Realistic Acrylic Portrait School

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Glazing Background Colors and More in Acrylic

How to Glaze Background Colors & More Acrylic Portrait

Creating seamless transitions in background colors & step-by-step guide in applying glazes

In this tutorial, we will explore the powerful acrylic glazing technique, focusing on how to glaze background colors and more in an acrylic portrait to create depth and vibrancy. This method adds luminosity and realism to your acrylic portraits by layering colors, which can be used not only for the background but also for clothing and other key details. This lesson is based on a 30 x 40 acrylic portrait of Moses, Aaron, and Hur during the ancient battle against the Amalekites.

The Acrylic Glazing Technique

Acrylic glazing is an essential technique that involves mixing a transparent medium, like matte medium, with acrylic paint to create layers of translucent color. As a result is a soft, glowing effect that gives your painting depth and complexity without covering the layers beneath.

Tools and Materials

  • Matte Medium
  • Acrylic paints (Alizarin Crimson, Blue, etc.)
  • Flat Brushes (size 20, 2-inch, ¾ flat)
  • Palette
  • Reference photo
  • Cloth or rag for cleaning

Step 1: Preparing the Background

Before starting, it’s essential to have a reference photo to guide your colors and shading. In this case, we focus on creating a sky that balances warm tones and cool blues, providing an atmospheric background for the figures.

  1. Mixing Your Glaze:
    Basically you begin by mixing a small amount of alizarine crimson with a lot of matte medium. The goal is to have a translucent color that will of course allow the previous layers of paint to show through. But, if the mixture is too opaque, you can add more medium to thin it out.
  2. Applying the Glaze:
    Use a large 2-inch flat brush to apply the glaze to the canvas. Then ,start in the upper right corner of the painting, brushing the glaze horizontally across the sky. But, this technique ensures that the background maintains a natural flow and stays consistent with the painting’s perspective.
  3. Using Vertical and Diagonal Strokes:
    So to blend the glaze seamlessly, alternate between vertical, diagonal, and horizontal brush strokes. Then this helps spread the paint evenly, preventing streaks. Remember, you can always dilute the glaze if it’s too dark by adding more matte medium or wiping away excess paint with a rag.

Step 2: Building Depth and Adjusting the Colors

After applying the first layer of glaze, assess your work by comparing it to the reference photo. In this example, the right side of the painting is darker and has a slightly pinkish hue, which can be achieved by applying a second layer of alizarine crimson glaze.

  1. Control Your Mixture:
    As you move to different parts of the painting, like the horizon or figures, then you can adjust the glaze’s intensity. Then you can add more matte medium for lighter areas or increase the pigment concentration for deeper shadows. Because this flexibility allows you to control the shading gradually, making it easier to match the reference.
  2. Layering Colors in the Sky:
    However you will gradually build up the background by layering different shades of pink and blue. But at the horizon, where the sky meets the land, a hint of pink helps tie the colors together. Then, use soft vertical and diagonal strokes to blend the hues smoothly.

Step 3: Glazing Details on the Figures

Once the background is complete, the same glazing technique can be applied to specific details in the painting, such as the clothing of Moses, Aaron, and Hur.

  1. Adding Depth to Moses’s Clothing:
    For Moses, we applied the same alizarine crimson glaze to his robe. Then, by increasing the ratio of paint to matte medium, the color becomes slightly more vibrant, adding richness to his garments without losing the transparent effect.
  2. Balancing Colors and Tones:
    Be mindful of the overall composition. For example, if the colors of Moses’s robe look too much like the American flag (red, white, and blue), adjust by adding green or a neutral shade to balance it out.
  3. Blending and Refining:
    For finer details, such as stripes or shading on clothing, use smaller brushes and carefully scrub the glaze into the fabric’s texture. This adds realism without overwhelming the initial colors laid down.

Common Glazing Tips and Techniques

  1. Dilution is Key:
    To avoid overpowering your painting, always mix a high ratio of matte medium to pigment. The goal is to enhance, not obscure, the layers beneath.
  2. Wipe Away Excess Paint:
    Glazing offers flexibility; if the color is too intense, you can easily remove it using a damp cloth. This allows for continuous adjustments and experimentation.
  3. Layer Light to Dark:
    When working with glazes, start with lighter colors and gradually build up to darker tones. This approach maintains the painting’s luminosity while allowing the colors to interact naturally.
  4. Use a Reference Photo:
    Having a clear and close reference photo is essential for glazing. Keep it taped near or on top of your painting to check your colors and values. This ensures you stay on track with the scene’s depth and lighting.
  5. Brush Strokes Matter:
    Vary your brush strokes (vertical, diagonal, horizontal) to blend glazes seamlessly. Consistent direction can lead to visible lines that distract from the painting’s flow.

Glazing background colors in acrylic portrait paintings is a powerful way to create depth and atmosphere. By following the layering techniques outlined above, you can achieve a vibrant and realistic sky while also enhancing the finer details of your subjects. Through practice and patience, this method will elevate your acrylic painting skills, giving your artwork a professional and polished look.

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!

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Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!

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,

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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 Darken Background and Clothing With the Acrylic Glazing Technique

How To Darken Background & Clothing: Acrylic Glazing Technique

Discover the acrylic glazing technique to add depth, richness, and contrast to your portraits by darkening the background and clothing with ease.

One of the challenges portrait artists face is creating a balanced contrast between the subject and the background. Acrylic glazing is an excellent technique for solving this problem, offering the ability to subtly darken elements like the background and clothing while maintaining depth and luminosity. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to use acrylic glazing to darken the background and clothing in your portraits. Then the key to success in this technique lies in building up light layers of color, allowing the paint to create a rich, oil-like effect that transforms your artwork.

Because at the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create striking contrasts, enhance the mood of your painting, and master acrylic glazing for darker tones.

How To Darken Background & Clothing

Materials Needed

To achieve the best results with the acrylic glazing technique, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Acrylic paints (ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, raw umber, titanium white, etc.)
  • Matte medium (or glazing medium)
  • Reference photo
  • Various brushes (detail brushes, medium flat brush, and large round brush)
  • Palette for mixing
  • Water and a clean rag

Understanding Acrylic Glazing

Acrylic glazing is a technique where you mix a small amount of pigment with a large amount of matte medium to create thin, transparent layers of color. Each layer allows light to pass through, giving the painting added depth and richness. This technique mimics the effects of oil painting but with the faster drying time of acrylics, making it a versatile choice for many artists.

In this video, we follow the steps to darken the background and clothing of a 16×20 acrylic portrait of a couple and their cat. The key to achieving a smooth glaze is to ensure your base sketch is solid, allowing the layers to enhance rather than correct the painting.

Step 1: Starting with a Solid Sketch

Before applying glazes, it’s essential to have a strong and accurate sketch. As I have mention, that if you want to make sure that the proportions and likeness are perfect before you begin glazing. Because the foundation is key to a successful final product.

When creating your sketch:

  • Focus on achieving correct proportions of your subject.
  • Make sure the key areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth are aligned.
  • Use light pencil marks that won’t interfere with the transparency of your glaze.

Step 2: Mixing the First Glaze for the Background

In this painting, the client requested a bluish tone for the background. To create a blue glaze, follow these steps:

  1. Mix Ultramarine Blue: Add a small amount of ultramarine blue to your palette.
  2. Add Matte Medium: Mix the blue with matte medium until the paint is very translucent. Matte medium is milky white but dries completely clear, allowing the underlying layers to shine through.
  3. Apply the Glaze: Using short, choppy brush strokes, begin layering the blue glaze onto the background. This creates a smooth transition between the subject and background, enhancing depth.

One of the advantages of glazing is its flexibility. If the glaze looks too intense, you can always add more matte medium or water to lighten it.

Step 3: Building Up Contrast Between the Subject and Background

After applying the initial glaze, focus on enhancing the contrast between the subject (in this case, the couple and their cat) and the background. This step is crucial to making the subject stand out. You want to:

  • Gradually increase the opacity of the glazes on the background to push it further into the distance.
  • Use darker tones in the background compared to the foreground to create depth.

To darken the background even more, add layers of raw umber or burnt sienna mixed with matte medium on top of the blue glaze. This will give the background a more muted, shadowy effect while still allowing the initial blue tone to shine through.

Step 4: Glazing the Clothing

Next, shift focus to darkening the clothing using a similar glazing technique. The subject in this portrait is wearing darker-toned clothes, and I use the combination of raw umber and ultramarine blue to darken the clothing in a natural, gradual way.

  1. Mix Raw Umber and Blue: Combine raw umber with ultramarine blue and matte medium. This creates a nice neutral dark glaze that adds depth to the clothing without making it look flat.
  2. Apply the Glaze: Begin layering this darker glaze on the clothing, focusing on areas of shadow or where more depth is needed.
  3. Build Layer by Layer: Since glazing is a cumulative process, each layer adds more intensity to the clothing. Don’t worry about getting the perfect color right away. With each layer, the colors will mix and blend, creating a more realistic tone.

Remember, glazing allows you to make adjustments easily. If the color feels too cool or too warm, add a thin glaze of raw sienna or alizarin crimson to adjust the warmth or coolness.

Step 5: Enhancing Details and Finishing Touches

Once the base glazes are in place, use smaller detail brushes to enhance the finer areas, such as the edges of the clothing or folds in the fabric. For example, I use raw sienna to highlight certain areas of the shirt’s wrinkles. Then this subtle addition of color adds a lifelike quality to the painting.

At this stage, pay attention to:

  • Wrinkles and folds in the clothing: Use a small brush to carefully apply thin glazes to highlight these details.
  • Edge details: Glaze carefully around the edges where the subject meets the background, ensuring a smooth transition.

Tips for Acrylic Glazing Technique

  • Use Light Layers: Always apply thin glazes and build up gradually. Heavy applications will obscure the previous layers.
  • Dry Between Layers: Allow each glaze to dry before adding the next. This prevents muddying the colors.
  • Experiment with Color: Don’t be afraid to adjust the color temperature with warm or cool glazes.
  • Less Is More: A little pigment goes a long way when glazing. Be mindful of how much color you mix in with the medium.
  • Work from Light to Dark: Build up your painting by working from lighter glazes to darker ones to maintain luminosity and depth.

Conclusion

The acrylic glazing technique offers artists a powerful tool for adding depth and richness to their paintings. When layering transparent color, you can gradually darken backgrounds and clothing without losing the vibrancy of the initial layers. This method also allows for flexibility, as adjustments can be made throughout the process without the pressure of getting it right on the first try.

In this painting of a couple and their cat, the careful use of glazing brings out the contrast between the subjects and their background, creating a compelling portrait. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and apply it to your own projects, transforming your portraits into luminous works of art.

If you’re looking for more instructional videos on how to improve your acrylic painting, visit www.realisticacrylic.com for more tutorials and check out my free courses here. .

LEARN MORE

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!

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,

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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!

varnish acrylic portrait

How to Varnish an Acrylic Painting in One Step

Discover the easy technique for how to varnish an acrylic painting in one step to enhance and preserve your artwork’s vibrancy

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding this topic, or at least, many different opinions on how to do it right.

Some say you need an isolation coat. But others say you should spray apply the varnish. And then there are some who pour it on or use a sponge!

I’m not here to dismiss any of those methods. If they work for that particular artist, more power to them.

Rather, I’d like to share with you the method I’ve been using for over 20 years as a portrait painter. And then it’s easy, and you can do it one step.

Let me break down this one-step acrylic varnishing method into how to actually do it…

  1. Lay your canvas flat on a table, oriented horizontally, but at an angle.
  2. Raise your canvas up, on four scraps of wood placed under each corner (make sure it’s level. 1″ x 2″s work well )
  3.  Get your 4″ varnishing brush (Liquitex Freestyle works well)
  4. Pour matte varnish (Novacolor or Liquitex) into a clean yogurt container or any plastic container large enough to accommodate the width of the brush. Be sure to stir the varnish if it’s been sitting for a while! Over time the polymer resin can separate from the water in the mixture. If you don’t mix it, you may have streaks.
  5. “Sweep” any dust or debris off of the canvas surface with a large brush before you begin.
  6. Dip your brush into the varnish container, so the bristles are coated with varnish 1/3-1/2 of the way up from the tip.
  7. Begin brushing the varnish on the surface, starting with the end farthest from you. Brush in the longest direction of the canvas.
  8. Let your brush hit 1/3″ of the way from the left edge of the canvas. Apply even pressure and bring the brush all the way to the left edge.
  9. Bring the brush all the way to the right edge.
  10. Wipe any excess varnish that remains on your brush inside the top lip of your container.
  11. Flip the brush over and smooth out the entire first application, overlapping the edge slightly with 1-2 strokes. Do not overbrush!
  12. Dip your brush into the varnish container and repeat the process. Let your stroke slightly overlap the first (about 1/4″)
  13. You will be working your way toward your body. This will keep you from accidentally dripping onto the finished varnished surface.
  14. If you have any extra varnish that drips onto the side of the canvas, use a 3/4 flat brush to wipe it off. If the canvas will be framed, the side-drips are usually not a problem and can be left alone.
  15. Let your canvas dry flat on a table. It might look milky white in areas. Resist the temptation to brush it! If you followed my method, the varnish should dry crystal clear. It should dry completely within 3-5 hours, depending on humidity.

Disclaimer: I have used this method with great results in over 20 years of portrait painting. Because your results are up to you, how you apply this method, and the humidity levels of your studio space. I cannot be held responsible for any painting that gets damaged during the varnishing process. Then it would be a good idea to varnish a test piece first. You can add another layer (after 3-5 hours of dry time) if you feel the first one didn’t cover as well as you’d like, but most of the time, you won’t need to.

Watch this video below to see the process in action…

If you’re looking for more instructional videos on how to improve your acrylic painting, visit www.realisticacrylic.com for more tutorials and check out my free courses here. .

Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to teaching you more!

LEARN MORE

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!

 


I’d love to hear your thoughts about 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,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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!

3 Tips on How to Draw Better Pencil Portraits

Unlock the secrets to realistic portraits with these essential pencil drawing techniques

Drawing realistic pencil portraits can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. If you’re looking to improve your pencil drawing skills, it’s essential to focus on technique, control, and mastering shading. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, improving your pencil drawings can drastically boost your portrait painting skills, especially if you primarily work in acrylic. In this blog post, you’ll learn 3 valuable tips that will help you create lifelike pencil portraits.

1. Master Cross-Hatching for Realistic Shading

Cross-hatching is a time-tested technique that involves layering pencil strokes in a criss-cross pattern to build depth and texture in your drawings. In this method, parallel lines are drawn in one direction, and then a second set of lines is added at an angle across the first set. This overlapping of lines creates a rich texture and smooth tonal gradation.

To start, use a soft pencil like a 4B, which produces dark, rich tones. You’ll want to keep your pencil strokes close together, allowing minimal gaps between them. This technique is perfect for areas that require detailed shadowing, such as the contours of a face or fur on an animal. Then the secret lies in maintaining consistent pressure and evenly spacing your strokes.

To take it a step further, try cross-hatching at a 45-degree angle. Because this adds an extra layer of dimension and allows you to control the light and dark values more effectively. When shading, remember to follow the natural form of the subject to make the drawing appear more realistic.

By mastering cross-hatching, then you’ll find that your pencil drawings will have smoother textures and enhanced depth, making your portraits stand out with their intricate details.

2. Protect Your Drawing from Smudges

One of the biggest challenges when drawing with pencils is avoiding smudges. Then as you work, your hand can easily smudge the graphite, causing unwanted marks and ruining the clean lines of your portrait.

A simple yet effective way to prevent smudging is to place a piece of scrap paper under your drawing hand. Because this will act as a barrier between your hand and the drawing, keeping the graphite from smearing as you work. Not only does this keep the drawing neat, but it also prevents the natural oils from your skin from warping the paper.

It’s also important to work from left to right if you’re right-handed, or right to left if you’re left-handed, to reduce the risk of accidentally smudging what you’ve already drawn. Working in layers, starting with the lighter areas first, and finishing with the darkest parts will also minimize smudging.

By taking care to protect your drawing, you ensure that your portrait remains sharp and polished, free from unnecessary smears.

3. Blend with Tissue for a Smooth Finish

Blending is a powerful technique for smoothing out pencil strokes and achieving a soft, even tone. Many artists use blending stumps or their fingers, but using a piece of tissue paper offers a superior finish without over-smearing the details.

When you blend effectively, gently rub the tissue across the shaded areas of your drawing in small, circular motions. Then be careful not to press too hard, as this can overly blend the graphite and flatten the texture. And of course the goal is to lightly blend the surface to achieve smooth gradation between shadows and highlights.

One benefit of using tissue is that it preserves the texture of the paper underneath while softening the shading. This keeps the drawing realistic without losing detail. Additionally, after blending with tissue, you can go back and add more layers of pencil to intensify the values. This layering process creates richer depth in the drawing, allowing you to achieve darker areas without overworking the graphite.

By combining the precision of cross-hatching with the gentle blending of tissue, your portraits will exhibit a refined, professional quality, with smooth transitions between light and dark areas.

Technique Recap:

  • Cross-Hatching: Start with closely-spaced, diagonal strokes at a 45-degree angle, layering them in opposite directions to create smooth, realistic shading.
  • Prevent Smudging: Use a piece of scrap paper under your hand to keep the graphite from smearing, and work from top to bottom to avoid unintentional marks.
  • Tissue Blending: Gently blend shaded areas with tissue for a polished look, allowing for added layers to deepen your values.

Conclusion:

Drawing better pencil portraits comes down to mastering basic techniques that bring out the realism in your work. With cross-hatching, careful blending, and preventing smudges, you can elevate your portrait skills and create lifelike, professional-quality art. Whether you’re sketching as a hobby or enhancing your painting skills, these pencil drawing tips will give you a solid foundation.

To keep improving, don’t forget to practice these techniques regularly. With time, you’ll see remarkable improvements in the depth, detail, and overall quality of your portraits.

Did you find these tips helpful? Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more art tutorials and visit my website, RealisticAcrylic.com, where you’ll find in-depth resources to help you create stunning portraits. Let’s bring your artwork to the next level!

Questions? Suggestions? Thoughts? Let me know, below in the comments. Please share this post with your friends!

LEARN MORE

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!


I’d love to hear your thoughts about 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,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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 Initial Highlights to Your Acrylic Portrait

Unlock the secrets of applying initial highlights to your acrylic portraits for added depth and realism.

Adding highlights is a crucial step in bringing your acrylic portraits to life because it adds depth, dimension, and a sense of realism to the painting. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to add initial highlights to your acrylic portrait after laying down a toning layer, using titanium white mixed with Indian yellow for a warm, vibrant touch. Then these highlights will help define the light source, making your portrait stand out.

Add Initial Highlights to Your Acrylic Portrait

Materials You Will Need

Before we dive into the process, gather these materials:

  • Titanium White Paint: For a bright, opaque base.
  • Indian Yellow Paint: To warm up the white highlights.
  • Matte Medium: Thins the paint for smoother application.
  • Flat Size 14 Brush: Ideal for blocking in larger areas.
  • Smaller Detail Brushes: Useful for adding precise highlights.
  • Palette Knife (Optional): For mixing paint and mediums.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Initial Highlights

1. Mixing the Paint
The first step in adding highlights is preparing the right paint mixture. Because in this technique, we mix titanium white with a small amount of Indian yellow. Then the combination will create warm, natural highlights. So that the thin mixture with matte medium to around 50% opacity. This will also allow the highlights to blend seamlessly with the underlying layers without overpowering them.

Using matte medium ensures that the paint remains flexible and doesn’t dry too quickly, giving you ample time to work on the highlights.

2. Restoring Lost Highlights After Toning
After applying a toning layer, some highlights may have been muted or lost. Now it’s time to restore them. Start by focusing on the areas of your portrait where the light hits directly, such as the sky, the subject’s face, or their clothing. Then these areas need to stand out against the mid-tones and shadows.

Using the size 14 flat brush, gently block in the highlights. When you apply light, controlled strokes to ensure the paint doesn’t cover too much of the surrounding areas. Then keep your strokes smooth to avoid hard edges.

3. Adding Highlights to the Sky and Clouds
Begin with the sky and clouds, especially if you’re painting an outdoor portrait. Because when you apply the titanium white and Indian yellow mixture to the parts of the sky where the light source is strongest. This will create a glowing effect, giving the sky a more realistic appearance.

In this case, incorporating highlights into the clouds will help to define their shape and make them stand out from the background. Use soft brush strokes to add highlights along the edges, creating a gradual transition from light to shadow.

4. Highlighting Clothing
Next, move on to your subject’s clothing. Clothing often reflects light differently than skin, so it’s important to be mindful of texture. For smoother fabrics, such as silk or satin, use long, even brush strokes. Then for rougher fabrics like wool or cotton, stipple the highlights to mimic the texture of the material.

Start with broader highlights and then use a smaller brush to add more precise details, such as folds and creases. So remember that, these highlights should enhance the form of the clothing and help convey the fabric’s texture.

Techniques for Effective Highlighting

1. Build Gradually
When adding highlights, it’s essential to build up the light areas slowly. And then begin with lighter tones and gradually add more layers as needed. Because this ensures a more natural transition between highlights and shadows, enhancing the three-dimensional effect.

2. Focus on Light Source
Always keep the direction of the light source in mind. Highlights should reflect where the light is hitting the subject the most directly. In this tutorial, the highlights were added primarily to the face, clothing, and parts of the background, such as the sky and clouds.

3. Use Warm Colors for Depth
Instead of using pure white for highlights, adding a warm color like Indian yellow can create a more realistic effect. This warmth will help your highlights blend into the mid-tones and make the subject appear more vibrant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overuse of Highlights
Too many highlights can make your portrait look flat and overexposed. Then focus on applying highlights sparingly in key areas where the light hits most directly. And less is often more when it comes to achieving a natural look.

2. Hard Edges
When applying highlights, avoid hard, defined edges unless you’re working on a very reflective surface like glass. Because most highlights, especially on skin and fabric, should have soft transitions to blend naturally with the rest of the painting.

Adding Final Details

As you finish applying the initial highlights, step back and observe your painting from a distance. This helps you see how the highlights interact with the rest of the painting and determine if they need any adjustments. If the highlights appear too bright or harsh, you can soften them by glazing over them with a thin layer of mid-tone color.

For areas like the face and hair, use a smaller brush to add subtle highlights that bring out the details. In the tutorial, highlights were applied to areas like the clothing, face, and even the sky to create depth and realism. For instance, on the subject’s face, highlights were applied to key areas such as the forehead and cheekbones, which receive the most light.

Conclusion

Adding initial highlights to your acrylic portrait is an essential step in creating depth and realism. By using a mixture of titanium white and Indian yellow, thinning it with matte medium, and applying it carefully to the key areas, you can restore lost highlights and breathe life into your portrait. As you continue to refine your highlights, remember to stay mindful of the light source, apply highlights gradually, and avoid overworking the painting.

Whether you’re painting a sky full of clouds or the fine details on a subject’s face, mastering the art of highlights will take your acrylic portraits to the next level.

For more tips and techniques on creating realistic portraits, visit www.realisticacrylic.com. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be painting portraits you can be proud of!

Questions? Suggestions? Thoughts? Let me know, below in the comments. Please share this post with your friends!

LEARN MORE

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!


I’d love to hear your thoughts about 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,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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!

 

battlefield painting moses aaron hur

How to Blocking-in a 30″ x 40″ Acrylic Battle Scene Painting

Learn the technique of blocking-in a large 30″ x 40″ acrylic battle scene to establish strong foundations for your painting with depth and detail.

When tackling a large-scale project like blocking-in a 30″ x 40″ acrylic battle scene painting, the initial steps are crucial to setting the stage for a dynamic and cohesive composition. Because by using these combination of broad strokes and carefully placed color, this foundational layer helps you define the major forms, balance your composition, and create a sense of depth right from the start. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out with larger works, mastering the blocking-in process will ensure your painting flows smoothly.

So in this demonstration, I am using a 30″ x 40″ acrylic painting I was commissioned to create, a battle scene between ancient Israel and the Amalekites. Then I asked my friends to come over to my home early in the morning, at sunrise, and model for the painting.

Blocking-in a 30" x 40" acrylic battle scene painting
Original reference photo for Moses, Aaron and Hur painting, ©2021 Matt Philleo

Yes, that’s me in the middle!

In this battle, when the Israelite leader Moses held up his staff, the power of God would flow. Then it caused the Israelite army to defeat their battlefield enemies. But, as the battle lasted for hours, Moses grew tired and couldn’t hold up his staff. Then the Amalekites got the advantage over the Israelites!

His assistants, Aaron and Hur came up with an idea. They had Moses sit on a rock. Then they held up his arms on either side, so once again, the Israelites could prevail.

This painting is meant to depict the struggle in praying, and how when others come alongside of us, they can ease the burden. And then their faith strengthens ours, and we can get the victory!

Here is my layout for the painting that I edited on Photoshop…

Reference image for acrylic painting of Moses, Aaron and Hur, Battle with the Amalekites, ©2021 Matt Philleo

Now for the blocking-in video…

We start with an accurate sketch. Then, my goal is to quickly identify the major areas of contrast within the reference photo.

Moses-Aaron-Hur-Painting
30 x 40 Acrylic on Canvas painting of Moses, Aaron and Hur in the Amalekite battle. Shown in the sketch stage. ©2021 Matt Philleo

Then we apply a layer of raw umber dark, ultramarine blue and matte medium to the shadow areas designated on the sketch…

Tips and Techniques

  1. Start with Prayer & Purpose: Before beginning your painting, consider focusing on the purpose behind it. In this case, the painting represents a moment of intercessory prayer, symbolizing perseverance and spiritual victory. This mindfulness sets the tone for intentionality in your artwork.
  2. Use Matte Medium for Glazing: Apply matte medium to your palette before mixing in your colors. For blocking-in, ensure that your paint is heavily diluted with matte medium, aiming for a mixture that’s about 90-95% medium to 5-10% paint. This creates translucent layers, allowing for smooth blending and luminosity in the final work.
  3. Choose Your Colors: Use a traditional palette with earthy tones like raw umber, burnt sienna, and ultramarine blue, mixed with other colors such as titanium white for highlights. These colors create a natural, muted foundation for blocking-in shadows and light.
  4. Block-in Major Values: Start by blocking-in large value structures, such as the shadows on the figures and the surrounding landscape. Keep the application light to allow for adjustments later. Work across the whole canvas, focusing on dominant shapes and transitions between light and dark areas.
  5. Work with Large Brushes: Use larger, flat brushes, such as a three-quarter inch, to block-in broad areas quickly and efficiently. This prevents getting stuck in details too early, allowing you to build up the entire scene cohesively.
  6. Blend with Confidence: As you block-in, keep your brushstrokes fluid and in multiple directions to ensure smooth blending. Make sure to maintain a wet edge to avoid streaks and allow for easy adjustments.
  7. Don’t Fear Corrections: Because the paint is thin, any mistakes in the blocking-in phase can be easily corrected. You can always layer additional glazes or shift values as the painting progresses.

By focusing on blocking-in the large value structures early in the process, you create a solid foundation for your 30″ x 40″ acrylic battle scene, allowing the details to emerge naturally as you build layers.

If you’re interested in learning more about acrylic glazing or portrait painting techniques, be sure to explore the resources available at realisticacrylic.com. and download my free gift for you here.

Questions? Suggestions? Thoughts? Let me know, below in the comments. Please share this post with your friends!

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Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!


I’d love to hear your thoughts about 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,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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!

 

step-by-step-acrylic-portrait-demo

5 Steps on How to Paint a Vibrant Acrylic Portrait

Learn the classical glazing technique for depth and luminosity

Acrylic painting is an exciting medium known for its versatility, but achieving the depth and vibrancy often associated with oil paintings can seem challenging. However, by employing the classical glazing technique, a method favored by old masters like Rembrandt, Titian, and Vermeer then you can produce rich, luminous results with acrylics. This blog post will guide you through 5 essential steps to create a vibrant acrylic portrait using this time-tested method.

This tutorial shows the entire process of painting a portrait. Here are the steps I show in this tutorial:

  1. Start with a Detailed Sketch.
  2. Apply the Initial Glaze Layers
  3. Layer and Build Gradation
  4. Introduce Vibrant Colors
  5.  Focus on Nuances and Details

1. Start with a Detailed Sketch

Every masterpiece begins with a solid foundation, and in portrait painting, that foundation is the sketch. Before you start adding color to your canvas, take time to create a detailed and accurate sketch of your subject. For this project, an 11×14 portrait of three girls in a park serves as an example.

By using a sepia-tone prismacolor colored pencil, you can establish proportions and likeness. Accuracy in this stage helps set the stage for a calm and confident painting process. Once your sketch is ready, seal it with a clear matte medium. This acts as a protective layer, ensuring that the pencil lines remain intact as you begin adding paint.

  • Tip: Use a flat brush (¾ inch to 1 inch wide) to apply the matte medium. Make sure the application is smooth and even, allowing it to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

2. Apply the Initial Glaze Layers

The heart of this painting method lies in glazing, where thin, transparent layers of paint are applied over one another to build depth and richness. Unlike traditional opaque acrylic painting, the classical glazing technique requires a mixture of 95% matte medium to 5% paint. This creates a very light wash that enables you to gradually build colors without overwhelming the canvas.

Begin by mixing raw umber dark with ultramarine blue to create lifelike skin tones and shadow areas. These first layers will be almost imperceptible, but they provide a strong base for the layers that follow.

  • Tip: The first layers of glaze should be incredibly light. This allows for adjustments in color or value without the need to paint over mistakes. The glazing method helps avoid the common frustration of muddy colors often encountered in acrylic painting.

3. Layer and Build Gradation

Once the initial glaze is applied, it’s time to focus on layering. As you build up more layers, you’ll notice how the painting starts to take on a more vibrant and realistic appearance. The goal here is to create a seamless transition between light and dark values, blending tones smoothly to replicate the natural shading found in your reference photo.

In this step, more raw umber dark and ultramarine blue are used to deepen the shadows on the forehead and hair. This layering process helps achieve the subtle gradation required for realistic portraits.

  • Technique: As you layer, ensure that each glaze is thin and transparent. Too much paint in a single layer can cause the painting to look heavy and lose the delicate transparency that glazing provides.

4. Introduce Vibrant Colors

To make your portrait truly vibrant, it’s essential to introduce bold colors into the glazing process. In this example, a dash of Liquitex hot pink was added to the dress to intensify the color and give it a glowing effect. The key is to use these bright colors sparingly, applying them in thin layers so that they blend harmoniously with the existing hues.

When applying glazes to areas like the clothing, make sure to leave the white areas exposed. This technique, known as “preserving the luminosity,” ensures that highlights remain bright and eye-catching, adding to the overall vibrancy of the portrait.

  • Tip: When adding vibrant glazes, thin the paint with medium and apply it cautiously. This helps prevent overpowering the existing layers while enhancing the color saturation.

5. Focus on Nuances and Details

The final step in this process involves refining the smaller details and nuances that bring a portrait to life. For example, the highlights in the hair, shadows in the creases of clothing, and the subtle changes in skin tone around the eyes require careful attention.

In the final layers, you can also experiment with a semi-opaque mixture, using titanium white, raw umber dark, and organic red-orange to add warmth and depth to the skin tones. With each new layer, the portrait takes on more life, depth, and realism. At this stage, it’s important to use more opaque layers sparingly, as glazing is best suited for large areas, while more detailed parts, such as fingernails or eyes, may benefit from a slightly thicker application of paint.

  • Technique: If you notice that certain areas appear too flat or lack depth, consider adding a dark glaze to emphasize the shadows. Because mixing ultramarine blue with raw umber dark creates a rich, deep tone perfect for refining these darker areas without relying on black paint.

Conclusion: Patience Is Key

As you add each layer of glaze, then always remember that patience is vital. Because acrylic glazing requires multiple layers, sometimes ten or more to achieve the desired depth and luminosity. Each layer builds upon the last, contributing to the portrait’s final vibrancy. While it may take time, the results are well worth the effort.

By following these five steps, you can create a stunning acrylic portrait with vibrant colors and lifelike depth, all while employing the classical glazing technique favored by the old masters.

For further resources and guides, visit realisticacrylic.com and check out my free courses to enhance your acrylic painting journey.

LEARN MORE

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!


I’d love to hear your thoughts about 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,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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!

 

Two Bubble Frame Oval Acrylic Portraits

How to Paint Two Bubble Frame Oval Acrylic Portraits

Unlock the secrets to creating captivating two bubble frame oval acrylic portraits

Painting two bubble frame oval acrylic portraits offers a unique opportunity to explore creativity and technique while crafting eye-catching artwork. In this guide, you’ll discover the essential steps to create stunning portraits that showcase not only your artistic skills but also the charming oval frames that elevate your paintings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll learn how to blend colors effectively, capture realistic features, and compose your portraits for maximum impact. Let’s dive into the world of acrylic painting and bring your two bubble frame oval acrylic portraits to life!

How is my portrait project coming along?

“Um, I haven’t even started it yet.”

“Oh. Could you do another one and get it done for me by Christmas?”

“Let me check. Sure.”

This is kind of how the conversation went when a client called me on a portrait project that I had scheduled out for a few months. I was backed up with commissions, and it was already well into December.

Do another portrait when I was already behind? Why not? I thrive on a little deadline pressure. I’ve got an extra reserve of midnight oil 🙂

So here are the portraits I created, two convex-oval 14″ x 20″ acrylic on canvas paintings. I decided to work on both at once. And I got them both done in time, too, by God’s grace!

 

Two Bubble Frame Oval Acrylic Portraits
Two oval acrylic portraits painted on vintage convex bubble frame prints, original custom portrait painted from photos for Steve Kristo, by Matt Philleo, Eau Claire artist, ©2018 Fine Art by Matt Philleo

 

And now I want to show you how I painted them. I’ll take you through the process from the colors I select for the palette, the first few layers, all the way to the completed painting.

 

How I Painted These Oval Vintage Acrylic Portraits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This tutorial is a work in progress, so I’ll be adding more videos in the future!

Keep in touch and I’ll let you know when I post the next one!

Let me know how this tutorial helps!

Have you ever painted on an oval canvas or unusual surface before? If so, leave a comment and tell me about it. Have a blessed day!

LEARN MORE

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!

Yours for better portraits,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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!

 

 

learn acrylic portrait painting children

How to Build Depth in Your Acrylic Portrait Backgrounds

Learn the art of layering to create stunning backgrounds

Creating depth in your acrylic portrait backgrounds can transform your artwork from flat and uninviting to vibrant and lifelike. This comprehensive guide will explore techniques and tips that can be utilized to effectively build depth in your acrylic paintings. Through careful layering, color mixing, and thoughtful brushwork, your backgrounds will not only enhance your portraits but also engage viewers and add emotional resonance.

learn acrylic portrait painting children
Acrylic portrait painting of three children, by artist Matt Philleo, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas

Understanding Depth in Art

Depth in art refers to the illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. It involves creating a sense of space, distance, and perspective. In acrylic portrait painting, the background plays a crucial role in establishing depth and can significantly influence the viewer’s perception of the subject.

Techniques for Building Depth

1. Layering with Glazes

Layering is one of the most effective techniques for creating depth. It involves applying transparent layers of paint over one another, allowing underlying colors and textures to show through.

  • Start with a Base Layer: Begin with a solid background color that will serve as your foundation. A mid-tone color can be effective for this purpose.
  • Apply Transparent Glazes: Use a mix of acrylic paint and a glazing medium to create transparent layers. Ultramarine blue and raw umber dark can be mixed to achieve subtle variations.

By layering these glazes, different values can be developed. The key is to allow each layer to dry before applying the next, which helps to create a sense of depth through the transparency and complexity of the colors.

2. Creating Gradation

Gradation can be used to suggest distance and atmosphere in your backgrounds. This can be achieved through both blending and glazing techniques.

  • Segmented Areas: Instead of blending wet colors, use segmented areas of glazing to create smooth transitions. By touching certain areas while leaving others untouched, a subtle blend can be achieved. This method provides a more natural appearance and enhances the depth of the painting.
  • Use of Color Temperature: Varying color temperature can add to the perception of depth. Cool colors, such as blues and greens, can recede in the background, while warmer tones tend to come forward. For instance, using a cooler ultramarine blue in the background while maintaining warmer tones in the foreground can create a compelling contrast.

3. Employing Contrast

Contrast is essential in making your subject stand out against the background. By darkening background areas, the foreground subjects will naturally become more pronounced.

  • Darkening Techniques: When applying darker glazes, consider how the light interacts with your subject. By ensuring that the background is darker than the portrait, the subjects will appear more luminous.

This can be particularly effective when using glazes, as they dry quickly, allowing for rapid layering without mudding colors. As highlighted in the video, the layering properties of acrylics can be leveraged to achieve a depth that feels rich and engaging.

4. Incorporating Patterns and Textures

Adding textures or patterns can create interest in the background and contribute to the overall depth of the painting.

  • Marble-like Backgrounds: A painterly, marble-like appearance can be achieved by varying brush strokes and layering colors. Short, diagonal strokes can create a textured effect that draws the viewer’s eye without overwhelming the portrait.

This not only enhances depth but also gives the background a dynamic quality that complements the portrait.

Tips for Effective Backgrounds

  1. Use a Limited Palette: A limited color palette can help maintain harmony in your painting. This also makes it easier to create depth, as the colors will blend and layer more cohesively.
  2. Experiment with Brush Techniques: Different brush types and strokes can create varying effects. Experimenting with short strokes, glazing, and layering will allow for discovering unique methods of adding depth.
  3. Balance Between Foreground and Background: Always consider the balance of colors and values between your foreground and background. This ensures that your subject remains the focal point while the background supports its presence.
  4. Stay Patient: Building depth takes time. Allow layers to dry completely between applications to achieve the best results.

Conclusion

Building depth in your acrylic portrait backgrounds is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly enhance your artwork. By employing layering techniques, creating gradation, utilizing contrast, and incorporating textures, your backgrounds will not only support your subjects but also engage viewers on a deeper level.

As you continue to practice and refine these techniques, your portraits will come to life, showcasing the beauty of depth in acrylic painting. The journey of learning and experimenting is essential for any artist, and through consistent practice, remarkable improvements will be evident in your work.

With these insights, you are now equipped to enhance your acrylic portrait backgrounds and bring your artistic vision to life. For further resources and guides, visit realisticacrylic.com and check out my free courses to enhance your acrylic painting journey. Happy painting!

The Video Lesson…

 LEARN MORE

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!

Let me know how this helps! If you have questions on your portrait painting, feel free to contact me ([email protected])

Yours for better portraits,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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!

 

Would you like to learn portrait painting from me in person?

I’d like to let you know that I’ll be teaching at the Chippewa Valley Cultural Association (Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls, WI) on March 12-13, 10:30am-3:30pm, a two-day intensive acrylic portrait painting workshop. The class size is limited to 10 people to make sure I can give each student feedback and individual instruction. For more details, visit my events page here…https://realisticacrylic.com/paint-an-acrylic-portrait-with-me-in-2019/