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prepping your canvas

2025 Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge, Lesson 1: Prepping Your Canvas for the Portrait

Master the art of prepping your canvas for a smooth and successful portrait painting

In this first lesson of our Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge Masterclass, we will dive into the crucial process of prepping your canvas for the portrait. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, taking the time to properly prepare your canvas for the portrait that will ensure that your painting has a solid foundation for detailed and lifelike results.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Canvas

Before diving into the painting process, it is important to ensure that your canvas is in good shape. Start by setting up your canvas firmly on the easel. In our challenge, we are using a 16×20 canvas, which is a great size for portraits. When setting up your canvas, always check the square corners with a square tool or simply by eye. You should also inspect the canvas from the side to make sure it’s not bowed or distorted.

If you notice any bumps or dents, don’t worry this is a common issue, especially if your canvas has been stored for a while. These minor imperfections can be easily corrected.

Step 2: Fixing Wrinkles and Dents

Sometimes, after a canvas is unwrapped from its packaging, wrinkles or dents can appear. A simple solution for this is to lightly mist the back of your canvas with water. Use a spray bottle or mister to ensure that the entire back is saturated, especially in the corners. After spraying, let the canvas dry completely either by hanging it up or allowing it to air dry. This step is crucial because it tightens the fabric and eliminates any imperfections, leaving you with a taut and smooth canvas that will be perfect for painting.

Step 3: Applying Gesso for a Smooth Surface

Now, let’s move on to the critical step of applying gesso. Even though most canvases come pre-primed, the primer they use is often too thin to create a smooth and rigid surface. By applying gesso, you add a thicker coat that not only improves the rigidity of your canvas but also provides a smoother texture ideal for detailed painting.

Gesso also makes your canvas more archival, ensuring that your artwork will stand the test of time. For this lesson, we will be applying a custom mix of gesso and matte medium. To start, pour the gesso into a small container. You will need a condiment container or small disposable cup for this task. Add about 50% gesso and 50% matte medium. The matte medium will help to thin the gesso, allowing it to be applied more smoothly while also ensuring that the surface is perfect for sketching.

Prepping Your Canvas

Step 4: Stirring the Mixture

Once you have your gesso and matte medium in your container, stir the mixture thoroughly with an old brush or a stirring stick. The goal is to ensure that the two components blend together to form a smooth and consistent mixture. A 50/50 ratio works well, but feel free to adjust depending on the desired consistency. The matte medium will not only improve the application of the gesso but also create an ideal surface for sketching, allowing your colored pencils to adhere better.

Step 5: Applying the Gesso Mixture

Now it’s time to apply the gesso mixture to your canvas. Using a brush, evenly coat the surface with the gesso. Work in smooth, gentle strokes to cover the entire canvas. You should aim for an even layer that is not too thick or thin. Be sure to cover the edges of the canvas as well. Once applied, allow the gesso to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps of your painting process.

Properly prepping your canvas is a fundamental step in achieving a high-quality portrait painting. With the right techniques, such as checking for squareness, fixing wrinkles, and applying a smooth gesso layer, you are setting yourself up for success. By following these steps, you can ensure that your painting will have a strong foundation for detailed and accurate portrait work.

In this first lesson, we have set the stage for an exciting and rewarding painting experience. As you progress through this Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge, continue to refer back to these preparation steps for each new portrait you tackle. With every layer and brushstroke, your painting will come to life, and you’ll be proud of the portrait you’ve created. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to ask for support from the community together, we can achieve beautiful portraits!

By prepping your canvas properly, you are taking the first step toward a successful portrait painting. Join us for the full Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge and start creating the portrait of your dreams today! Pre-Lesson: Gathering Supplies

To know more watch my video tutorial below.

Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge

2025 Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge Pre-Lesson: Gathering Your Supplies

Master the art of acrylic portraits: Start with the right supplies for the winter challenge

Welcome to the Challenge

The Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge Masterclass is here, and this pre-lesson sets the stage for a transformative artistic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or new to acrylics, this challenge will help you develop your skills and create a stunning winter portrait. Let’s dive into the essential supplies and steps to ensure your success.

What Makes This Challenge Special?

This is the first-ever Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge, a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of acrylic portraiture in a winter theme. Past challenges have inspired thousands of artists to push their boundaries, with many creating portraits for the first time. This challenge builds on that success, offering you a step-by-step guide and a supportive community.

Why Should You Join?

If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time! Joining the challenge grants you access to:

  1. A Welcome Kit: A detailed guide with everything you need to participate.
  2. Step-by-Step Lessons: Video tutorials that simplify complex techniques.
  3. Supportive Community: Engage with fellow artists, share progress, and seek guidance.

Sign up today ➡️ https://realisticacrylic.com/acrylic-portrait-painting-challenge/

Supplies You’ll Need

Gathering the right materials is the first step. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

  1. Acrylic Paints: A basic set including primary colors, white, black, and earth tones.
  2. Brushes: A variety of sizes, including round, flat, and detail brushes.
  3. Canvas or Hardboard: A primed surface for your artwork.
  4. Palette: Preferably with wells to keep colors clean and organized.
  5. Reference Photo: Included in the welcome kit – a horse and rider in the snow.
  6. Other Essentials: A water container, paper towels, and a palette knife.

The welcome kit also provides a palette layout guide, ensuring your colors stay vibrant and unmuddied during mixing.

Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge

The Power of Community

Participating in this challenge means joining a community of like-minded artists. Share your progress on social media or the exclusive Facebook group, where you’ll receive feedback, encouragement, and tips to overcome challenges.

The Importance of Faith in Art

Throughout the challenge, you’ll be reminded that creativity is a gift. Trust in your abilities and the guidance provided. With persistence, support, and faith, you can create a portrait to be proud of.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Success

The masterclass lessons will guide you through:

  • Sketching your portrait using grids for accuracy.
  • Layering and blending techniques for depth and realism.
  • Overcoming common struggles with acrylics.

If you feel stuck, reach out to the community or re-watch the tutorials for clarity.

A Final Word of Encouragement

The Winter Acrylic Portrait Challenge is more than a painting class; it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and inspire others with your art. Whether this is your first portrait or your tenth, you’ll finish the challenge with newfound confidence and skills.

Take the First Step

Don’t let hesitation hold you back. Gather your supplies, sign up, and embark on this incredible artistic journey. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Let’s paint something extraordinary together

Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge

2025 Winter Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge: Steps to Get Started

Learn to paint a winter scene with a rider and horse using acrylics: Free masterclass for all skill levels!

The new year brings a fresh opportunity to elevate your artistic journey with the 2025 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge. Running from January 6th to January 31st, this free challenge invites artists of all skill levels to explore the world of acrylic portraiture. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, this masterclass series provides step-by-step guidance to help you craft a breathtaking winter scene featuring a rider on a horse in the snow.

The 2025 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge is here to help you grow as an artist while connecting with a community of like-minded creators. This free challenge offers everything you need to create a stunning acrylic portrait . And also you will discover how to sign up, receive your free welcome kit, and begin your artistic journey with me. Let’s dive into the details!

What Is the 2025 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge?

The challenge is a free opportunity for artists to learn acrylic portrait painting through structured lessons and community support. Participants will gain access to a detailed welcome kit and exclusive tutorials that guide them step by step.

By signing up, you will paint along with other artists worldwide and improve your skills in creating realistic portraits.

What’s Included in the Welcome Kit?

When you sign up, you’ll receive a comprehensive welcome kit that contains:

  1. Overview Guide: A document outlining the challenge’s structure and objectives.
  2. Supplies List: A detailed list of materials, including brushes, paints, and canvas sizes.
  3. Palette Layout Guide: Instructions for arranging your paints to ensure optimal color mixing.
  4. Reference Photo: An 8×10 reference image, along with a gridded version for precise sketching.
  5. Master Class Schedule: A lesson schedule detailing the topics covered throughout the challenge.

This kit ensures that you are fully prepared to paint alongside the lessons.

How to Sign Up for the Challenge

Signing up for the 2025 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge is simple and completely free. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official sign-up page: realisticacrylic.com/acrylic-portrait-painting-challenge.
  2. Fill out your first and last name, as well as your email address.
  3. Click the “Send Me the Welcome Kit” button.
  4. Check your email for the registration confirmation and further instructions.

Once registered, you will receive a downloadable PDF welcome kit. It is recommended to save or print it for easy access during the challenge.

Benefits of Joining the Challenge

  • Learn at Your Own Pace: Access seven to eight lessons, covering every step of creating a realistic acrylic portrait.
  • Community Support: Join a private Facebook group to connect with other participants, share progress, and seek feedback.
  • Step-by-Step Guidance: Follow structured tutorials that simplify complex techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the challenge free to join?

A: Yes, the challenge is completely free, and you can sign up at any time.

Q: Do I need prior painting experience?

A: No prior experience is required. The lessons cater to artists of all skill levels.

Q: What supplies will I need?

A: A supplies list is included in the welcome kit, detailing brushes, paints, and canvas sizes.

Q: Can I download the welcome kit to my phone?

A: Yes, the PDF file can be downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer.

Q: Can I access the lessons later if I miss the live session?

A: Yes, the lessons will be available to view on demand.

Q: How can I connect with the artist community?

A: You’ll gain access to an exclusive online group where you can share progress, ask questions, and receive feedback. Join my Facebook Group now: Realistic Acrylic Portraits

Tips for a Successful Challenge Experience

  • Save the welcome kit to your device for easy access.
  • Print the materials to keep them organized and within reach.
  • Participate in the Facebook group for support and motivation.
  • Star or mark challenge-related emails as important to avoid missing updates.
  • Share the challenge with artist friends to enjoy the experience together.

The 2025 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge is your chance to develop your portrait painting skills while enjoying the camaraderie of a supportive artistic community. Signing up is easy, and the welcome kit ensures you are fully prepared to participate.

Join us today and take the first step toward creating a masterpiece. Don’t wait, sign up now and grab the opportunity to transform a blank canvas into a masterpiece. Whether you’re painting to create a heartfelt gift, sharpen your skills, or express yourself. This Free Portrait Painting Challenge is the perfect place to start with.

Sign Up for the 2025 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge Here

Contrast in Facial Features

How to Achieve Contrast in Facial Features Using Glazing Techniques

Unlock the power of glazing techniques to create stunning depth and realism in facial features

Creating lifelike contrast in facial features is an essential skill for any portrait artist, especially when working with acrylics. By using glazing techniques, you can add depth, refine shadows, and bring out details that elevate the realism of your paintings. This guide will walk you through how to use glazing to create dynamic contrasts in the facial features, ensuring your portraits are more vibrant and visually striking.

What is Glazing in Acrylic Painting?

Glazing is a technique that involves layering thin, transparent layers of paint over a dry underpainting. This allows you to build up rich tones and fine details without altering the structure of the layers beneath. By adjusting the intensity of the glaze, you can manipulate the contrast between light and dark areas of your painting.

Why Contrast Matters in Portraits

Contrast is key to achieving a realistic portrait. It’s the difference between the lightest and darkest areas that define the contours and features of the face. Without strong contrast, the face can appear flat and lifeless. Glazing techniques allow artists to enhance this contrast gradually, creating a more three-dimensional look.

Steps to Achieve Contrast in Facial Features Using Glazing

1. Prepare Your Base Layer

Start by creating a well-defined underpainting with an appropriate mid-tone value. This will serve as the foundation for your glazes. Make sure this layer is fully dry before you begin applying any glazes.

2. Apply Initial Glaze to Dark Areas

Begin with your darkest areas, such as the hairline, eyebrows, and shadows around the eyes. Mix a transparent layer of paint using a dark color like raw umber or burnt sienna. Add a glazing medium to make the paint transparent and apply it over the underpainting.

3. Refining Facial Features

For the nose, chin, and cheekbones, observe the natural contours and apply glazes to enhance the depth. Focus on adding subtle shadow variations by layering transparent colors. These will blend with the underpainting, creating a smooth transition from light to dark.

4. Layering to Increase Contrast

Once your first glaze is dry, apply subsequent layers to build up more contrast. Use lighter glazes for areas like the forehead, tip of the nose, and under the eyes. A combination of titanium white and yellow ochre can be used for highlights. This gradual layering process allows the colors to meld seamlessly, creating a rich contrast.

5. Detailing with Fine Glazes

For fine details like the texture of the skin, eyelids, and lips, you can use a more delicate glaze. Use a fine-tipped brush to add lighter tones on the skin’s surface or a darker glaze to intensify shadows around the jawline or under the nose. The key is to maintain a balance between light and dark to keep the face looking natural.

6. Final Refinements

After several layers, evaluate your painting to see if additional contrast is needed. Add glazes to areas where shadows may need to be deepened or highlights need to be accentuated. Blend the glazes smoothly to avoid harsh lines and ensure that all features have a harmonious depth.

Tips and Techniques for Perfecting Contrast with Glazing

  • Use a Slow-Drying Medium: A slow drying medium allows you more time to manipulate your glazes before they set. This can be particularly helpful for blending.
  • Thin Layers are Key: Thin, transparent layers allow the underlying colors to show through, giving your portrait more dimension. Avoid thick, opaque layers as they can overpower the underpainting.
  • Pay Attention to Light Source: Always keep the light source in mind. Shadows will fall in different places depending on the position of the light. This will determine where you apply your darker glazes.
  • Use Complementary Colors for Contrast: Using complementary colors, like mixing greens with reds or blues with oranges, can create dynamic contrast, making your facial features pop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-applying Glaze: Too many glazes can obscure the fine details of your portrait. Be patient and build layers gradually.
  • Not Allowing Layers to Dry: Glaze should always be applied to a dry layer to avoid muddiness. Always allow each layer to fully dry before adding another glaze.
  • Not Using Enough Contrast: It’s easy to understate contrast in portraits, especially when using glazes. Make sure your darkest darks and lightest lights are well represented.

Achieving contrast in facial features using glazing techniques is an essential skill that can bring your acrylic portraits to life. By applying thin layers of transparent paint, you can build up depth, highlight details, and enhance the three-dimensionality of your subject. With patience and careful attention to light and shadow, you can master this technique and elevate your portrait painting to new levels of realism.

Remember, contrast is about balance too little, and your painting will look flat; too much, and it can appear harsh. With glazing, you have the perfect tool to control this balance, creating a beautifully nuanced and realistic portrait.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many layers of glaze should I apply?
A: The number of layers depends on the depth you want to achieve. Typically, three to five layers work well for creating noticeable contrast.

Q: Can I use glazing on all parts of the face?
A: Yes, glazing can be applied to all parts of the face, including the eyes, nose, lips, and hair. It’s especially effective for adding depth to areas like the eye sockets and the jawline.

Q: What type of glaze medium is best for portraits?
A: An acrylic glazing medium is best for portraits, as it allows for smooth application and transparency. Avoid using heavy mediums that may make the paint too thick.

Q: Do I need to use dark glazes for shadows?
A: Dark glazes work well for deep shadows, but you can also use mid-tones or neutral colors. The goal is to create a gradual transition from light to dark, not to create harsh, artificial shadows.

Tips for Achieving Contrast in Facial Features:

  • Apply thin layers of glazes to gradually build depth.
  • Focus on the light source to guide your application of glazes.
  • Experiment with complementary colors for stronger contrast.
  • Allow each glaze layer to dry before adding another for smooth blending.

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,

Signature_200dpi_sm.jpg

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

Acrylic Portraits in Painting Challenge

Critique 3 Acrylic Portraits From My Painting Challenge!

Learn from my critique of three acrylic portrait paintings – key insights and practical tips for improving your portraits.

Welcome to another insightful painting critique session! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of acrylic portraiture by reviewing three submissions from my Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge. These critiques offer a practical learning experience for artists looking to refine their portraits. Whether you’re struggling with details, skin tones, or lighting, this session is filled with tips that can help you elevate your work. Let’s explore these critique 3 acrylic portrait from my painting challenge and discover ways to improve accuracy, contrast, and overall realism in your portraits.

The Value of Critiquing Your Work

As artists, we can often hit a wall with our paintings. You may feel that something is “off” but struggle to identify what needs improvement. This is where having a professional critique can make all the difference. As a commissioned portrait artist with over 20 years of experience, I provide in-depth critiques for my students. In this session, I will review three selected paintings from the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge participants, offering constructive feedback and detailed guidance.

Portrait 1: Karen Campbell’s Portrait

The first critique features Karen Campbell’s painting. Karen has done an outstanding job capturing the likeness and form of the subject. Let’s break down her work and explore what works well, as well as areas that could use improvement. [Please watch the video below]

1.1 Composition and Form

One of the first things I examine in a critique is the composition and form. Karen’s composition is spot-on, largely due to her use of the grid technique. The spacing between the eyes, nose, and mouth is accurate, which gives her portrait a solid foundation. Always ensure that your subject fills the canvas appropriately and that proportions are in check.

1.2 Lighting and Contrast

Next, I assess the lighting. Good lighting is key to creating depth and dimensionality in a portrait. Karen’s portrait shows strong lighting with excellent contrast between darks and lights. However, there are some areas where the contrast is a bit too sharp, especially around the eyes and eyebrows. For example, the highlight on the upper eyelid is too bright, making it appear unnatural. The solution is to soften the contrast by glazing over the highlights using a mixture of burnt sienna, raw sienna, and alizarine crimson.

Tip: Use subtle gradations in value to avoid harsh lines between light and shadow. Glazing is an effective method to soften transitions.

1.3 Skin Tones and Texture

Karen has done a commendable job with skin tones. However, some areas are slightly overworked, making the texture appear too detailed. Realism in portrait painting often relies on suggesting detail rather than rendering every feature with precision. In this case, the wrinkles and shadows near the eyebrows are emphasized too much, making the portrait look harsher than the reference photo. A lighter touch with the brush, and more glazing to blend tones, would soften the portrait and give it a more natural appearance.

Technique: Glaze over exaggerated areas with raw umber mixed with titanium white and ultramarine blue to cool down overly warm tones and smooth out harsh transitions.

Portrait 2: Enhancing Realism with Subtle Adjustments

The second portrait brings attention to value transitions and color balance. The artist in this case struggled slightly with maintaining the subtleties of skin tone and light transitions. [Please watch the video below]

2.1 Adjusting Shadows for Depth

In portraiture, shadows are critical for creating depth. In this painting, the shadows are too stark in certain areas, particularly around the nose and the lower part of the face. The contrast between light and shadow must be more gradual. One effective way to fix this is by layering thin glazes to gradually darken the shadow areas while maintaining a soft, natural look.

Tip: To create soft, realistic shadows, use thin glazes of raw umber mixed with titanium white. Apply in layers until the desired shadow depth is achieved.

2.2 The Importance of Warm and Cool Tones

Another area for improvement is the balance between warm and cool tones. The portrait uses too much warm color in places that should feel cooler, such as the shadows beneath the eyes and along the jawline. Introducing cooler tones, like ultramarine blue or phthalo blue mixed with raw sienna, can create a more natural appearance.

Technique: Mix cool tones like ultramarine blue with earth tones like raw umber to balance warmth in shadows.

Portrait 3: Focus on Eyes – The Window to the Soul

In the final critique, the focus will be on the eyes, which are often referred to as the “windows to the soul.” A common mistake in portrait painting is over-defining the eyes, which can make them look unnatural. In this case, the artist has done a wonderful job capturing the overall structure of the eyes but has overemphasized certain details. [Please watch the video below]

3.1 Simplifying Eye Details for Realism

When painting eyes, less is often more. The artist in this case has drawn every eyelash and wrinkle, which detracts from the overall realism. By softening these details and focusing on the larger shapes and reflections, the eyes will feel more lifelike.

Tip: Focus on the larger forms of the eyes first. Use smaller brushes and fewer strokes to suggest detail rather than over-rendering it.

3.2 Reflections and Highlights

The reflection in the eye is another critical area that needs subtle treatment. If the reflection is too bright, it can give the eyes a “glassy” appearance. In this portrait, the highlight is too intense. I recommend using a glaze of raw sienna and alizarine crimson to soften the brightness and bring balance to the overall light values.

Key Takeaways from the Critique

The critiques in this session highlighted key areas that all portrait artists should focus on: form, lighting, value transitions, skin tones, and detail management. Through subtle adjustments, such as refining contrast or balancing warm and cool tones, you can significantly improve the realism in your acrylic portraits. Remember, the goal is to imply detail where necessary and use glazes to soften transitions between light and shadow.

By implementing these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to take your portrait painting skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, critiques like these offer valuable insights into improving your work. If you want more personalized feedback, consider joining my Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge for exclusive critiques and lessons.

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

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. It’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 Paint Earrings in Your Acrylic Portrait

How to Paint Earrings in Your Acrylic Portrait

Learn the technique of painting realistic earrings in acrylic portraits with these easy steps

Introduction

Adding realistic details to an acrylic portrait, such as earrings, can elevate the overall quality and depth of your artwork. Painting jewelry is not just about adding a couple of dabs of paint it involves understanding the placement of highlights, shadows, and creating a smooth transition between the elements. In this tutorial, you will learn how to paint earrings in your acrylic portrait using highlights, shadows, and glazing techniques. By the end of this guide, you will have the confidence to create lifelike jewelry that complements your portraits.

Materials Needed:

  • Titanium White
  • Indian Yellow
  • Raw Umber Dark
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Alizarine Crimson
  • Round Brush (size 2)
  • Palette and water

Step 1: Mix Your Colors for the Base Layer

Before starting, gather your reference photo to ensure accurate lighting and color representation. In this case, a frontal flash photo was used, which plays an essential role in determining the highlights and shadows on the earring.

Begin by selecting a size 2 round brush, which is ideal for detail work. Mix titanium white with a small amount of indian yellow. The goal is to create a lighter, warm gray tone, which will serve as the base for the earring. Apply this mixture gently over the earring area, covering a significant portion to build the foundation.

Step 2: Apply a Mid-Tone Glaze

Once the base layer dries, the next step is to create a mid-tone glaze. This technique helps to integrate the light and shadow, giving the earring a more natural appearance. For the mid-tone, blend raw umber dark with the existing base mix (titanium white and Indian yellow).

Carefully apply the glaze in thin layers over the base, making sure not to overpower the light areas. Glazing provides depth and softens the transitions between different values.

Pro Tip: Ensure your glaze layers are thin and translucent. This allows the previous layers to show through, adding subtle complexity to the jewelry.

Step 3: Add Highlights

Now that the mid-tone glaze is in place, it’s time to highlight the earring to create a realistic metallic sheen. Go back to your titanium white and use a fine detail brush to apply small dabs of white on the areas where the light hits directly.

When positioning the highlights, consider the source of light from your reference photo. In this example, the highlights were placed on the upper part of the earring. You can zoom in on your reference photo to get a more precise understanding of where the light falls.

Pro Tip: It’s okay to let the highlight exceed the boundaries of the metal slightly. This will give the earring a more convincing, three-dimensional look, as if the light is reflecting beyond the earring’s surface.

Step 4: Refine the Shadows

Once the highlights are in place, the shadows are crucial to enhance the depth and make the earring stand out. Mix ultramarine blue with a touch of alizarine crimson to create a deep shadow color. This shadow should be applied under the earring where it meets the skin or the hair, depending on the reference photo.

For this step, lightly glaze the darker tones just under the highlighted areas. This step contrasts with the highlight, making the metal of the earring more vibrant and realistic. The shadow will cast a thin, dark line directly adjacent to the bright highlight, creating a striking effect.

Pro Tip: The transition between light and shadow should be smooth. Use a very small amount of paint and blend gently with your brush for a seamless look.

Step 5: Refine and Contrast the Background

To make the earring pop even more, darken the background or surrounding areas. In this case, the artist chose to slightly darken the subject’s sweater in the painting. Adding contrast around the earring helps it stand out against the background and draws the viewer’s eye to the details of the portrait.

Mix raw umber dark with ultramarine blue and lightly apply it to the background behind the earring. This subtle adjustment can enhance the overall composition and emphasize the earring’s presence in the portrait.

Final Thoughts: Evaluate and Adjust

Step back from your painting to assess the overall effect. Are the highlights and shadows properly placed? Is the earring standing out as a focal point in the portrait? Make small adjustments as needed to ensure that the earring looks natural and harmonious within the context of the entire painting.

A well-painted earring should not only be realistic but should also complement the portrait as a whole. Jewelry can bring elegance and detail to your acrylic portrait, and by following these techniques, you can ensure that it adds a professional touch to your work.

Tips and Techniques Recap:

  1. Use Thin Glazes: Build up layers slowly with thin glazes to add depth and softness to the transitions between light and shadow.
  2. Highlight Placement: Highlights should be carefully positioned according to the light source. Letting the highlight slightly exceed the boundaries adds realism.
  3. Smooth Transitions: Blending is key. Use a soft brush to smooth transitions between different tones, especially between the shadows and highlights.
  4. Contrasting the Background: Slightly darkening the surrounding area, such as the subject’s clothing or background, helps to make the earring pop.
  5. Evaluate and Adjust: After each layer, step back to evaluate the overall look. Make minor adjustments to perfect the balance of light, shadow, and detail.

Conclusion

Painting earrings in your acrylic portrait may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact the realism and professionalism of your artwork. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can master the art of painting jewelry in a way that complements your portrait and adds a subtle yet powerful finishing touch.

For more tips and detailed acrylic portrait tutorials, visit realisticacrylic.com. Happy painting!

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 Paint Realistic Reflections on Eyes in Your Acrylic Portrait

Eyes are the most important feature of an acrylic portrait. When you paint the eyes correctly, everything else seems to fall into place so much easier. 

In this video, I’ll show you how to paint realistic reflections, using two complementary colors in addition to white, and getting the shape of the reflection just right. Then this originally was a BONUS video in the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge Master Class, now available in the All-Access Membership at Realistic Acrylic Portrait School.

Even though it is technically over, you can take the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge (it’s FREE!) and paint along with us! 8 master class lessons are posted to help you paint a portrait you can be proud of!

REGISTER TODAY. The challenge is ongoing, something you can do at your own pace. It’s not too late to enter! After you join, I’ll send you the supplies list and reference photos to paint from.

Register for the Challenge!

WATCH NOW…

Lesson #8: How to Paint Realistic Reflections on Eyes in Acrylic

Paint realistic reflections on eyes in your acrylic portrait

 Questions? Suggestions? Thoughts? Let me know, below in the comments. Please share your sketches in our Facebook group and 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.

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.  

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!

paint realistic acrylic portrait step by step

Spring 2021 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge: Finishing Your Portrait With Confidence

Let’s help you finish your painting!

In this lesson, we will be wrapping up the Masterclass series for the challenge! I’ll show you how to add some more nuances and details to the portrait of “Cora.” First, we’ll add a glaze to her hair to enrich the overall color. Next, we will enhance some nuances on her eyebrows, dial in the color of the eyes, and paint in the reflections. Finally, we’ll add in the skin tone for her arm in the lower corner and follow up with some work on her lace.

But even though we are nearly done with this portrait painting, it’s not too late to join in the fun!

YOU, too, can paint a portrait!

Take the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge (it’s FREE!) and paint along with us!

REGISTER TODAY. The challenge is ongoing, something you can do at your own pace. It’s not too late to enter! After you join, I’ll send you the supplies list and reference photos to paint from.

Register for the Challenge!

WATCH NOW…

Lesson #8: Finishing Your Portrait Confidently

paint realistic acrylic portrait step by step

Professional artist and instructor Matt Philleo will teach you how to paint an acrylic portrait you can be proud of with this Portrait Painting Challenge!

 

Would like to paint this portrait with me and hundreds of other artists?

Take the 2021 Spring Portrait Painting Challenge!

You can register below and get started. It is completely FREE to join the challenge and participate. When you join, I’ll send you the “Welcome Kit” which includes:

  • The Supplies List (so you know what you need to paint with us, your shopping list. 🙂 )
  • The Reference Photo with and without the grid, high resolution, that you can download ready to print out or display on your tablet. You’ll be able to create an accurate portrait this way.
  • The Palette Layout Guide showing you how to arrange your colors so they don’t get muddy on your palette
  • The Master Class Lesson Schedule
  • the Lessons emailed to you
  • A private Facebook group to cheer you and help answer your questions
  • And a few “bonuses” like opportunities to win my paid online classes

REGISTER TODAY. The challenge is ongoing, something you can do at your own pace. It’s not too late to enter!

Register for the Challenge!

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

—Matt

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

acrylic portrait painting with glazing technique

Spring 2021 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge: Painting Delicate Details and Nuances

After building the foundation with several layers of value, form, and color, we can then start to “dial in” the detail and nuances.

In this master class lesson (7 of 8), I’ll demonstrate how to add specific detail shapes to “Cora’s” hair. I’ll also add some additional shading to her forehead with a very translucent glaze. Next, I darken the left side of her face while smoothing out some of the rough application of previous glazes with a semi-opaque layer that’s cooler in tone. Finally, I add nuances to her eyes, lips and chin.

But even though we are well along in this portrait painting, it’s not too late to join in the fun!

YOU, too, can paint a portrait!

Take the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge (it’s FREE!) and paint along with us!

REGISTER TODAY. The challenge is ongoing, something you can do at your own pace. It’s not too late to enter! After you join, I’ll send you the supplies list and reference photos to paint from.

Register for the Challenge!

WATCH NOW…

Lesson #7: Painting Delicate Details and Nuances

Learn how to do smooth shading, skin tones, details, and nuances in this FREE online portrait painting class by Matt Philleo at Realistic Acrylic Portrait School

Would like to paint this portrait with me and hundreds of other artists?

Take the 2021 Spring Portrait Painting Challenge!

You can register below and get started. It is completely FREE to join the challenge and participate. When you join, I’ll send you the “Welcome Kit” which includes:

  • The Supplies List (so you know what you need to paint with us, your shopping list. 🙂 )
  • The Reference Photo with and without the grid, high resolution, that you can download ready to print out or display on your tablet. You’ll be able to create an accurate portrait this way.
  • The Palette Layout Guide showing you how to arrange your colors so they don’t get muddy on your palette
  • The Master Class Lesson Schedule
  • the Lessons emailed to you
  • A private Facebook group to cheer you and help answer your questions
  • And a few “bonuses” like opportunities to win my paid online classes

REGISTER TODAY. The challenge is ongoing, something you can do at your own pace. It’s not too late to enter!

Register for the Challenge!

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

—Matt

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

acrylic portrait painting with glazing technique

Spring 2021 Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge: Building Up Richness, Depth and Luminosity

Acrylic is a fantastic medium for portrait painting, but it can be so challenging to use! That is why I am teaching you the glazing technique to open a lot of possibilities and ease your frustration. 

Historically, the Old Masters used small amounts of pigment dispersed in larger amounts of linseed oil or mineral spirits to create a sense of volume and depth in their paintings. Light shines through and you can see a bit of each layer beneath the ones on top.

We can use that technique to our advantage with acrylic. By applying several translucent layers, there is an increased sense of depth, shading, contrast and color saturation and luminosity.

In this particular lesson, I’ll demonstrate how to add richness to the mid-tones of the girl’s face and hair. We will also add more contrast to the image with a couple of layers to the background, and turn the form of her figure with a precisely placed glaze on her clothing.

But even though we are well along in this portrait painting, it’s not too late to join in the fun!

Take the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge (it’s FREE!) and paint along with us!

REGISTER TODAY. The challenge is ongoing, something you can do at your own pace. It’s not too late to enter! After you join, I’ll send you the supplies list and reference photos to paint from.

Register for the Challenge!

WATCH NOW…

Lesson #6: Building Up Richness, Depth, and Luminosity

acrylic portrait painting with glazing technique

Learn how to create a vibrant acrylic portrait where the colors are not flat or muddy. In this FREE step by step master class, I’ll show you how!

Would like to paint this portrait with me and hundreds of other artists?

Take the 2021 Spring Portrait Painting Challenge!

You can register below and get started. It is completely FREE to join the challenge and participate. When you join, I’ll send you the “Welcome Kit” which includes:

  • The Supplies List (so you know what you need to paint with us, your shopping list. 🙂 )
  • The Reference Photo with and without the grid, high resolution, that you can download ready to print out or display on your tablet. You’ll be able to create an accurate portrait this way.
  • The Palette Layout Guide showing you how to arrange your colors so they don’t get muddy on your palette
  • The Master Class Lesson Schedule
  • the Lessons emailed to you
  • A private Facebook group to cheer you and help answer your questions
  • And a few “bonuses” like opportunities to win my paid online classes

REGISTER TODAY. The challenge is ongoing, something you can do at your own pace. It’s not too late to enter!

Register for the Challenge!

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

—Matt

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

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