details to your shading. This brush type allows for greater control, especially when working on intricate folds or small sections of fabric.
Keep the Light Source in Mind: Always be aware of the light source in your reference image. The direction and intensity of the light will dictate where the shadows fall and how dark they should be. This understanding is key to creating a realistic portrayal of white clothing.
Avoid Pure Black: While it might be tempting to use black paint for the darkest shadows, this can result in a harsh and unnatural appearance. Instead, mix your own dark grays using a combination of ultramarine blue, raw umber, and alizarine crimson. This custom mix will give you a more natural and harmonious shadow that complements the rest of the painting.
Don’t Overlook the Highlights: While shading is essential, so are the highlights. Adding subtle highlights with titanium white in the areas where the light hits the fabric the most will enhance the three-dimensional effect of the clothing.

Shading white clothing in acrylic portraits can be challenging, but with the right techniques, it becomes an achievable task that adds a tremendous amount of realism to your artwork. By focusing on value, carefully layering your shadows, and paying attention to the subtleties of color temperature, you can master this skill and elevate your portrait painting to new heights. Remember, practice is key, so keep experimenting with different shades and techniques until you find what works best for you.

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 on 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 Titanium White Clothing Highlights

/ Real Time Tutorial Uncategorized Video Tutorial
/ By Matt Philleo

Learn grisaille with expert tips on painting highlights and shadows in Acrylic

A grisaille is a monochromatic painting over a earth-toned ground (background) that you add color glazes on top of. Using my portrait painting of Paul the Apostle praying, I’ll show you how to use a small round brush and make your clothing look realistic with the strategic placement of highlights. You can use this technique in your portraits today!

Painting titanium white clothing highlights in an acrylic grisaille is a technique that adds a remarkable depth and realism to your portraits. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to turn the form from dark to light using layers of paint, achieving a stunning chiaroscuro effect inspired by the old masters. This guide will walk you through the steps to create lifelike clothing folds and wrinkles, focusing on the careful balance of light and shadow.

Understanding the Grisaille Technique

Grisaille is a monochromatic painting technique often used as a foundation for creating depth and form before adding color. It involves painting in shades of gray to establish the light and dark areas of your composition. This technique is particularly effective when working with acrylics, as it allows for layering and glazing to build up nuanced tones.

Materials You’ll Need

Titanium White Acrylic Paint
Raw Umber
Ultramarine Blue
Dioxazine Purple
Burnt Sienna
Matte Medium
Small Round Brush
Flat Brush

Step 1: Laying Down the Foundation

Begin by applying a grisaille layer to your painting surface. This initial layer will serve as the foundation for your highlights and shadows. Mix Raw Umber with a touch of Ultramarine Blue to create a brownish-gray tone, and apply it evenly over your sketch. This underpainting will help guide the placement of your highlights later on.

Step 2: Blocking in the Shadows

Next, focus on the shadow areas of the clothing. Use a mix of Raw Umber, Ultramarine Blue, and Dioxazine Purple to create a deep, rich shadow color. Apply this mixture to the folds and creases of the clothing, emphasizing the areas where light is least likely to reach. This step is crucial for creating the contrast needed to make the highlights pop.

Step 3: Introducing Titanium White Highlights

Now it’s time to add the titanium white highlights. Mix Titanium White with a small amount of raw sienna to warm up the color slightly, preventing it from appearing too stark against the darker tones. Using a small round brush, carefully apply the white paint to the areas where light naturally hits the fabric. Focus on the tops of folds, the edges of wrinkles, and any raised areas that would catch the light.

Step 4: Blending for a Smooth Transition

To achieve a realistic look, it’s essential to blend the highlights into the surrounding shadow areas. Add a touch of matte medium to your palette to thin the white paint, making it more translucent. Gently blend the white into the adjacent darker areas using a flat brush. This blending technique creates a smooth transition between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the fabric.

Step 5: Enhancing the Nuances

After the initial highlight layer, take a step back and assess the overall balance of light and dark in your painting. If needed, add additional layers of titanium white to intensify the highlights. Conversely, you can deepen the shadows by glazing over them with a mixture of burnt sienna and raw umber. The key is to build up the layers gradually, allowing each one to dry before applying the next.

Step 6: Fine-Tuning the Details

The final step involves refining the details to bring the fabric to life. Use a small round brush to add sharper highlights to the most prominent areas, such as the edges of folds or the tips of wrinkles. This attention to detail will make the clothing appear crisp and well-defined. For softer areas, use a blending brush to gently feather the edges of the highlights, creating a more subtle transition.

Tips and Techniques

Use a Reference Photo: Working from a reference photo can help you accurately place the highlights and shadows on the clothing. Study how light interacts with the fabric and try to replicate those effects in your painting.
Layering: Acrylics dry quickly, so take advantage of this by building up layers of paint to create depth. Start with thinner, more transparent layers and gradually increase the opacity as you refine the details.
Balance Sharp and Soft Edges: For a realistic effect, balance sharp edges where the light hits the fabric directly with softer edges where the light fades into shadow. This contrast adds dimension to the painting.
Experiment with Glazes: Glazing allows you to adjust the color temperature and value of your highlights and shadows without losing the underlying detail. Try glazing with burnt sienna to warm up the highlights or with ultramarine blue to cool down the shadows.
Patience is Key: Achieving realistic highlights and shadows takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process—allow each layer to dry fully before applying the next to avoid muddying the colors.

Mastering the technique of painting titanium white clothing highlights in an acrylic grisaille is a rewarding process that can dramatically improve the realism of your portraits. By carefully layering and blending light and shadow, you can create clothing that appears lifelike and three-dimensional. Practice these techniques, and with time, you’ll find that your portraits take on a new level of depth and sophistication.

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 on 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 Shading & Color: Acrylic Grisaille Techniques

I’ll show you the blending techniques to smooth out transitions

Introduction

Achieving depth and realism in acrylic painting requires a strong foundation in shading and color techniques. And also, one of the most effective methods to build this foundation is through the grisaille technique—a monochrome painting method that sets the stage for vibrant colors. In this guide, we will explore how to build up shading and color using acrylic grisaille techniques methods. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, these techniques will help you elevate your portrait painting skills.

The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Understanding Grisaille

The grisaille technique involves creating a detailed underpainting in shades of gray or another neutral tone. This method allows artists to focus on the tonal values, ensuring that the light and shadows are accurately represented before introducing color. By mastering grisaille, you build a solid foundation for your painting, making the subsequent application of color much more effective.

Tip: When working with grisaille, it’s crucial to achieve a full range of tonal values—from the darkest shadows to the lightest highlights. This range will serve as the backbone of your painting, giving it depth and realism.

Transitioning from Grisaille to Color

Once your grisaille underpainting is complete, the next step is to start building color on top. Glazing involves applying transparent layers of paint over the monochrome underpainting, allowing the underlying tones to influence the color above.

Technique: Start by mixing small amounts of your chosen colors with a glazing medium to create a translucent effect. This ensures that your initial layers are light and can be easily built up. Apply these layers gradually ,but focusing on the areas that require more warmth or coolness.

Enhancing Depth with Strategic Shading

Shading is essential for creating the illusion of three-dimensionality. Of course, in this stage, darker tones are applied to areas that naturally recede or are less exposed to light. I use ultramarine blue, alizarine crimson, and raw umber dark to create a rich black for deep shadows.

Tip: Use a larger brush to blend these dark tones smoothly into the surrounding areas. This blending technique is particularly effective in creating the soft transitions found in realistic portraits.

Example: I apply dark tones in both of the subject’s head and around the arm, emphasizing the depth and making the figure stand out against the darker background.

Balancing Light and Color

As you continue to add layers, it’s important to maintain a balance between light and color. I mix raw sienna with ultramarine blue and alizarine crimson, then adding a touch of titanium white. This mix is used to lighten areas while maintaining the chromatic intensity, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant but not overpowering.

Technique: Gradually build up the highlights by layering lighter colors over the initial glaze. This creates a smooth transition from shadow to light, enhancing the overall realism.

Example: Lighter tones are introduced to the area around the window, where the light source is imagined to be, creating a natural-looking glow that contrasts with the darker areas.

Final Touches: Adding Details and Textures

The final stage involves refining the details and textures that bring the portrait to life. This includes subtle adjustments to the facial features, hair, and clothing. I’ll show you how to add texture to the hair by mixing raw sienna and burnt sienna, then applying it with small, deliberate strokes.

Tip: Use a fine brush for detailed work, especially when working on delicate areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth. This precision will help you capture the nuances of the subject’s expression.

Example: I carefully shades the area under the subject’s nostrils and adds a slight shadow below the mustache, giving the face more dimension and character.

Mastering the Art of Shading and Color Building

The transition from grisaille to full color is a crucial step in creating a realistic and vibrant portrait. By following the techniques outlined in this guide—starting with a strong grisaille foundation, applying color through glazing, and enhancing depth with strategic shading—you can achieve stunning results in your acrylic paintings. Remember, patience and attention to detail are keys. Take your time with each layer, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations to find what works best for your piece.

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 on 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!

Weird Way How to Apply Gesso to Your Canvas

Most store-bought canvases are not primed very well and can benefit from another layer or two of gesso.

Introduction:

When it comes to preparing a canvas for painting, most artists stick to traditional methods. However, there’s an unconventional technique that can give you a smoother surface and enhance the detail in your work. In this tutorial, we’ll explore a unique way to apply gesso to your canvas using a drywall taping knife. This method not only helps in creating a finer texture but also saves you from extensive sanding later on. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide.

The Tools You’ll Need:

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need:

Gesso: The base primer for your canvas.
Matte Medium: Helps to smooth out the gesso and make it more fluid.
Drywall Taping Knife (6-inch): The star of this method for spreading the gesso evenly.
Flat Edge Paintbrush: For initial application.
Yogurt Container: To mix the gesso and matte medium.
Gloves and Apron: To protect your hands and clothing.

Preparing the Gesso Mixture:

Mixing the Gesso: Begin by pouring a small amount of gesso into a container—an empty yogurt cup works perfectly. Fill it about a quarter of the way.
Adding Matte Medium: To ensure a smoother application, add a few squirts of matte medium into the gesso. This addition will make the mixture more fluid, helping it spread more easily across the canvas.
Stirring: Use a palette knife to thoroughly mix the gesso and matte medium. Ensure the consistency is even, with no lumps or dry spots.

Applying the Gesso:

Initial Application with a Brush: Dip your flat edge paintbrush into the gesso mixture, and apply it to the top left corner of your canvas. Brush downwards, covering the entire surface. Aim for a generous, even coat.
Smoothing with the Drywall Taping Knife: After applying the gesso, grab your drywall taping knife. Starting at the top, use even pressure to smooth the gesso down the canvas. Work in long, continuous strokes to avoid leaving streaks or ridges.
Feathering the Edges: As you work, you may notice ridges forming on the surface. To remove these, lightly graze the surface with the taping knife, using minimal pressure. This technique will help blend the gesso evenly across the canvas.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

Dealing with Ridges: If ridges persist, continue feathering them out with the knife. Adjust your pressure as needed, moving from firm to light strokes to achieve a smooth finish.
Applying Additional Layers: If the first coat is too thin, allow it to dry and then apply a second coat using the same method. This additional layer can further enhance the smoothness of your canvas.

Final Touches:

After the gesso has dried, it’s time to inspect the canvas. Look for any remaining ridges or imperfections. If you find any, lightly sand the surface using a 250 or 300-grit sandpaper. This step will ensure an ultra-smooth finish, ready for painting.

Tips for Success:

Work Quickly: Gesso can dry fast, especially in a warm environment. To prevent streaks, work swiftly when applying and smoothing the gesso.
Use the Right Tools: While a larger drywall trowel can be used, a 6-inch taping knife offers better control and precision, especially on smaller canvases.
Practice Makes Perfect: This technique may take some getting used to, but with practice, you’ll find it easier to achieve a smooth, professional-quality canvas.

Using a drywall taping knife to apply gesso might seem unusual, but it’s a powerful technique for artists seeking a smoother canvas surface. By following these steps, you can minimize brush strokes, reduce the need for sanding, and create a better foundation for your paintings.

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 on 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!

Introducing the Shading and Skin Tones Super Bundle

I’ll share with you my introduction to the shading and skin tones super bundle.

If you struggle with shading and skin tones (many artists do), I put together a special bundle of three of my favorite courses to help you.

Get the bundle here: https://realistic-acrylic-portrait-sc…

Watch the video below to learn more about the introduction of the shading and skin tones super bundle.

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 on 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 Add the Finishing Touches to an Acrylic Portrait

How to Add the Finishing Touches to Acrylic

Finishing a portrait is challenging yet incredibly satisfying.

When you’re close to completing your acrylic portrait, the final touches can make all the difference. These finishing touches are where your painting truly comes to life, capturing light and shadow to give your subject depth and realism. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to add those critical final highlights and nuances, using a mix of titanium white and warm colors to create a polished, professional look.

Setting the Stage for Final Highlights

Before diving into the highlights, it’s essential to prepare your palette. Start by adding a small amount of matte medium to your palette. This medium helps in achieving a smoother, more fluid consistency for your paint. Next, squeeze out some fresh titanium white—the key color for highlights. Mixing this white with matte medium will allow you to apply it more smoothly and blend it seamlessly into your existing colors.

Applying the Highlights

The first step in adding highlights is to identify the light source in your painting. In most portraits, the light source comes from above, which means the top of the head, forehead, nose, and cheeks will catch the most light. Using a round brush, pick up some titanium white mixed with matte medium and carefully apply it to these areas.

For instance, when adding highlights to a subject’s forehead, you may notice that the white appears too stark against the skin tone. To soften this, blend a small amount of Indian yellow and Pyrrole orange into the white. This combination introduces warmth to the highlight, making it look more natural and less harsh.

Blending for Nuance

Blending highlights into the existing skin tones can be challenging but is crucial for achieving a realistic effect. After applying the white highlights, take a small, soft brush and gently blend the edges into the surrounding colors. This step ensures that the highlights don’t appear as abrupt streaks but rather as soft transitions from light to shadow.

For example, after placing a highlight on a subject’s nose, you may need to blend it with a touch of Indian yellow to warm it up. This blending process creates a subtle nuance that makes the portrait appear more lifelike.

Enhancing Shadows for Depth

While highlights are essential for showing where the light hits, shadows play an equally important role in creating depth. To enhance the shadows in your portrait, use a darker mix of the existing skin tones. You can achieve this by adding a small amount of burnt umber or Payne’s gray to your palette.

When applying shadows, focus on areas like the underside of the chin, the sides of the nose, and the hollows of the cheeks. These are the places where the light naturally falls off, creating depth and dimension in your portrait. Remember, the goal is to enhance the existing shadows subtly, not to overpower the highlights.

Adding Highlights to Clothing and Accessories

The final step in finishing your acrylic portrait involves adding highlights to any clothing or accessories in the composition. Just like with the skin, use titanium white mixed with a bit of matte medium to create these highlights.

For example, if your subject is wearing glasses, a small highlight on the frames can make them pop. Similarly, adding a slight highlight to the fabric of the clothing can suggest texture and light interaction. Be sure to apply these highlights sparingly and blend them well, as too much can distract from the overall portrait.

Bringing It All Together

Adding the finishing touches to your acrylic portrait involves more than just a few dabs of white paint. It requires a thoughtful approach to blending, shading, and color selection. By carefully applying and blending your highlights, enhancing shadows, and paying attention to the finer details, you can bring your portrait to life with a professional polish.

These techniques will help you create portraits that not only capture the likeness of your subject but also convey a sense of light and space, making them truly stand out.

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 on 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 Create Contrast in a Chiaroscuro Acrylic Painting

/ Uncategorized
/ By Matt Philleo

The step-by-step guide to enhancing highlights and shadows

Chiaroscuro, a technique popularized by masters like Caravaggio, is all about the interplay of light and shadow to create a dramatic effect. This method is especially powerful in portrait painting, where it can bring a subject to life with striking realism. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create contrast in a chiaroscuro acrylic painting, focusing on a portrait of Paul the Apostle in prayer. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning your journey with acrylics, this tutorial will help you harness the power of chiaroscuro to add depth and emotion to your work.

1. Preparing Your Palette

To begin, select your colors carefully. For this technique, you’ll need a dark base color like raw umber, mixed with ultramarine blue and a touch of phthalo blue. These hues will form the foundation of your shadows. To add warmth, incorporate a small amount of alizarine crimson. This mix will give you a deep, rich tone that is perfect for building contrast.

Tip: Ensure your colors are well-mixed to avoid any unintended streaks or blotches in your painting. A smooth blend will help you achieve the seamless transitions that are characteristic of chiaroscuro.

2. Applying the First Layer

Start by applying your darkest tones to the areas of deepest shadow. Use a filbert brush to lay down the paint, working in broad strokes that follow the contours of your subject. It’s important to apply the paint lightly at first, gradually building up the intensity of the shadow.

As you work, consider the direction of light in your composition. In this example, the light source is coming from above, creating strong shadows under the eyes, nose, and chin of Paul the Apostle. Emphasize these areas by applying your darkest mix in layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.

Technique: Use a glazing method to create depth in your shadows. Mix a small amount of your base color with a clear matte medium to create a translucent layer. This technique will allow you to build up shadows gradually, achieving a more realistic and dramatic effect.

3. Enhancing the Mid-tones

Once the shadows are established, it’s time to work on the mid-tones. These are the areas where light and shadow meet, creating a smooth transition. For this, you’ll use a slightly lighter version of your base color. Mix in a bit more alizarine crimson and ultramarine blue to warm up the tone.

Apply this mix using diagonal brushstrokes, blending it into the shadowed areas to create a soft gradient. The goal is to ensure that the transition from dark to light is gradual and seamless, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the subject.

Tip: Vary your brushstrokes to add texture and interest. In the initial layers, use vertical strokes to establish the basic forms, then switch to diagonal or horizontal strokes to refine the details.

4. Adding Highlights

The key to a successful chiaroscuro painting is the balance between shadow and light. After establishing your shadows and midtones, the final step is to add highlights. These are the brightest parts of your painting and should be applied sparingly to create maximum contrast.

Use a fine brush and a light color, such as titanium white mixed with a touch of your base color, to apply highlights to areas where the light hits the strongest. In this portrait of Paul the Apostle, the highlights are concentrated on his forehead, the bridge of his nose, and the tops of his cheeks.

Technique: To soften the edges of your highlights and blend them into the surrounding areas, use a dry brush to gently feather the paint outward. This will create a more natural and less harsh transition between light and dark.

5. Final Adjustments

With the highlights in place, step back and assess your work. Look for areas where the contrast can be enhanced or where transitions need to be smoothed out. At this stage, you can also add additional glazes to deepen the shadows or warm up the midtones.

Tip: If you’re finding that some areas of your painting lack depth, try applying another glaze over those sections. A thin layer of raw umber or alizarine crimson can add richness and complexity to your shadows.

Mastering chiaroscuro in acrylic painting requires patience and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. By carefully balancing light and shadow, you can create portraits that are not only realistic but also full of drama and emotion. This technique, inspired by the works of Caravaggio, allows you to breathe life into your subjects and capture the essence of their character.

So, take these tips and techniques, and apply them to your own work. Experiment with different color combinations, brushstrokes, and glazing methods until you find the perfect balance of contrast in your paintings. And remember, the key to chiaroscuro is not just in the darkness, but in the light that shines through.

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 on 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!

Is it possible to fix a portrait you're not happy with in 30 minutes?

How to Fix a Portrait if You’re Not Happy

/ Uncategorized
/ By Matt Philleo

Improve your acrylic portraits with in 30 minutes

Introduction: Mistakes Happen – Here’s How to Fix Them

Even the most experienced artists encounter moments where a painting doesn’t turn out as planned. It’s easy to feel frustrated when your portrait lacks the desired realism or proportions. In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of fixing a portrait that you’re not entirely happy with. Whether it’s adjusting skin tones or correcting facial features, you’ll learn techniques to elevate your painting and bring it closer to your artistic vision.

Step 1: A Fresh Start—Assess and Plan

Before diving in with your paintbrush, take a moment to analyze what needs improvement. Do the eyes look slightly off? Are the skin tones muddy or too stark? Evaluating your painting will help you focus on the areas requiring attention.

I revisited a previously completed 30-minute portrait. By carefully studying the face, I noticed that the distance between the eyebrows and eyes was too wide, affecting the overall likeness. Correcting proportions and refining features, even after the initial work, is a natural part of the artistic process.

Tip: Use a reference image if you feel lost. This will provide a clearer idea of the adjustments needed, whether it’s the shape of the jawline or skin tone shading.

Step 2: Adjusting Facial Features for Realism

One of the most common issues in portrait painting is inaccurate proportions, especially in the facial features. If the distance between the eyes and eyebrows seems off, it can throw the whole portrait out of balance.

In this portrait, I focused on fixing the eyes and the eyebrows. To start, I used a mix of ivory black and ultramarine blue to redefine the upper eyelid crease. Adding burnt sienna helped tone down the color and add depth. By lowering the eyebrow closer to the eye, the facial expression and overall likeness began to improve dramatically.

Technique: Use a fine, pointed brush for precise work when adjusting the eyes or eyebrows. This will allow you to get clean lines and maintain control over your modifications.

Step 3: Enhancing Skin Tones – Achieving a Natural Glow

Skin tones can be tricky, especially if they’ve turned out too blotchy or chalky. In the video, I needed to soften some areas of the skin while adding warmth to others.

To begin, I mixed titanium white with burnt sienna and raw umber dark to create a base skin tone. Gradually, I added Indian yellow and pyrrole orange to warm up the flesh tones, especially in the forehead and cheeks. This layering technique added a gradient effect, bringing dimension and life to the face.

Tip: When lightening skin tones, avoid using too much white alone, as it can create a chalky effect. Instead, mix in warm colors like Indian yellow or pyrrole orange to maintain a natural appearance.

Step 4: Blending Techniques – Wet on Wet for Smooth Transitions

Blending is an essential skill in acrylic painting, especially when you’re working to fix areas that feel too harsh or unblended. In this portrait, I used the wet-on-wet technique to merge the darker and lighter skin tones. This technique involves working while the paint is still wet, allowing for a seamless transition between colors.

For the neck and chest area, I first applied a base of titanium white mixed with burnt sienna and added raw umber dark for depth. Once the base was down, I blended the colors softly using the edge of a filbert brush. The result was a smoother, more realistic look with better depth and shadow.

Technique: When blending, use a light touch and work in small, circular motions. Don’t press too hard, as this can smear the paint and create unwanted streaks.

Step 5: Adding Highlights – Avoid Chalkiness

Highlights are the final touch that can make your portrait pop. However, it’s essential to be careful with color selection. Adding too much pure white can lead to an unnatural, chalky finish.

In the video, I used a combination of titanium white and Indian yellow for my highlights. The Indian yellow helped to maintain a warmer, more natural glow while still brightening the areas where light would naturally hit, like the forehead and upper cheeks.

Tip: Always mix a bit of a warm color like Indian yellow into your white when applying highlights. This prevents your highlights from looking too stark and helps them blend more harmoniously with the skin tones.

Step 6: Finishing Touches – Fine Details for Likeness

Once the main adjustments have been made, it’s time to step back and look at the fine details. Small tweaks, such as redefining the lips or jawline, can significantly impact the overall realism of the portrait.

In this painting, I worked on refining the jawline using a mix of titanium white and burnt sienna to correct the shape. Subtle strokes on the chin and cheek areas created more depth and better symmetry, which enhanced the likeness of the subject.

Technique: When working on finishing touches, use a small round brush for precision and apply paint sparingly. These final strokes can define your portrait and give it the polished look you desire.

Embrace the Process of Refinement

Fixing a portrait doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it’s an opportunity to enhance your skills and gain confidence as an artist. By using techniques such as adjusting proportions, improving skin tones, and mastering blending, you can breathe new life into your painting. The key is to approach your work with patience and an open mind, embracing the process of continuous improvement.

If you’re interested in more portrait painting tips, be sure to check out my free guide on fixing muddy skin tones. You’ll learn how to overcome common color mixing issues and elevate your acrylic portraits.

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 on 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 Thoughtful Man in White: 30-Minute Portrait

/ Real Time Tutorial Uncategorized Video Tutorial
/ By Matt Philleo

Back to doing another 30-minute acrylic portrait, where I paint an Alla Prima portrait in about half an hour.

Introduction:

Acrylic portrait painting doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through painting a thoughtful man in white in just 30 minutes. Using basic acrylic colors and simple techniques, you’ll be able to create a striking, realistic portrait, even if you’re short on time. Whether you’re an experienced artist looking for a quick exercise or a beginner learning the basics, this step-by-step process will help you loosen up and enjoy the painting experience.

Materials You’ll Need:

Acrylic Paints: Burnt sienna, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, pyrrole orange, alizarine crimson, indian yellow, titanium white, matte medium, Ivory black
Brushes: Ranging from ¾ inch flat to small size 2 rounds
Palette
Canvas or Hardboard

Step 1: Block in the Form

Before diving into the finer details, it’s essential to block in the basic shapes and composition of the face. Begin by taking some raw umber dark mixed with matte medium to sketch the outline of the portrait. Using a flat brush, loosely shape the head, focusing on the angles of the facial structure. This stage should remain simple, allowing you to visualize the placement of major features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Key Tip: Don’t worry about precision here—keep your brushstrokes loose and expressive. This helps you to map out the portrait without getting bogged down by small details.

Step 2: Blocking in the Shadows

Once the form is in place, it’s time to focus on the shadows. Mix burnt umber dark with titanium white and a bit of ivory black to create an opaque shadow color. Apply this mixture to areas that are in shadow, such as the left side of the face, under the eyes, and along the nose. This will add depth and contrast, essential for creating a dynamic portrait.

The technique here is reminiscent of chiaroscuro, where light and dark areas are emphasized to create a dramatic effect. Block in the shadows confidently, using bold brushstrokes to establish the form.

Key Tip: Don’t shy away from using darker tones early on. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so building layers can enhance the depth and texture of the painting.

Step 3: Adding Mid-tone Colors

After the shadows are established, it’s time to build the mid-tones, the colors between the darkest shadows and the brightest highlights. Start by mixing titanium white, raw sienna, pyrrole orange, and indian yellow to create a vibrant flesh tone. Adjust the mixture with burnt sienna for darker areas and natural crimson for warmth.

Apply these mid-tones to the face, paying attention to the areas where the light transitions from shadow. The left side should be slightly darker, while the right side, where the light hits, will be lighter. This will give the face dimension and form, making the portrait appear more lifelike.

Key Tip: Use smooth, even strokes when applying mid-tones to maintain a realistic texture. Acrylic paint can be layered easily, so work in gradual transitions from shadow to light.

Step 4: Refining the Details

Now that the base layers are in place, it’s time to refine the details. Add darker tones around the eyes and nose to define the facial structure. For example, darken the area between the eyebrow and the eye socket to create a natural fold. Use a smaller brush to add fine lines and define the contours of the lips and nasolabial fold.

To finish, add small highlights on the right side of the face, especially on the cheekbones, nose, and upper lip. These highlights should be applied sparingly to avoid overpowering the portrait.

Key Tip: Refining doesn’t mean over-detailing. Keep the brushstrokes purposeful and expressive, focusing only on key areas to maintain the loose, painterly feel of the piece.

Step 5: Final Touches

With just a few minutes left on the timer, step back and evaluate your portrait. Are the contrasts between light and shadow strong enough? Does the portrait convey the expression and mood you intended? This is the time to make quick adjustments, such as deepening shadows or adding a bit more brightness to the highlights.

Remember, the goal of this exercise is not perfection but rather to explore a fast, expressive approach to portrait painting.

Key Tip: If you find any areas too intense, simply blend them out with a clean brush and matte medium. This technique softens transitions and adds a professional touch to your artwork.

Completing a thoughtful man’s portrait in just 30 minutes is a great way to practice and improve your acrylic painting skills. This quick exercise allows you to work on shadow, form, and mid-tone application, while also honing your ability to observe and simplify complex details. The best part? You can keep coming back to this technique, each time improving your speed and accuracy.

Tips & Techniques:

Use Bold Brushstrokes: Especially in the blocking stages, don’t hesitate to be bold and expressive with your brushwork.

Use Matte Medium: To keep the paint flexible and transparent when needed.

Work from Dark to Light: Establish shadows first, then build up mid-tones and highlights.

Pay Attention to Light Source: Always keep the direction of light in mind to maintain consistency.

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 on 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 Sketch Realistic Clothing Wrinkles

Learn to draw realistic clothing wrinkles: Tips and techniques for acrylic portrait

Introduction

Creating realistic clothing wrinkles in a sketch is a critical skill for acrylic portrait artists. Wrinkles add depth and dimension, helping the artwork come to life. This guide will teach you how to observe, refine, and accurately draw clothing wrinkles, focusing on natural flow and texture. Whether you’re working on a complex commission or enhancing a personal project, these tips will guide you through each step to ensure a realistic rendering.

Step 1: Refining the Sketch

After tracing your initial sketch, it’s essential to refine the details, especially when it comes to clothing wrinkles. Often, the projection or reference might miss finer details, so you’ll need to manually adjust them.

Tips:

Review the form carefully and adjust the lines to match the reference image.
Avoid sticking to rigid, straight lines. Clothing wrinkles follow the body’s contours and should reflect natural flow.
When refining, aim for wishbone or triangular shapes. Wrinkles often create these forms, adding visual depth.

Step 2: Avoiding Patterns

One of the most common mistakes in sketching wrinkles is creating a uniform pattern. Realistic wrinkles are irregular, varying in shape, length, and direction. Your goal is to break the pattern to achieve a more lifelike appearance.

Techniques to Avoid Patterns:

Observe the reference closely. Pay attention to the differences in angles, lengths, and spacing between the wrinkles.
As you draw, ensure the wrinkles vary in both angle and intensity. This will prevent them from looking too mechanical.
Keep the lines dynamic and natural. Wrinkles don’t follow perfect geometric patterns in real life.

Step 3: Creating Contours and Seams

Edges play a significant role in achieving realism. Focus not only on the inner shapes of the wrinkles but also on the contours—the edges where the fabric meets the body. Seams, such as those at the end of sleeves or edges of garments, add important detail.

Tips:

Create subtle deviations along the seams, as they rarely appear perfectly straight.
Use thin lines to outline seams and adjust them as necessary to follow the fabric’s natural flow.

Step 4: Capturing Key Wrinkle Types

Wrinkles form in different directions and areas of clothing, such as across the chest, waist, or arms. They behave differently depending on the pose and tension of the fabric.

Key Areas to Focus On:

Armpit to Shoulder: Wrinkles radiate from the armpit and spread upwards, often creating complex shapes across the shoulder.
Abdomen and Waist: These wrinkles are usually horizontal but vary greatly based on body position and movement.
Sleeves and Arms: Sleeves tend to bunch up near the elbows and wrists, creating horizontal or diagonal creases.

Pay attention to the reference image and ensure you capture these subtle yet crucial details to enhance the overall realism.

Step 5: Adding Final Details

Once the basic forms of the wrinkles are in place, refine the sketch by adding finishing touches. This includes subtle changes in the contour, small wrinkles that add texture, and adjusting the flow of fabric to match the body.

Final Refinement Techniques:

Use a lighter touch to add smaller, finer lines that follow the overall wrinkle flow.
Pay attention to how light interacts with the fabric. Wrinkles create shadows that help define the form, so consider how the fabric might look in different lighting.
Adjust the width of lines in areas where the fabric folds tighter or where the tension is less.

Bonus Section: Drawing Realistic Hands in Your Sketch

Clothing wrinkles are not the only detail that makes a portrait realistic. Hands are another vital area to focus on, especially when they interact with clothing.

Hand Sketching Tips:

Pay attention to the perspective of the hand. Ensure that fingers follow the right length and angle.
Consider adding rings or other details like fingernails to increase realism.
Sketch veins, tendons, and other small details that give the hands a lifelike appearance.

Incorporating these extra details will enhance your overall portrait, adding a sense of depth and texture.

Step 6: Double-Checking the Proportions

When finalizing your sketch, it’s essential to double-check the proportions. Even small adjustments to wrinkle placement can dramatically change the overall look of the portrait. Use the reference image to ensure everything aligns correctly.

Proportional Adjustment Tips:

Break down the image into sections. Compare wrinkle placement with other reference points, like the body’s form or other folds.
Measure distances between key wrinkles and adjust as necessary to create a balanced, proportional sketch.

Sketching realistic clothing wrinkles can make a significant difference in the overall quality of your acrylic portrait. By focusing on refining the form, avoiding patterns, creating accurate contours, and paying attention to lighting and texture, your wrinkles will appear natural and lifelike. Keep practicing these techniques to master the art of sketching wrinkles in your portrait paintings.

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 on 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!