Realistic Acrylic Portrait School

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Glazing Background Colors and More in Acrylic

How to Glaze Background Colors & More Acrylic Portrait

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

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

The Acrylic Glazing Technique

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

Tools and Materials

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

Step 1: Preparing the Background

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

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

Step 2: Building Depth and Adjusting the Colors

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

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

Step 3: Glazing Details on the Figures

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

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

Common Glazing Tips and Techniques

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

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

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

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 Easily Transition from a Sketch to a Painting

How to Easily Transition from a Sketch to a Painting

Building the foundation of why contrast and form matter more than color initially

Transitioning from a sketch to a detailed painting can be a challenge, but with the right techniques, the process can be simplified. In this post, we will explore how to use acrylic glazing to transform a simple sketch into a vibrant, realistic painting. This method not only builds contrast but also gives the painting depth and life, allowing for gradual layering that enhances detail and realism.

The Importance of Contrast in Your Painting

Before diving into color and skin tones, it’s essential to establish the structural foundation of your painting. Many artists fall into the trap of immediately focusing on skin tones, only to end up with muddy, flat colors due to a lack of contrast. The key is to first build up your dark values to measure your midtones and highlights against them. By doing so, you create a balanced image where light and shadow work harmoniously.

When starting your painting, don’t focus on details like skin tones or small textures right away. Instead, think in terms of light and dark, focusing on the overall contrast. Use your sketch as a guideline and begin with general areas that need darkening. In this tutorial, we will use a combination of raw umber dark and ultramarine blue to create a rich, customizable black that is far more versatile than pre-mixed black paints like mars or ivory black.

Step 1: Preparing Your Glaze

Acrylic glazing is the core technique used to transition from a sketch to a painting. A glaze is simply a thin, translucent layer of paint applied over dry paint to build depth and modify color. For this process, you’ll need two basic components: paint and matte medium. Matte medium helps thin the paint without losing its vibrant color, allowing you to apply multiple layers without muddying the details beneath.

To create your glaze, mix a small amount of raw umber dark with ultramarine blue to make a deep, customizable black. Adjust the warmth or coolness of the black by adding more umber for warmth or more blue for a cooler tone. Once mixed, add in your matte medium to create a smooth glaze.

Step 2: Start by Darkening Large Areas

Once your glaze is ready, begin by applying it to large areas of your painting that require dark tones. For example, in a family portrait with 30 subjects, you might want to start by darkening clothing, hair, and shadows under the neck and face. Work from one side of the painting to the other, applying your glaze in smooth, even strokes.

As you work, keep in mind that the glazing process is all about building up layers gradually. Don’t try to achieve the perfect tone with just one pass. Instead, allow each glaze to dry before adding the next. This method will ensure that your painting remains vibrant and full of depth, rather than becoming flat or muddy.

Step 3: Achieving Smooth Transitions with Your Brush Strokes

When applying your glaze, alternate your brush strokes to create a smooth, seamless transition between light and dark areas. For example, when working on a subject’s shirt, brush horizontally across the fabric and then switch to vertical strokes. This back-and-forth motion helps blend the glaze evenly and prevents blotchiness.

Maintaining a wet edge is crucial during this process. A wet edge allows you to blend the glaze smoothly as you go, creating consistent shading and tone. If you let one area dry before finishing, you might end up with harsh lines or uneven patches.

Step 4: Building Form and Detail Gradually

Once you’ve established the darker areas of your painting, it’s time to move on to more detailed sections. Focus on transitioning from shadows to midtones and highlights. For example, when painting hair or intricate clothing, use your glazing technique to build depth gradually. The shadows in the hair can be darkened while leaving room for highlights, ensuring the subject looks three-dimensional.

At this stage, remember to keep the focus on form and structure. Don’t worry too much about perfect color accuracy just yet. As you layer your glazes, the true colors will emerge, and the painting will gain a natural depth and vibrancy.

Step 5: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Glazing

A common mistake that many artists make is rushing the skin tones too early. Skin tones can be tricky, and if they are not applied with the proper contrast already established, they can easily look flat and lifeless. By focusing first on the shadows and darker values, you will create a foundation on which the skin tones can later be added and adjusted.

When it comes time to start adding skin tones, remember that they should be lighter in comparison to your dark values. This contrast is what brings realism and dimension to your painting.

Tips for Using Glazing to Enhance Your Painting

  • Use Matte Medium for Control: Always mix your paint with matte medium to control the transparency of your glaze. Matte medium allows for smoother application and prevents the paint from becoming too thick.
  • Build Layers Slowly: Glazing is a gradual process. Apply thin layers and allow each one to dry before adding the next. This approach helps prevent muddiness and ensures each layer enhances the one beneath it.
  • Maintain a Wet Edge: As you work, make sure to keep your paint edge wet. This technique allows for smoother blending and prevents harsh lines from forming between different areas.
  • Alternate Brush Strokes: Use a combination of horizontal and vertical brush strokes to achieve even blending. This technique ensures that the glaze applies smoothly and evenly.

Elevating Your Sketch into a Painting

Transitioning from a sketch to a painting is a delicate process that requires patience and technique. By using acrylic glazing, you can enhance your artwork by gradually building up contrast, depth, and realism. Focus first on your darker values, slowly layering your glazes, and allow the painting to develop naturally.

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 Block In Shading & Skin Tones in Your Acrylic

How to Block In Shading & Skin Tones in Your Acrylic

How to add depth and dimension to your portrait with layering

Acrylic portrait painting requires understanding shading, value, and skin tone to capture the subject’s essence. In this post, you’ll learn how to block in shading and skin tones using acrylic glazing techniques, without losing detail or vibrancy.

Creating realistic skin tones and shading is a crucial aspect of acrylic portrait painting. This technique, known as blocking in, helps you define mid-tones and shadows early on, setting the stage for a vibrant and lifelike portrait. Using acrylic glazing, this process ensures a smooth transition from sketch to finished painting, retaining the likeness while building depth and luminosity. In this tutorial, we will break down how to block in shading and skin tones, offering a step-by-step guide to enhance your portrait’s realism.

Understanding the Glazing Technique

Acrylic glazing involves applying thin layers of translucent paint over a base to create depth and smooth transitions. Because combining paint with matte medium, you can control the transparency, allowing the underpainting to shine through. Then this method is ideal for building subtle layers of skin tones without overpowering the original sketch.

Tip: Start with light glazes and build up gradually. Also, use more medium for lighter glazes and increase pigment for darker tones.

Preparing Your Materials

Before diving into shading, gather the following materials:

  • Acrylic paints: Raw sienna, pyrrole orange, matte medium
  • Brushes: Soft, round brushes for detailed application
  • Matte Medium: Thins the paint and creates a translucent effect
  • Palette: To mix your glazes

Tip: Matte medium works best for glazing because it dries flat, ensuring you maintain control over the values. Avoid gloss mediums, as they can create distracting reflections while working.

Step 1: Begin with a Detailed Sketch

Start by ensuring your portrait sketch is clear and precise. The sketch provides the foundation for your shading and color work. Because it focus on the key areas where light and shadow fall, as these will guide your shading process.

Tip: Preserve the luminosity by keeping the lighter areas, such as the forehead, untouched during initial layers. This helps maintain brightness in the final result.

Step 2: Apply the First Glaze

Mix raw sienna with matte medium to create your first glaze. Raw sienna is an excellent base color for skin tones, providing a natural warmth that can be built upon. Apply this glaze lightly across the mid-tones of the face, avoiding the highlights.

Technique Insight: When, glazing allows you to enhance skin tones subtly without covering the entire surface. And then translucent layers let you build up depth without losing the detailed sketch beneath.

Step 3: Focus on Value, Not Just Color

While color is important, value—the lightness or darkness of an area—is even more crucial. Focus on building form by shading the areas that need more depth, like the sides of the face, beneath the chin, and around the nose.

Tip: “Value over color” is a fundamental principle. A black-and-white portrait can still be striking if the values are correct. Don’t rush to perfect the skin tone without ensuring the shadows and highlights are accurate.

Step 4: Building Skin Tones

Basically to enhance your raw sienna base, introduce subtle variations using pyrrole orange. While this color adds a red-orange tint to areas like the cheeks and nose, creating a more natural skin tone. Mix the pyro orange with matte medium to maintain translucency, then applying it in thin layers over the previous glazes.

Technique Insight: For fairer skin, keep the glazes light and gradually build up warmth with minimal layers. For darker or tanned skin tones, you can deepen the shading by increasing the pigment concentration in each glaze.

Step 5: Blending and Refining

As you continue applying glazes, you’ll notice how the layers blend smoothly, creating a gradual transition between light and shadow. Use a soft brush to gently feather the edges of your glazes, ensuring there are no harsh lines between transitions.

Tip: If any areas become too dark, you can lighten them by adding a glaze of matte medium mixed with titanium white. This will soften the area without disrupting the overall value structure.

Step 6: Maintain Light in Highlights

When blocking in shading, it’s essential to preserve the lighter areas, like the forehead and the top of the nose. You can always adjust these areas with subtle glazes later, but maintaining their brightness early on ensures that your portrait remains balanced in terms of light and form.

Tip: Always work in stages, letting each glaze dry before adding another. This allows you to assess the overall effect and make adjustments as necessary.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once you have built up your skin tones and shading, you can start adding more opaque layers in areas that need stronger definition. Reduce the amount of matte medium for these layers, focusing on darker shadows and adding detail to features like the eyes, lips, and nose.

Tip: Use smaller brushes for detailing in these final stages, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value across the face.

Building a Realistic Portrait

Blocking in shading and skin tones using acrylic glazing takes practice, but the results can be incredibly rewarding. By focusing on value, applying translucent layers, and preserving luminosity, you can create a portrait that has depth, realism, and vibrancy.

Final Tip: Remember, the glazing technique is all about patience. Build up your layers gradually, allowing each one to contribute to the final result.

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 Build Up Color on Acrylic Pet Portrait

How to Build Up Color on Acrylic Pet Portrait

How to achieve realistic shadows and highlights in pet portraits

Painting a pet portrait in acrylics can be both challenging and rewarding, especially when you’re working to achieve vibrant, realistic colors. Because in layering glazes, you can build up color and add depth and detail to your artwork. In this blog post, we will discuss how to build up color on an acrylic pet portrait and essential techniques using layering and glazing methods. These methods will help you create a lifelike, detailed portrait that captures your pet’s personality.

Step-by-Step Process for Building Up Color in Acrylics

When creating a pet portrait, achieving the correct value and depth is essential. In this case, the portrait of a dog is about halfway through the painting process. The color palette has already been established, but there is still work to be done to enhance the fur, add contrast, and bring out the finer details.

1. Starting with the Base Layers

At the beginning of your painting process, it is crucial to establish the general tones and values in the portrait. In this instance, the background and main areas of the dog’s fur have been developed, but some regions require more contrast to make the fur stand out. Then this can be done using glazing techniques, which allow you to apply thin, transparent layers of paint.

Tip: So use a clear matte glazing medium to dilute your paints and apply them in layers. This will help you control the opacity and depth of color while maintaining transparency.

2. Adding Glazes for Depth

In this case, glazing is one of the most effective methods for building up rich color in your portrait. Because when applying layers of thin paint mixed with medium, you can create depth and saturation without losing the underlying details of the fur texture.

The raw umber is used as a base color to add warmth and shadow to the dog’s fur. This color helps in creating the darker values that contrast with the highlights.

Tip: When applying glazes, make sure to work slowly and build up the layers gradually. This process allows you to maintain the integrity of the underlying colors and textures.

3. Balancing Warm and Cool Tones

Balancing warm and cool tones is key to achieving a realistic look. In this case, the painter alternates between warm, earthy tones and cooler colors to create the contrast needed in the fur. For instance, pinkish glazes are applied to give the ear a warm undertone, while ultramarine blue is used to cool down certain areas that appear too warm.

Technique: Mix a small amount of ultramarine blue into your existing glaze to cool down warm areas. This subtle adjustment helps ensure that different parts of the portrait do not compete for attention.

4. Highlighting the Fur

Once you have built up the darker values, the next step is to add highlights to bring out the texture of the fur. In this step, you’ll apply lighter colors to the areas where the fur catches the light, making the dog’s coat appear more three-dimensional.

The painter uses a mix of white and glazing medium to add highlights, ensuring the overall painting retains transparency while gaining depth.

Tip: You can use your finger to gently blend the highlights into the surrounding areas, creating soft transitions between light and dark.

The Push-and-Pull Method: Creating Balance in the Painting

The “push and pull” technique involves adding darkness and light alternately to achieve a balanced portrait. It’s not just about adding color; it’s about knowing when to subtract or modify the value. By continually refining the contrast and adjusting the balance between darks and lights, you can create a portrait that looks natural and dynamic.

5. Refining Details with Opacity

While glazes create transparency and depth, there are times when you’ll need to use more opaque layers. This helps cut down on any unwanted graininess and adds a sense of richness to the painting. In the final stages, using more paint and less medium allows for crisper lines and bolder highlights that make the pet’s fur pop.

Tip: Introduce more opaque layers toward the later stages of your painting process to preserve detail while avoiding a “washed-out” appearance.

6. Preserving Detail in the Fur

The fine details in the fur are what bring the pet portrait to life. By using a combination of glazes and opaque layers, you can accentuate individual strands of fur while maintaining the overall texture. It’s important to take your time and work in small sections, constantly comparing areas of the painting to your reference photo.

Technique: Twist your brush into a fine point before adding detail to ensure precision when painting fur and other delicate areas.

Building the Final Layers

As you move into the later stages of the painting, you’ll want to add finishing touches that bring the portrait together. In this pet portrait, the artist continues to refine the dog’s fur, focusing on the balance between warm and cool areas. Areas around the dog’s eyes and nose require extra attention to get the right contrast and detail, which will give the portrait a realistic finish.

Tip: Establish your darkest values first, such as the nose and eyes, as a benchmark. This will help you determine how dark the other areas of the painting should be in relation to those values.

Tips and Techniques for Building Color on Acrylic Pet Portraits:

  1. Use Glazing Medium: Thin your paints with glazing medium to build transparent layers gradually, preserving underlying details.
  2. Balance Warm and Cool Tones: Adjust warm and cool colors throughout the painting to create realistic contrast in the fur.
  3. Highlight with Subtlety: Add highlights carefully with lighter colors, blending them into the fur for a smooth transition.
  4. Push and Pull Method: Add and subtract darkness and light alternately to achieve balance in the portrait.
  5. Incorporate Opaque Layers: Use opaque layers sparingly in the later stages of the painting to add crisp detail and texture.
  6. Preserve Fine Detail: Work in small sections, twisting your brush to a fine point for precise details like individual strands of fur.

By following these steps, you can gradually build up rich and vibrant colors in your acrylic pet portraits. The layering and glazing techniques discussed here will help you achieve a beautiful, lifelike painting that captures the unique personality of your pet.

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 Build Up Form on Clothing with Acrylic

How to Build Up Form on Clothing with Acrylic

A step-by-step guide to creating depth and form on fabric

When painting realistic portraits, capturing the form and texture of clothing is essential to enhance the overall composition. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the acrylic glazing process, and then showing you how to add depth and realism to clothing through multiple translucent layers. Because when applying glazes strategically, you’ll learn how to build up shadows, highlights, and form, transforming a flat piece into a dimensional garment. Let’s explore the process together, step-by-step.

What is Acrylic Glazing?

Acrylic glazing is a technique where thin layers of translucent paint are applied to gradually build color depth, shading, and form. This method allows the underpainting or detailed sketch to remain visible while adding subtle tints, resulting in a soft, blended effect. Whereas glazing gives artists the flexibility to create nuances in their work, making it perfect for clothing, where light reflections, textures, and folds play a significant role.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Up Form on Clothing

1. Prepare the Painting Surface

Before applying glazes, ensure your base layer or sketch is ready. Because this technique works best over an underpainting where shadows, highlights, and basic forms have already been mapped out. Then by having a solid foundation, each glaze can be applied to enhance these areas.

Tip: Use a light underpainting to preserve the details and adjust as needed while glazing. The sketch will guide you in positioning shadows and highlights accurately.

2. Mix Your Glaze

For the glazing medium, use clear acrylic matte medium mixed with your desired paint color. Because in this tutorial, would recommend using a combination of ultramarine blue and raw umber dark to achieve subtle depth on fabric.

Start by adding a small amount of paint to the matte medium. The key is to keep the glaze transparent enough that it tints the layer beneath without fully covering it. This allows for gradual build-up.

Technique: Aim for a milky consistency when mixing the medium. The paint should be thinned enough to let the previous layer show through but thick enough to make a difference.

3. Apply the First Layer

Begin with a light glaze, especially when working on darker areas like flannel patterns or the shadowed sections of clothing. Use a flat or detail brush to apply the glaze over specific areas, following the contours and folds of the fabric.

For the woman’s flannel shirt, I begin by applying the glaze to the fabric’s stripes. A small flat brush helps maintain control and precision.

Tip: Brush in multiple directions—vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—to create smooth coverage. This helps prevent blotchiness and ensures an even, seamless layer.

4. Build Up Depth Gradually

As you apply each glaze, you’ll notice the color and form starting to take shape. One of the key principles in acrylic glazing is patience. Instead of rushing to finish, build up depth with several light layers. This gradual approach allows you to create more refined transitions between shadow and light.

When painting darker sections of fabric, such as the boy’s shirt in the example, don’t rely on flat black paint. Instead, use a mix of raw umber dark and ultramarine blue. This combination offers a more nuanced look with color variations that enhance realism.

Technique: Continue glazing in small, light strokes. Let each layer dry before applying the next to avoid smudging or muddying the colors.

5. Adjusting and Refining

When acrylic glazing offers flexibility. Then you find that certain areas of the fabric are too dark or the wrinkles don’t appear natural, you can easily adjust. Simply go over the area with a lighter glaze or use a dry brush technique to soften any hard lines.

For instance, if the folds of the fabric seem off or too sharp, a lighter glaze can be used to smooth out transitions. By constantly assessing your work, you can make minor adjustments without disrupting the overall composition.

Tips for Enhancing Realism with Acrylic Glazing

  1. Use Multiple Colors in Glazes: While ultramarine blue and raw umber dark are used in this tutorial, experiment with other hues to add complexity. Clothing reflects various shades based on lighting conditions, so adding subtle color variations will improve the realism of your painting.
  2. Work in Layers: Don’t aim for complete coverage in one go. By working in thin layers, you retain control over the painting and can stop at any point when you achieve the desired depth. Layers also allow you to create soft transitions between light and dark areas.
  3. Let Each Layer Dry: Glazing requires patience. Allow each layer to dry fully before applying the next. This prevents unwanted blending of layers and keeps the work crisp and detailed.
  4. Vary Brush Strokes: Switching between brushes, like a flat or detail brush, depending on the size of the area you’re working on, will give you more control. For broader areas, use a larger brush, and for finer details, switch to a smaller brush.
  5. Observe Light Sources: Pay attention to how light interacts with the fabric. Observe reference images closely and apply glazes accordingly to replicate how light falls and creates shadows on the garment.

When building up form on clothing with acrylic glazing allows for greater depth, subtlety, and realism in your portraits. By layering transparent colors, you can achieve soft transitions and nuanced details that mimic the natural flow and texture of fabric. Because in this technique give you the flexibility to adjust as needed and provides a smoother finish without losing the underlying details of your initial sketch.

With a lot of practice and patience, then you can use glazing to bring clothing to life in your acrylic portraits, making your subjects stand out with dimensionality and richness. Start slow, build up gradually, and enjoy the process of watching your painting transform with every layer.

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 do Smooth Shading with Acrylic

How to Do Smooth Shading with Acrylic

Learn the art of smooth shading with acrylics using the glazing technique.

Smooth shading with acrylics is a key technique for artists aiming to create soft, realistic transitions between colors and tones. This tutorial will walk you through the steps needed to achieve professional-level results, with a focus on the glazing technique, a method used by the Old Masters. By layering translucent paint mixed with a clear medium, you can add depth, vibrancy, and realism to your work.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to mix acrylic paint with medium for smooth shading
  • Tips for blending colors seamlessly
  • Techniques to add depth and luminosity to your painting

The Power of Glazing for Smooth Shading

The glazing technique is an age-old method used by masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Vermeer. This technique involves layering thin, translucent washes of paint to build color and depth gradually. Unlike opaque paint application, glazing gives you control over the level of transparency and allows you to preserve the underlying layers of your painting.

In this tutorial, we’ll focus on how to use this technique effectively to achieve smooth shading and depth, especially in the context of acrylic painting.

Preparing Your Acrylic Paint for Smooth Shading

Step 1: Start with a Clear Medium

Before applying your acrylic paint, begin by mixing your paint with a clear acrylic medium. The medium acts as a binder that thins the paint without losing its strength, making it more transparent and easier to work with. For smooth shading, you’ll want a medium that is fluid but not too runny, allowing you to create soft, even layers.

  • Tip: Start with a clear matte medium and mix in small amounts of color like raw umber or yellow ochre, depending on the effect you want.

Building Up Layers for Smooth Transitions

Step 2: Apply Thin Layers of Paint

To create smooth shading, apply multiple thin layers rather than trying to achieve the desired effect in one go. Begin by laying down a base color, then build up successive layers with increasingly translucent washes. Because of layering it allows you to control the intensity and smoothness of the transitions between light and shadow.

  • Technique: Use crisscross brushstrokes to blend the paint seamlessly across the surface. Because it helps to avoid harsh lines and ensures that the glaze spreads evenly.
  • Tip: If you find that you’ve applied too much paint, because you use your finger to gently dab and smooth out the excess. Then this finger-blending technique can help soften transitions for a more natural look.

Creating Depth with Color Glazing

Step 3: Add Depth with Dark Glazes

Once you’ve established the basic shading, you can deepen the shadows by glazing over areas with darker tones. Mix colors like ultramarine blue or raw sienna with your medium to create darker, semi-transparent layers that can be built up gradually.

  • Tip: To maintain control over your shading, always test the darkness of the glaze on a separate surface before applying it to your painting.
  • Technique: Work with a flat-edge brush to apply the dark glaze, using long, smooth strokes to cover larger areas. And then, aim for a gradient effect where the paint transitions smoothly from dark to light.

Final Touches for Seamless Blending

Step 4: Blend the Final Layers

As you near the final stages of your painting, use a warmer glaze to enhance the luminosity. For example, you can mix a touch of red or yellow ochre with the medium and apply it over areas where you want to add warmth. This creates a subtle glow and makes the painting feel more cohesive.

  • Tip: Use a lighter ratio of paint to medium for these finishing touches. This will allow you to blend the last glaze more easily, creating a smoother, more polished look.
  • Technique: Focus on making sure that the transitions between the lightest and darkest areas are as smooth as possible. Because you can blend the paint with a soft brush, using gentle back-and-forth motions to ensure the glaze fades evenly into the surrounding colors.

Achieving the Perfect Finish

When done correctly, the glazing technique will give your painting a rich, luminous quality, with smooth transitions that are both subtle and striking. The key to mastering smooth shading with acrylic is patience—allow each layer to dry before adding the next, and don’t rush the process.

With practice, you’ll be able to use glazing to create depth, add detail, and bring a sense of realism to your artwork.

Key Takeaways

  • Glazing is essential for smooth shading because it allows you to layer colors and create depth gradually.
  • Thin layers are more effective than thick ones, as they give you control over the transparency and intensity of the color.
  • Blend carefully using crisscross brushstrokes and, if necessary, your fingers to smooth out transitions and avoid harsh lines.
  • Use dark glazes to deepen shadows, and finish with lighter, warmer glazes to add highlights and create a cohesive finish.

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!

Beginning a Pet Portrait in Acrylic

How to Begin a Pet Portrait in Acrylic

Start your pet portrait right: Essential steps to achieving realism with acrylic glazing

Creating a realistic pet portrait in acrylic is an exciting and rewarding artistic journey. So, I’ll walk you through the initial steps on how to begin a pet portrait in acrylic using the acrylic glazing technique, emphasizing smooth application, subtle tones, and layering. If you’ve ever wanted to create lifelike animal portraits, this guide will help you get started with the right foundation.

1. Choosing the Right Surface and Photo Reference

When starting a pet portrait, one of the first things to consider is the surface you’ll be painting on. While canvas is a popular choice, the artist in this tutorial uses masonite or hardboard, which offers a smoother texture than canvas. This type of surface allows for finer details that are crucial in realistic pet portraits.

Equally important is the photo reference. I emphasize the importance of having a high-quality photo, with good lighting and clear detail. The client provided a well-lit photo with natural light coming through a window, highlighting the dog’s fur, whiskers, and even reflections in the eyes.

Tip: Always choose a photo that shows a clear light source, as this will help you accurately capture the fur’s texture and the reflections in the eyes.

2. Creating a Detailed Sketch

Once you’ve selected your surface and photo, the next step is to create a detailed foundation sketch. Philleo uses a sepia-tone colored pencil to create the sketch, which matches the dog’s natural fur tones. This helps the sketch blend seamlessly into the painting later on.

The sketch should focus on the primary features of the pet, including the eyes, nose, and fur pattern. These initial lines will act as guides when applying the first layers of paint.

Technique Tip: Keep your sketch light and detailed, and ensure that the proportion of the features is accurate. A well-executed sketch sets the stage for a successful painting.

3. Sealing the Sketch with Glazing Medium

After completing the sketch, it’s important to seal the drawing to protect it from being disturbed by the first layers of paint. I use a clear glazing medium—a flat, matte medium that acts as a transparent sealant. By sealing the sketch, you prevent the brush strokes from smudging or obliterating the pencil lines, keeping your initial work intact.

Tip: Always allow the glazing medium to dry completely before starting the painting process. This ensures the sketch remains untouched.

4. Applying the Background Colors

When it comes to painting, I start by focusing on the background, which helps create contrast between the pet and its surroundings. In this example, I opt in for a dark gray background. I chose this because it not only contrasts well with the dog’s golden fur but also adds depth to the painting.

I mix ultramarine blue with burnt sienna to create a muted gray tone, which forms the base layer. Using cross-directional strokes, and then ensuring an even application, keeping the background smooth yet textured.

Technique Tip: By mixing contrasting colors like blue and brown, you can create a neutral, subdued background that doesn’t compete with the subject.

5. Building Up Layers with Glazes

Once the background is complete, the next step is to begin painting the pet itself using the glazing technique. Glazing involves applying thin, translucent layers of color over a dry base layer. This method allows for greater depth and richness in the painting, creating realistic shadows and highlights.

I start with a raw umber dark and burnt sienna mixture to capture the dog’s mid-tone fur. Because the light source in the reference photo comes from the upper left, it then carefully preserves the lighter areas of the fur, particularly around the eyes and face, where light naturally hits.

The glazes are applied gradually, starting with the darker tones. At this stage, the painting remains translucent, allowing the sketch underneath to remain visible. This gives the artist flexibility in refining the painting as more layers are added.

Tip: Use small, controlled brushstrokes to build up texture in the fur, especially around detailed areas like the eyes and snout. With glazing, it’s better to start light and gradually add darker tones for more control.

6. Capturing Light and Shadow

An essential aspect of any realistic portrait is understanding how light and shadow play across the subject. In this dog portrait, I also emphasize the contrast between light and dark areas, particularly around the face and fur.

By preserving the highlights where light hits the fur, and gradually building up the shadows with darker glazes, you create a sense of depth and form. I use a cooler tone in the shadows (mixing more ultramarine blue into the brown), which balances the warmth of the highlights.

Technique Tip: Always pay attention to where the light is coming from in your reference photo, and ensure that the shadows and highlights in your painting match that light source.

7. Maintaining the Sketch’s Detail

As the painting progresses, it’s important not to lose the fine details from the original sketch. I mentioned that the smooth surface of the hardboard helps retain the pencil marks, allowing the initial sketch to serve as a guide throughout the process.

Even as you begin to apply layers of glaze, keeping the sketch’s detail visible ensures that you can adjust the painting as needed.

Tip: Regularly step back from your painting to ensure you maintain the proportions and details established in the sketch. This prevents overworking any section.

The Value of Patience

One of the key takeaways from this tutorial is the importance of patience in building up a pet portrait. The initial stages may feel slow, but they set the foundation for a detailed and lifelike final piece. I stress the need to take your time, especially when layering glazes, as this gradual approach will lead to a more realistic and satisfying portrait.

In conclusion, starting a pet portrait in acrylic requires careful planning, from choosing the right surface and photo reference to applying glazes that bring depth and realism. By following these techniques and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, lifelike portraits that capture the essence of your subject.

Beginning a Pet Portrait in Acrylic

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!

 

3 Light Sources to Improve Your Painting

How to Improve Your Painting with 3 Different Light Sources

Enhance realism in your portrait with three essential light sources

Lighting plays a crucial role in bringing life, depth, and realism to any painting. In this tutorial, we’ll explore three distinct types of light sources—primary, secondary, and reflected—and how understanding their influence can significantly elevate your artwork. By applying these techniques, your acrylic paintings will achieve greater dimensionality and accuracy.

The Importance of Light in Painting

Light is more than just a means of illumination in painting; it’s a fundamental aspect that shapes the entire composition. By controlling how light interacts with your subject, you guide the viewer’s eye, evoke mood, and provide depth. In this guide, we will break down how to use three key light sources: the primary light, secondary light, and reflected light. Understanding and incorporating these elements will improve your shading and realism.

1. Primary Light Source: The Foundation of Your Shading

What is the Primary Light Source?

The primary light source is the strongest and brightest light source in your composition. It typically represents sunlight or indoor lighting and dictates the overall direction of your shadows. Its intensity and position influence the most pronounced highlights and shadows in your painting.

For instance, in my painting depicting Acts Chapter 3, where Peter and John raise a lame man through the power of Christ, the early morning sunlight acts as the primary light source. The sunlight strikes the subject’s face from a low angle, illuminating the upper lip, the folds of the clothing, and parts of the hands.

Tips for Utilizing the Primary Light Source:

  • Observe Carefully: Always determine where your light is coming from and maintain consistency throughout the painting.
  • Highlighting Areas: Focus on the parts that receive the most light. In the case of early morning or late afternoon sunlight, lower parts of the face and body may catch more light than expected.
  • Adjust Your Shadows: The placement of shadows is just as important as light. Always cross-check your reference photo to make sure your shadows are aligned with the direction of your light source.

2. Secondary Light Source: The Ambient Glow

What is the Secondary Light Source?

The secondary light source often comes from the surrounding environment, such as the sky, and casts a softer, more diffuse light on the subject. In outdoor scenes, this source is often the sky itself, reflecting a bluish hue, particularly on white or light-colored surfaces. In our example, the man’s white clothing catches the blue light from the sky, creating a cooler tone in areas not directly lit by the sun.

Techniques for Working with Secondary Light:

  • Identify Sky Reflections: In outdoor paintings, observe how the sky’s light reflects on surfaces. White clothing or reflective surfaces, like water, will often take on a blue tint, especially in shadowed areas.
  • Balance Between Light and Shadow: Secondary light softens the harshness of shadows, so areas that aren’t in the direct path of your primary light will still be illuminated subtly by this ambient light.
  • Use Cooler Tones: For realism, incorporate cool tones like blue or gray into your shadows, depending on the light conditions.

3. Reflected Light: Adding Warmth and Depth

What is Reflected Light?

Reflected light is light that bounces off nearby surfaces and illuminates the subject indirectly. This light is typically softer and more diffuse but can drastically affect the realism of your painting. It often carries the color of the surface it reflects off, adding warmth or coolness to your shadows and shaded areas. In the example painting, reflected light is noticeable in areas like the underside of the subject’s clothing folds. The light bouncing off nearby fabric creates a warm reflection, adding a soft glow to areas that would otherwise be in deep shadow.

Techniques for Enhancing Reflected Light:

  • Observe Reflections: Pay attention to the surfaces around your subject. If the surroundings are warm, like red earth or yellow walls, the reflected light will also have warm tones. Conversely, cooler surfaces will result in cooler reflected light.
  • Subtle Shading: Use lighter and warmer hues to depict areas affected by reflected light. This will prevent your shadows from appearing too flat or dark.
  • Layer Colors: Build up your reflected light in layers to gradually introduce warmth. For example, in fabric folds or near reflective surfaces, layer warm tones like burnt sienna or yellow ochre to create soft light effects.

Transitioning Between Light Sources

Transitioning between these light sources can be seamless if done correctly. Begin by establishing your primary light source and its direct effects on the subject. Next, incorporate secondary light by softly blending cooler tones into areas of shadow. Lastly, add reflected light in strategic places to provide warmth and realism, particularly in areas where the primary and secondary light sources don’t reach.

For example, you might use a glaze of blue over shadowed areas of clothing to represent the secondary light source, then add a touch of warm, reflected light where appropriate. By working gradually and layering your glazes, you’ll create smoother transitions and enhance the depth in your painting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Inconsistent Light Sources: Always ensure that the direction and intensity of your light sources are consistent throughout the painting. If one side of the face is illuminated by the primary light, the shadows should align accordingly.
  2. Overly Harsh Shadows: While shadows are important for creating depth, overly dark or hard-edged shadows can make a painting look unnatural. Soften them with secondary and reflected light.
  3. Ignoring Reflected Light: This light source can add a lot of life and dimension to your painting. Don’t overlook areas that could benefit from subtle reflected light, like the undersides of objects or folds in clothing.

Elevate Your Painting with Light Mastery

By understanding and employing these three light sources—primary, secondary, and reflected light—you can bring more realism and depth into your painting. Whether you’re working on portraits, landscapes, or still life, mastering the nuances of light will take your artwork to the next level.

Practice observing light in the world around you and apply these principles to your paintings. Before long, you’ll see noticeable improvements in the depth, realism, and overall impact of your work.

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!

3 Light Sources to Improve Your 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!

New Painting Course on Shading!

New Painting Course on Shading: Shade like a Master

Learn shading with acrylics: techniques for realistic portraits

Are you struggling with shading in your portrait paintings? Does your artwork lack that three-dimensional look you desire? Look no further in my new “Shade Like a Master” course, which is designed specifically to help artists like you improve their shading techniques and make portraits look convincingly real.

Shading is one of the most critical aspects of achieving realism in portrait painting. It is the process of creating depth, dimension, and form by manipulating light and dark areas. However, without proper guidance, it can be challenging to master. Often, the colors become muddy, or the light and dark values are off, leading to flat or unconvincing results. Because this course aims to take your shading skills to the next level, offering you clear, step-by-step instructions to make shading easier and more effective. Learn my new painting course on shading and shade like a master.

What You Will Learn in This Course

This three-week-long live course will cover the fundamental principles of shading using acrylics and then guide you in implementing these techniques to create more realistic and three-dimensional portraits.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

  • Week 1 (September 5th): Introduction to Value and Light. Learn how to see light and dark values correctly and how to apply these values to create a realistic sense of form.
  • Week 2 (September 12th): Building Depth with Layers. Understand how to build up your layers in acrylic painting to gradually increase depth and dimension.
  • Week 3 (September 19th): Final Touches. Master the nuances of shading and highlights to bring your portrait to life with subtlety and realism.

The Benefits of Shading Like a Master

However, shading effectively involves placing the correct values (light and dark areas) and colors in the right places, and it can be the difference between a flat painting and one that feels lifelike. But this course is designed to address common shading struggles that artists face, including:

  • Muddy Colors: Learn how to avoid mixing muddy colors and maintain clean transitions between shadows and highlights.
  • Incorrect Values: Understand the importance of values (lightness and darkness) in your painting and how they create the illusion of form.
  • Lack of Depth: Master layering techniques that will bring more depth and dimension to your portraits.

This course offers more than just theoretical knowledge. So as I paint live, you’ll be able to see his thought process and brush techniques in real-time. Then you can apply what you’ve learned in your own projects immediately, making it a hands-on learning experience.

Why Enroll in a Live Course?

While pre-recorded tutorials are useful, there is nothing quite like participating in a live session where you can ask questions, get feedback, and interact with the instructor. During the course, you will have the chance to participate in discussions and ask me a questions about your specific challenges with shading. However, if you can’t make the live sessions, don’t worry—each session will be recorded and available to replay at your convenience.

Course Highlights:

  • Interactive Sessions: Participate in live lessons and ask questions to get direct feedback on your work.
  • On-Demand Access: Rewatch the lessons at your own pace. Even if you miss a session, you can catch up later.
  • Bite-Sized Segments: The course is broken down into manageable lessons, allowing you to focus on the areas where you need the most help.

Tips and Techniques for Shading Like a Master

To give you a sneak peek into what you’ll learn in the course, here are some essential tips and techniques that will help you improve your shading skills with acrylics:

  1. Understand the Light Source: Always identify the main light source in your painting. This will guide where you place highlights and shadows, ensuring consistency and realism.
  2. Build Layers Gradually: Acrylics dry quickly, making them ideal for layering. Begin with broad areas of light and dark, and gradually build up layers of more refined shadows and highlights.
  3. Use Glazing for Smooth Transitions: Glazing involves applying thin layers of translucent paint to create smooth transitions between shadows and highlights. It’s a powerful technique for achieving subtle, lifelike shading.
  4. Value is Key: Pay close attention to the values in your portrait. Start with a grayscale value study to ensure your light and dark areas are correct before adding color.
  5. Keep Colors Clean: Avoid over-mixing your paint, as this can lead to muddy colors. Instead, focus on applying clean, distinct layers of color.
  6. Control Your Edges: Soft edges suggest a gradual change in light, while hard edges emphasize abrupt changes. Use these techniques to control how light falls on your subject and how form is perceived.

Why You Should Join the “Shade Like a Master” Course

This course is ideal for both beginners and intermediate artists who want to enhance their shading techniques. Whether you are new to acrylic portrait painting or have been practicing for years, this course will give you the tools and guidance to take your art to the next level.

You’ll not only learn the technical skills needed for shading, but you’ll also gain the confidence to apply these techniques in your own work. Shading is not just about adding darkness to your painting—it’s about understanding how light works, how to manipulate it, and how to use it to bring your portraits to life.

Learn how to shade effectively in acrylic so that your paintings look realistic here.

LEARN MORE

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

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

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

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

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

Yours for Better Portraits,

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!

 

The Mystery of Realism in Painting

How to Create Realistic Effects: The Mystery of Realism in Painting

Unveiling realism on how to use less detail that creates a greater impact

The Mystery of Realism

Realism is a skill that artists continually strive to master. It’s not simply about replicating every detail of a subject but rather creating a convincing sense of reality through the balance of color, value, and selective detail. In this blog post, I will share how to create realistic effects with the mystery of realism in painting. And then the insights from my latest project—illustrating a book cover for Acts Chapter Five—and reveal the key to unlocking the mystery of realism. Understanding how to create depth and three-dimensionality without overwhelming your painting with unnecessary details is what distinguishes a great portrait artist.

The Importance of Realism in Painting

Realism in painting hinges on two main aspects: color and value. Colors must be placed accurately to reflect light and shadow, creating the illusion of three-dimensionality. However, the trick is not to obsess over minute details but to allow the viewer’s eye to fill in the gaps. This concept becomes especially useful when rendering complex textures like hair or beards.

For example, in my painting of the beggar from Acts Chapter Five, I added hints of white to his beard, not with pure white paint but by using light blue. This subtle touch of color suggests white hair while simultaneously reflecting the environment around the subject, adding a layer of realism. The beard reflects the blue of the sky above, creating an immersive environment in the portrait.

Tip 1: Create Realism Through Implied Detail

One of the most important aspects of achieving realism is knowing when to stop. You don’t need to paint every individual hair or wrinkle. In fact, implying detail can often be more effective than adding it.

In my portrait, I used small dabs of blue rather than painting each individual hair. This approach implies texture and depth without bogging the painting down in unnecessary detail. This principle is what I call the “mystery of realism.” It’s about leaving certain areas unfinished or loosely rendered to let the viewer’s imagination complete the picture.

Tip 2: Mastering Color and Light Reflection

When aiming for realism, color and light reflection play a critical role. Natural light doesn’t just illuminate an object; it reflects onto surfaces around it, affecting the colors and tones. For example, the sky can influence the shades you use, even in parts of the painting where the sky is not visible. In the case of my beggar’s beard, the blue sky above was reflected onto his beard, influencing its color and creating a more cohesive, realistic scene.

By being mindful of how light interacts with surfaces, you can make your paintings appear far more lifelike. This concept is particularly important when working on large, multi-figure compositions or outdoor scenes.

Tip 3: Focus on Abstract Shapes for Realism

When painting realistically, especially in portraiture, it’s easy to get caught up in details like eyes, noses, and mouths. However, it’s often more helpful to break down these complex features into abstract shapes. For example, think of the cheek as a triangle, or a shadow under the nose as an oval. By doing this, you focus on the broader composition of values rather than obsessing over specific details.

In the beggar’s face, I simplified the cheek into a triangular shape, focusing on where the light hits and the shadow falls. This method ensures that your painting maintains its structural integrity while also creating a realistic appearance.

Tip 4: Don’t Overload with Detail—Less Is More

Too much detail can actually detract from realism. When every part of a painting is equally detailed, the composition becomes flat and overwhelming. Instead, it’s crucial to highlight certain focal points and let other areas remain more loosely defined. This selective focus allows the eye to rest on key areas of the painting, adding to the sense of realism.

In my portrait, I focused more on the beggar’s eyes and the highlights of his beard while leaving the surrounding areas, like his clothing, more abstract. This approach draws attention to the most expressive parts of the portrait without cluttering the overall composition.

Technique Breakdown: Shading with Purpose

In realism, shading plays a major role in achieving depth and dimension. However, it’s not about randomly applying shadows. You need to think about where the light source is and how it interacts with your subject. When shading the beggar’s beard, for instance, I kept in mind that parts of the beard are in shadow, meaning they reflect less direct light and pick up more ambient colors, like the blue of the sky.

By deliberately placing darker values in certain areas and lighter values in others, I was able to create the illusion of volume and thickness in the beard without painting every hair individually.

Embrace the Mystery of Realism

The key to realism in painting isn’t in capturing every detail but rather in knowing what to leave out. This selective use of detail allows for a more immersive and convincing piece. By focusing on color, light reflection, and abstract shapes, you can create realistic effects that captivate the viewer’s eye without overwhelming them.

As I continue working on my Acts Chapter Five book cover, I find that the “mystery of realism” comes down to one thing: implying more than you state outright. This balance between precision and suggestion allows your work to come to life in a truly three-dimensional way.

Tips:

  1. Imply, Don’t State – Leave out unnecessary details and allow the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps.
  2. Focus on Light Reflection – Be mindful of how light interacts with your subject and reflects colors in unexpected places.
  3. Simplify Shapes – Break down complex features into simple geometric shapes to maintain composition and structure.
  4. Less Is More – Avoid over-detailing to prevent your painting from looking flat and cluttered.

With these tips in mind, you can unlock the mystery of realism in your painting and achieve a more profound sense of depth and believability.

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!

 

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