Realistic Acrylic Portrait School

Category Archives for Tips and Techniques

How to Paint Grey Hair in Your Acrylic Portrait

How to Paint Grey Hair in Your Acrylic Portrait

How do you paint grey hair?

Painting grey hair in acrylic portraits requires a nuanced approach to capture the subtle variations in color and light. This guide will walk you through the process of how to paint grey hair in your acrylic portrait. And also, focusing of techniques to enhance realism and contrast. Follow along to master the art of painting grey hair and elevate your portrait skills.

Introduction

Grey hair can present unique challenges in portrait painting. Unlike other hair colors, grey hair often requires a careful balance of contrast, shading, and texture to achieve a realistic appearance. In this guide, we’ll explore effective techniques for painting grey hair in acrylic portraits, and also, use glazing methods and other tips to bring out the best in your artwork.

Understanding the Process

The process begins after you’ve established the base layers of your portrait. During this stage, you’ll focus on refining the hair by adding nuances and increasing contrast. The following steps outline how to achieve this effect:

  1. Prepare Your Palette
    • Matte Medium: Mix a clear acrylic matte medium with your paint. This medium helps create a translucent glaze, allowing you to build up layers gradually without obscuring details.
    • Colors: Use a combination of colors to match the grey tones in your reference photo. For a warm grey, mix raw umber dark, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna.
  2. Apply Glazes for Depth
    • Building Layers: Start by applying a thin glaze over the hair area. This technique helps in building depth and creating a more realistic texture. Use a small round brush for control and precision.
    • Increasing Contrast: Focus on areas where you want to increase contrast. Apply a slightly darker glaze to the shadows and cooler tones to the highlights to enhance the 3D effect.
  3. Refine Texture and Highlights
    • Strand Details: Use a fine brush to add individual strands of hair. This adds texture and realism. Adjust your brush pressure to create both broad strokes and delicate lines.
    • Highlighting: To achieve shine, add a bit of titanium white to your glaze. This will help you highlight areas where light naturally hits the hair.
  4. Final Adjustments
    • Blending and Shading: Continue to layer glazes to blend transitions between light and dark areas. Pay attention to how the hair interacts with the skin, adding shadows where the hair casts on the face.
    • Translucency Effect: For a more translucent look, incorporate skin tones lightly through the hair. This can be achieved by using a very light touch and applying a faint glaze of skin color over the hair.

Tips for Success

  • Layer Gradually: Work with thin layers of glaze to build up the desired depth and texture. This approach prevents overloading the painting with too much paint at once.
  • Monitor Drying Time: Acrylic paints dry quickly, which can be advantageous for layering. However, if you’re working in a humid environment, be mindful of longer drying times.
  • Use Quality Materials: Invest in high-quality acrylic paints and mediums to achieve the best results. Brands like Nova Color offer excellent options for matte mediums and other supplies.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overworking the Hair: Avoid excessive blending, which can lead to a loss of detail. It’s better to build up layers gradually and check your work frequently.
  • Neglecting Shadows: Ensure that you include shadows where the hair meets the skin. This step is crucial for creating a realistic look and preventing the hair from appearing flat.

Painting grey hair in acrylic portraits involves a delicate balance of color mixing, glazing, and layering. By following these techniques, you can achieve a realistic and dynamic portrayal of grey hair that enhances the overall quality of your portrait. Experiment with different glazes and brush techniques to find what works best for you and continue to refine your skills with practice.

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. 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 Repair a Painting with a Hole

How to Repair a Painting with a Hole

Expert tips for fixing holes in your painting!

In this guide, we will explore the essential steps to repair a painting with a hole. Every artist may encounter this issue eventually, and knowing how to fix it can save your cherished painting. Follow these straightforward instructions to address and mend a painting with a hole.

Materials Needed:

  1. Gloss medium or varnish (Nova Color, Liquitex, or Golden are recommended)
  2. Artist canvas (raw or from old stretch canvases)
  3. Foam board insulation or wood for support
  4. Brush and scissors
  5. Saran wrap or cling film
  6. Weights (books, marble, or similar)

Steps to Repair the Painting:

  1. Prepare the Work Area:
    • Lay the painting flat on a table.
    • Use foam board or a sturdy piece of wood to support the painting from underneath. This prevents the canvas from tearing when weights are applied.
  2. Create the Patch:
    • Cut a piece of artist canvas slightly larger than the hole. Opt for a rounded or organic shape to blend seamlessly with the painting.
  3. Apply Gloss Medium:
    • Brush gloss medium onto the back of the hole and the canvas patch. This medium acts as an adhesive and will help secure the patch.
  4. Place and Secure the Patch:
    • Position the patch over the hole and press it firmly into place. Cover it with Saran wrap to prevent sticking.
    • Apply weights (books, marble, etc.) on top to ensure the patch adheres properly. Leave it undisturbed for 30 minutes to an hour.
  5. Inspect and Smooth:
    • After the patch has dried, remove the weights and Saran wrap. Check the edges of the patch for any gaps and apply additional gloss medium if needed.
    • For a smoother finish, use matte medium and a blade to fill any remaining gaps. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
  6. Final Touches:
    • Once the repair is fully dry, inspect the painting for any inconsistencies. If necessary, apply another layer of matte medium for a uniform finish.

Additional Tips:

  • This method is best suited for older paintings where the oil paint has dried. For newer oil paintings, consider using a clear Zinser primer sealer to ensure proper adhesion.

Repairing a painting with a hole can seem daunting, but with the right materials and techniques, it is entirely achievable. By following these steps, you can restore your artwork to its original condition and continue to enjoy its beauty for years to come.

Conclusion: Every artist should be prepared to handle minor repairs. This guide provides a practical approach to fixing holes in paintings, ensuring that your artwork remains intact and visually appealing.

DISCLAIMER: Use the knowledge in this video at your own risk. I cannot be held responsible for any painting that is damaged further in the process of utilizing this repair method. But I will say it has worked well for me!

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!

 

How to Build Shading & Color: Acrylic Grisaille Techniques

How to Build Shading & Color: Acrylic Grisaille Techniques

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

Introduction

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

The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Understanding Grisaille

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

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

Transitioning from Grisaille to Color

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

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

Enhancing Depth with Strategic Shading

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

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

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

Balancing Light and Color

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

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

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

Final Touches: Adding Details and Textures

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

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

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

Mastering the Art of Shading and Color Building

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

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

LEARN MORE

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 on ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

 

 

 

Weird Way to Apply Gesso to Your Canvas

Weird Way How to Apply Gesso to Your Canvas

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

Introduction:

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

The Tools You’ll Need:

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

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

Preparing the Gesso Mixture:

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

Applying the Gesso:

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

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

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

Final Touches:

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

Tips for Success:

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

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

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

LEARN MORE

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 on ahead! Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a question on acrylic portrait painting you’d like answered? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

 

 

 

 

Introducing the Shading and Skin Tones Super Bundle

Introducing the Shading and Skin Tones Super Bundle

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE

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 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 Do Shading and Skin Tones on Small Faces

How to Shading & Skin Tones on Small Faces

Having trouble shading and toning small faces?

Introduction

When painting small faces in acrylic portraits, achieving the right balance of shading and skin tones can be tricky. The key lies in understanding light values and applying the glazing technique to create realistic tones and depth. In this post, I will guide you through a step-by-step process that will help you refine your acrylic portrait and improve your ability to paint smaller, more intricate details.

Step 1: Understanding Light Values

Before working with color, it’s essential to focus on values. Values refer to the lightness or darkness of an area, and they must be correctly identified and applied before considering color. For small faces, areas like the nose, chin, and cheeks are crucial for defining the facial structure. Often, light comes from above, casting subtle shadows and highlights that bring out the form.

  • Tip: Use reference photos to study where light falls and shadows form on the subject’s face.

Step 2: Selecting Colors for Skin Tones

To achieve realistic skin tones, choose a mix of burnt sienna and titanium white as your base. Adding raw sienna or pyrrole orange can help create warmth and chromatic variation. Start with these hues and adjust the mix depending on the tone you want to achieve. For example, titanium white will cool the skin tone, making it lighter, while raw sienna adds warmth.

  • Technique: Mix your colors with matte medium to create a transparent glaze that gives your painting more luminosity. Matte medium thins the paint while keeping it translucent, allowing for subtle layers of color that add depth without overwhelming the details.

Step 3: Applying Glazes for Smooth Shading

Glazing is crucial for achieving smooth transitions between light and shadow. When working on small faces, apply thin, semi-opaque glazes to slowly build up the skin tone. Make sure to adjust the transparency by adding more matte medium to control how much of the underlying paint shows through.

  1. Start with the lighter areas: Apply a semi-opaque layer to the nose and chin, which typically catch more light.
  2. Darken the cheeks: Using a slightly darker glaze, apply this color to the cheeks to create contrast with the highlighted areas.
  • Tip: Wipe off excess paint to avoid streaks and ensure the glaze goes on smoothly. This prevents any harsh lines from forming, which could make the face appear less realistic.

Step 4: Enhancing Shadows for Depth

Once the basic skin tones are in place, it’s time to enhance the shadows, particularly around the eyes, jawline, and nose. Shadows are often underpainted, leading to faces that lack depth. When shading small faces, it’s vital to ensure that areas such as the eye sockets are sufficiently darkened to enhance realism.

  • Tip: Don’t be afraid to go darker in these areas—shadows help ground the subject and bring the highlights into sharper focus.

Step 5: Adjusting Skin Tone with Chromatic Intensity

As you build up layers of glazes, add small amounts of pyrrole orange or Indian yellow to intensify the chroma. This helps achieve a more natural skin tone that has subtle color variations. Skin isn’t a flat color but rather a dynamic surface with slight shifts in hue.

  • Technique: Add a little matte medium to each glaze to increase translucency, making the layers more vibrant and realistic. Apply the glaze lightly to areas like the neck or cheeks to enhance warmth, blending softly into the surrounding tones.

Step 6: Adding Final Shading and Highlights

To finish the shading process, concentrate on the jawline and neck area, particularly where light reflects off the subject’s clothing. For example, red clothing can reflect onto the neck, casting a warm glow. In such cases, mix pyrrole orange with matte medium and apply it sparingly to mimic this effect.

Finally, add a final layer of highlights using a lighter glaze of titanium white. These highlights should be carefully placed on areas like the tip of the nose or chin to emphasize light reflections and bring the painting to life.

Tips for Success:

  • Keep your reference close: Position your reference photo close to your canvas or easel so you don’t lose focus on important details.
  • Layer gradually: Acrylic painting is best done in layers. Don’t rush the process by applying too much paint at once.
  • Use multiple glazes: Thin, multiple layers of glazes help achieve a smooth and realistic finish.
  • Mix paints properly: Ensuring the correct mix of color and matte medium is crucial for achieving the right transparency.
  • Adjust shadows properly: Eye sockets and other shadowed areas should be dark enough to provide contrast.

Shading and adjusting skin tones on small faces in an acrylic portrait can be accomplished through careful observation and the application of glazing techniques. Focus on values first, and build up skin tones through thin, transparent layers. By following these steps, you’ll improve the depth and realism in your portraits, making even the smallest details shine.

If you want to learn more about perfecting your acrylic portraits, download my free PDF guide, “Fix Muddy Skin Tones in Your Acrylic Portrait now.

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 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 Highlights to Background Trees in Your Acrylic Portrait

How To Add Highlights To Background Trees In Acrylic Painting

Creating a depth with layered highlights in background trees

Adding highlights to background trees can transform the overall look of your acrylic painting, bringing depth and realism to your artwork. In this tutorial, we will explore how to effectively apply highlights using a semi-opaque glaze to suggest the texture and lighting of background foliage. You’ll learn the nuances of mixing colors, selecting the right brushes, and how to use these techniques to add beautiful details to your painting.

Step 1: Prepare Your Colors and Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have your colors mixed and materials ready. For this tutorial, we will primarily use the following colors:

  • Titanium White
  • Indian Yellow
  • Phthalo Blue

These colors will help create a vibrant greenish-yellow tone for your highlights. Begin by mixing a small amount of titanium white, Indian yellow, and a touch of phthalo blue. The result will be a soft, yellow-green that works well for depicting leaves hit by sunlight.

Tip: Balance the Chromatic Intensity

When mixing colors for the highlights, aim for a hue that’s slightly lighter and warmer than the mid-tones of your background trees. This will ensure your highlights blend smoothly without appearing too stark.

Step 2: Apply the Initial Highlights

Using a round brush, begin applying the semi-opaque glaze in areas where light naturally hits the leaves. A delicate touch is essential to achieve a soft, realistic effect. Allow your brush to dance lightly across the surface, adding small, irregular dabs of color. These represent leaves catching light through the foliage.

Technique: Layer the Highlights Gradually

  • Start with a lighter glaze and build the highlights gradually.
  • Avoid heavy strokes—let the leaves appear naturally.
  • Apply the glaze sparingly, focusing on areas where the sun would naturally illuminate the leaves, such as the tops of trees or branches.

Step 3: Adjust the Color Mix for Shadows

As you move to darker areas of the background, adjust your color mix by adding more phthalo blue and Indian yellow. This will deepen the tone and create a more chromatic variation, essential for achieving a balanced look across the painting.

Tip: Keep the Highlights Balanced

If the glaze starts to appear too light or chalky over the darker areas, adjust by darkening the mixture. You can add a small amount of ultramarine blue and raw sienna to muddy the glaze slightly, helping it blend with the darker sections of your background.

Step 4: Use Different Brushes for Varying Effects

Switching brushes during the painting process can help create different textures and effects. For instance:

  • The round brush is great for detailed highlights and small leaf shapes.
  • A filbert brush can be used to create more painterly, out-of-focus leaves, giving the background a softer, blurred effect.

This transition between brush types will create a contrast between the crispness of the highlighted leaves and the soft appearance of the background trees.

Technique: Blending the Highlights

  • Use the filbert brush to blend the edges of your highlights into the mid-tones and shadows.
  • Focus on adding smaller leaf shapes at different angles to suggest movement and depth.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Details

Once you’ve applied your initial highlights, it’s time to refine the details. You don’t want to over-detail every section—just a few carefully placed dabs of light color can enhance the effect. Aim for balance by leaving some areas less detailed while others are slightly more refined.

Tip: Create Variation in Highlight Intensity

Vary the intensity of your highlights by alternating between slightly lighter and slightly darker hues. This will make your background trees appear more dynamic and realistic.

Step 6: Blend and Add Warmth

As you work on the upper areas of the trees, ensure that the highlights are slightly warmer in tone compared to the surrounding colors. Mixing titanium white with Indian yellow can create a warmer highlight that mimics the effect of sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Technique: Use Warm and Cool Tones

When adding highlights to the trees, consider the lighting conditions in your painting. For areas where direct sunlight hits, opt for a warmer yellowish tint. In contrast, cooler highlights with more blue are suitable for areas in shadow or indirect light.

Step 7: Final Touches and Adding Depth

In the final stages, focus on fine-tuning the leaves and highlights. You can add depth by placing a few outliers—small spots of light—away from the main group of leaves. This will create a natural, unstructured look that enhances realism.

Tip: Avoid Overworking the Highlights

Overworking the highlights can make your painting look artificial. Instead, apply your brushstrokes with intention, leaving areas of contrast between light and dark to maintain a balanced composition.

Bring Your Background to Life with Highlights

By adding highlights to your background trees, you can bring an entirely new dimension to your acrylic painting. The glazing technique allows you to control the transparency of the paint, creating subtle yet impactful lighting effects that mimic real-life foliage. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll master this technique and enhance the overall realism of your landscape paintings.

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

LEARN MORE

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 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 Foliage Using the Acrylic Glazing Technique

How to Paint Foliage Using the Acrylic Glazing Technique

How do you paint people standing in front of trees and other foliage?

When it comes to painting foliage in your acrylic portraits or landscapes, one of the best ways to capture depth and realism is through the acrylic glazing technique. In this guide, we’ll explore how to layer colors, create realistic shadows, and bring your foliage to life with step-by-step instructions and tips.

Understanding the Importance of Color in Foliage

One of the critical aspects of painting foliage is choosing the right colors, especially in shadows. You don’t want to use overly intense chromatic greens that can make your painting look flat or artificial. Instead, opt for grayish-green tones for the shadow areas, which add a natural depth and realism to your work.

For example, the foliage in your painting’s shadowed areas can be made more effective by blending raw umber dark, ultramarine blue, and raw sienna. This combination creates a desaturated, natural green that mimics how shadows in nature would appear—subtle yet impactful. The right use of cool colors like ultramarine blue helps define the cooler, darker regions of the foliage.

Tip: Avoid Bright Greens in Shadows

It’s essential to steer away from vibrant, saturated greens in the shadow areas. These should be saved for the sunlit portions of the trees to achieve a dynamic contrast.

Building Layers with the Glazing Technique

Acrylic glazing allows you to work in thin layers, which can be built up over time to create depth in your foliage. For this, you’ll want to mix a small amount of your chosen paint color with a clear matte medium. This mixture creates a translucent glaze that will enable you to see through to the underlying layers, preserving the details of your initial sketch or previous layers.

In the early stages, you will be blocking in the shadow colors, leaving lighter areas open for subsequent layers. Glazing ensures that each layer of paint adds depth without covering the finer details of your painting.

Technique: Thin Your Paint for Glazing

To thin down your paint, mix a small amount of acrylic medium with the color on your palette. This allows you to gradually build up color, controlling its opacity and intensity while preserving the underlying forms.

Focusing on Shapes Rather Than Details

One common mistake when painting foliage is trying to paint each leaf individually. However, it’s more effective to focus on larger shapes and the overall form of the trees and foliage. By looking at your reference photo closely, identify the primary shapes formed by the clusters of leaves rather than individual leaves themselves.

In your first layers, block in the general shapes with darker colors. For example, using a mix of raw umber dark and ultramarine blue can help you establish the darkest shadow areas of the trees. Once these shapes are in place, you can add highlights or refine the edges as you move forward.

Tip: Simplify the Process by Identifying Shapes

Instead of getting caught up in the small details, focus on simplifying the foliage by working with larger shapes and forms. This will help you achieve a cohesive look while maintaining the overall flow and balance of the piece.

Adding Depth with Layers of Darker Colors

After you’ve laid down your initial shapes and shadows, the next step is to add depth by applying darker tones. Mix in ultramarine blue, raw sienna, and a touch of Indian yellow to your palette to create a deep, cool shadow color. As you apply these layers, ensure that your strokes follow the natural form of the foliage to enhance the illusion of volume and depth.

Using a size 14 angled flat brush will give you control over the direction and width of your strokes, helping you define the darkest parts of the trees. For areas where the shadows are most intense, you can use more pressure and apply a slightly thicker layer of the glaze. Remember, each layer adds another dimension to your foliage, so take your time with this process.

Technique: Chisel Your Brush for Precision

By using a flat brush, you can achieve a sharp edge that helps define the boundaries of your dark shapes. This technique is particularly useful for creating crisp shadows that enhance the realism of your foliage.

Layering Highlights and Mid-Tones

Once your shadow areas are well established, it’s time to add mid-tones and highlights. These layers will give your foliage the brightness and vibrancy it needs to stand out. For sunlit areas, a mix of Indian yellow, raw sienna, and a small amount of titanium white will create the perfect highlight color.

Apply these lighter tones sparingly to avoid overpowering the shadowed areas. Use a dry brush technique to add subtle highlights, mimicking how sunlight would naturally catch on the edges of leaves.

Tip: Build Gradual Highlights

Adding highlights should be done in thin, gradual layers to avoid a stark contrast between your light and dark areas. Glazing with lighter colors will help you build up the highlights over time without overwhelming the painting.

Final Touches: Adding Nuances and Details

Once your layers are complete, it’s time to refine the nuances of your foliage. Use a small brush to add any branches or finer details that may be peeking through the leaves. However, be careful not to overdo it—often, less is more when it comes to these final touches.

If you’ve accidentally painted over an area that you intended to leave lighter, don’t worry. Since you’re working with glazes, it’s easy to go back and adjust your values. Simply apply another glaze layer to adjust the tone of the area.

Technique: Use Glazing to Correct Mistakes

If your highlights or shadows are too intense, apply another layer of glaze to either darken or lighten the area subtly without starting over.

Mastering Foliage with Acrylic Glazing

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create realistic and dynamic foliage using the acrylic glazing technique. Remember to build your layers slowly, focus on large shapes instead of tiny details, and use the right colors for shadows and highlights. With practice, your foliage will enhance the depth and realism of your acrylic paintings, bringing your landscapes and portraits to life.

Check out more tutorials and lessons on acrylic glazing and other techniques to continue improving your painting skills!

Watch my tutorial to learn more about how to paint foliage using the acrylic glazing technique.

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!

 

First Steps of Painting Trees and Grass in Your Acrylic Portrait

How to Paint Realistic Trees & Grass in Your Acrylic

 It’s important to know how to paint greenery in your acrylic portrait.

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to paint realistic trees and grass using the acrylic glazing technique. This approach allows for gradual layering of colors, which adds depth and vibrancy to your landscape. Acrylic glazing helps build up the scene, much like how an oil painting develops, while maintaining the versatility and quick-drying benefits of acrylics.

Whether you’re working on a portrait background or a full landscape, these methods will enhance your painting’s realism. So, grab your brushes and let’s dive in!

Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have these essential tools:

  • Acrylic paints (Raw umber, ultramarine blue, indian yellow, phthalo blue)
  • Matte medium
  • Flat brushes
  • Palette
  • Reference photo (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Trees and Grass

1. Prepare Your Palette and Materials

Begin by setting up your palette with the necessary colors. In this painting, raw umber and ultramarine blue will serve as the foundation for shadows, while indian yellow and phthalo blue will add vibrancy to the lighter areas. Make sure to have a matte medium to thin out your paints for glazing.

Transitioning between vibrant and muted colors is key. As you work in darker areas, shift away from highly saturated colors like Indian Yellow to cooler tones like ultramarine blue.

2. Start with a Sketch

Begin with a light sketch on your canvas, which will act as a guide for placing trees and grass. Use thin layers of paint to avoid covering up your sketch too early. In the initial stages, the painting may resemble a watercolor, but as you apply more glazes, it will begin to take on the characteristics of a full-bodied acrylic painting.

3. Apply the First Layer of Glazes for the Grass

When painting grass, start by applying a base layer using vibrant colors like Indian yellow and phthalo blue. This combination gives the grass a rich, glowing appearance. As you move further away into the background or shadows, use cooler and less intense tones like raw umber.

For glazing, thin out your paint with matte medium to make it translucent. This will allow previous layers to show through, creating depth. Layering slowly is crucial—don’t rush the process.

4. Develop Shadows Within the Shadows

Once the initial glaze dries, begin adding darker tones to create depth. In this case, mix raw umber dark with ultramarine blue. The deeper shades of color should be applied sparingly to the areas that are farthest from the light source. This technique, known as adding “shadows within the shadows,” adds dimension and makes your painting more realistic.

In places where light barely reaches, such as underneath trees or in between clumps of grass, carefully brush in darker glazes. Thin these glazes with matte medium to ensure the darkness isn’t overpowering.

5. Blending Techniques for a Smooth Transition

To achieve a seamless blend between light and dark areas, use a dry brush technique. As the paint on your brush begins to run out, use the remaining paint to blend areas softly. Gently sweep the brush back and forth in different directions, blending the layers into each other.

Switching between horizontal and vertical brush strokes can smooth the transitions between glazes, ensuring a more natural look for both trees and grass.

Tips & Techniques for Realistic Trees and Grass

  • Use Cooler Colors for Depth: Darker areas should have cooler, less intense colors. Avoid overly vibrant shades in the shadows to maintain realism.
  • Layer Gradually: Build your painting slowly, one thin layer at a time. This helps the colors blend well and creates a smooth transition from light to dark.
  • Reference Photos: Keep a reference photo nearby to help guide your light and shadow placement. Analyze where the darkest areas should be in relation to the light source.
  • Be Patient: The glazing technique takes time. Allow each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next. This prevents muddying your colors and ensures each layer adds value to the final piece.

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

LEARN MORE

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!

 

 

 

acrylic medium gloss matte

Matte Medium vs. Gloss Medium for Acrylic Glazing

Students who are new to my glazing technique have a lot of questions. So many mediums to choose from. Which ones are best to use…and why?

That’s what I want to discuss today.

Here’s a portion of an email I got from one of my students: 

As you know, I am currently working on your portrait course at the moment, however, I have a question that I hope you can clarify. All previous information I have looked up indicates that when applying glazes, acrylic matte medium dries cloudy and gloss medium dries clear and obviously glossy. Can you just explain it for me why we only use matte medium for glazing in your tutorial, as my initial thoughts would be that the cloudiness would just build up? Or am I just missing the l point in that this is how we build up the underpainting of the portrait? Many Thanks, R—

This is a good question.

So, what’s better for glazing? Matte medium or gloss medium?

Let me answer that with the reply I sent back to my student. 

I use matte medium for three reasons:

1. It dries to a flat finish and so it doesn’t react with the lights in my studio, producing distracting glare.

2. Because it dries to a flat finish, it is closer to the sheen of paint, and so when you have areas that are more opaque and less opaque, they match up better. In other words, you can perceive the values more accurately. A glossy finish will make colors look more saturated and deepen values. When you put a varnish over the painting, it would present a problem, causing certain subtle nuances that seemed to look correct, suddenly become inaccurate. (Yes, this happened to me!)

acrylic painting palette


3. Matte medium is usually less expensive than gloss medium. With the copious amounts of medium that I use, this adds up!

Now, I don’t find that matte medium builds up cloudiness, in the way that I teach. It will get cloudy, if you have areas of your painting that are quite dark or saturated, and you overlap those areas with a very transparent (high ratio of matte medium to paint) glaze.

But I don’t do it that way in my paintings. Rather, I start off very transparent, (95-5) then shift to more translucent (80-20), and finally end up with semi-opaque layers (50-50) over portions of the work.

acrylic portrait painting challenge in progress

Acrylic portrait painting challenge example in progressm using the acrylic glazing technique, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas by artist and instructor Matt Philleo

 

Matt Philleo painting an acrylic portrait from a photo for the Spring Portrait Painting Challenge ©2020 by Matt Philleo


This prevents that cloudiness from occurring and gives a rich saturation of color too. But we still retain the benefits of the smooth shading, vibrancy, and depth that glazing produces.

I finish my painting with a satin or semi-gloss varnish and that’s where we can add some extra saturation of value and vibrancy.

What is YOUR experience with acrylic mediums? Which do you prefer…and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Look forward to sharing more tips and tutorials with you.

Yours for Better Portraits,

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If you found this post helpful or encouraging, would you send it on ahead? Let others know with the share buttons below. I’d love to hear your comments. Thank you so much! 

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